Learning to engage children through mission | Scripture Union

What makes a sermon truly connect with people, and how can preachers prepare faithfully in the midst of busy and demanding lives?In this episode, Ian Coffey joins Tanya Stead to revisit his much-loved article, 'Sermon Preparation 101,' originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of Preach magazine.Together, they explore why the principles behind effective sermon preparation remain just as relevant in 2026 as they were a decade ago. Ian shares the key steps, questions and insights that have shaped his own preaching ministry, offering practical wisdom for preachers at every stage of their journey.The conversation also tackles one of the most common challenges facing today's ministers and lay preachers: finding the time and space to prepare sermons well amidst the pressures of ministry, work, family and church life. Along the way, Ian reflects on what continues to encourage him about preaching today and where he sees hope for the future of biblical preaching.Key topics include:The enduring relevance of Sermon Preparation 101Ian's step-by-step approach to sermon preparationKey questions every preacher should ask before preachingPreparing sermons in the midst of busy ministry schedulesProtecting time for study and sermon prepCommon challenges facing preachers todayEncouragements and opportunities for preaching in 2026Practical wisdom for new and experienced preachers alikeJoin the conversationWhat is the most important part of your sermon preparation process?How do you protect time for sermon preparation in a busy week?What continues to encourage you about preaching today?Share your thoughts in the comments below.If you found this conversation helpful, please like, subscribe and share it with a preacher, church leader or ministry colleague.Read the original articlePurchase the Summer 2016 issue of Preach magazine: https://lwpt.org.uk/shop/issue-07-preaching-justice/ LWPT members can read "Sermon Preparation 101" and hundreds of other articles in the Preach online archive: https://lwpt.org.uk/preach-magazine/sermon-preparation-101/About LWPTThe Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT) exists to support, equip and encourage preachers, worship leaders and church leaders in their calling.Find out more about LWPT and membership: https://www.lwpt.org.ukSupport our work and help us continue serving preachers and worship leaders: https://www.lwpt.org.uk/donateThrough events, grants, publications, training and community, LWPT helps Christian leaders flourish in ministry.

What does Jesus really mean when he sends his followers on mission? Is mission simply about evangelism, or is it something much bigger?In this thought-provoking conversation, Chris Wright joins Peter Crumpler to explore the themes of his book, The Great Story and the Great Commission. Together they unpack the Bible's grand narrative, from creation to new creation, and consider how understanding the whole story of Scripture reshapes our understanding of mission, discipleship, and preaching.Drawing on his "Seven Acts" framework, Chris argues that mission is far broader than evangelism alone. It encompasses everything God calls his people to be and do, including proclaiming the gospel, caring for creation, pursuing justice, and participating in God's purposes for the world. He reflects on the ongoing debates around the meaning of mission, the importance of encountering Jesus personally, and why preachers must engage with the whole Bible rather than isolated texts.Whether you're a preacher, church leader, or simply passionate about helping people engage with Scripture, this conversation offers fresh insight into God's mission and our place within it.In this episode:- The Bible as one unified story from creation to new creation.- Why the word "mission" can be controversial.- A holistic understanding of mission that includes evangelism, social action, and creation care.- Chris Wright's "Seven Acts" of the biblical drama.- How reading the whole Bible shapes our understanding of mission.- The role of personal encounter with Jesus in Christian witness.- The biblical foundations for social justice and creation care.- The Anglican Communion's Five Marks of Mission.- Why biblical texts should be read within the context of the whole story of Scripture.Guest: Chris Wright, international theologian, author, ordained pastor, and Global Ambassador for the Langham Partnership.Host: Peter Crumpler, writer, reviewer and church leader.

This episode features Hilary Taylor from Small Church Connection, speaking with Tanya about the realities and strengths of small churches. It focuses on why small churches matter, how they can fulfill the Great Commission, and why partnership across church sizes is essential.Hilary shares her own journey from large church settings into decades of small-church ministry, then reads her article on how every church, regardless of size, is called to make disciples, use its gifts, and trust God for growth and fruitfulness. She reads from an article she wrote in a previous issue of Preach magazine - 'The Great Commission for all churches'. Key topics:Hilary Taylor explains how her experience in large church planting led her into long-term work with small churches.She describes the loneliness many small churches feel when most resources, training, and assumptions are built for bigger congregations.She shares how the Small Churches Network in London grew into a wider national effort through Baptist Together, including 22 small church hubs launched in three years.She reflects on a church of fewer than 30 people that still saw more than 55 people come to faith and many baptisms over 40 years.She unpacks Matthew 28:16 to 20 through five emphases: Jesus’ presence, provision, power, purpose, and promise.She argues that small churches need interdependence, not isolation, and that partnership across congregations helps communities more effectively.She highlights body ministry from Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12, encouraging every believer to discover and use their gifts.She urges church leaders not to write off small churches, especially when they are faithfully serving their local communities.To read this article, and others about supporting and sustaining small churches, visit your membership on our website and browse the archive or purchase a copy at Preach Issue 41 | Small Churches | Winter 2024. To support the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and learn more about us, visit our website www.lwpt.org.uk

This conversation between Tanya Stead and Mark Griffiths, Director of Mission Resources at Scripture Union, delves into the history, mission, and impact of Scripture Union, focusing on revealing Jesus to children and young people, working in communities, defining success, understanding challenges faced by young people, new projects and initiatives, and the heart and calling of Scripture Union.TakeawaysRevealing Jesus to children and young peopleUnderstanding the challenges faced by young peopleChapters00:00 Introduction to Scripture Union01:07 History and Mission of Scripture Union03:03 Revealing Jesus to Children and Young People03:39 Working in Communities05:31 Feedback and Impact07:00 Defining Success and Discipleship08:46 Challenges Faced by Young People09:44 Research and Understanding14:09 New Projects and Initiatives17:48 Heart and Calling of Scripture UnionThis interview appears in the current issue of Preach magazine, become a member today to read and engage with this interview and so much more for your preaching and church leadership. LWPT membership: https://lwpt.org.uk/shop/?product_cat=membership#products-listTo learn more about how your church can engage with Scripture Union: https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/equipping-your-church-mission*This episode is sponsored by Scripture Union

In this episode, Charmaine Yip sits down with Phil Moore, the widely acclaimed author of the Straight to the Heart Bible commentary series, to discuss his latest book, The Forgotten Manifesto of Jesus: How Revival in Iran is Spreading Across the World (IVP, 2024). *This conversation was recorded in 2024, before the conflictDrawing on remarkable stories from Iran's rapidly growing church, Phil explores how the teachings of Jesus are transforming lives, inspiring discipleship, and fuelling a movement of revival that is reaching far beyond national borders. Together, Charmaine and Phil reflect on why Jesus' words remain as powerful and relevant today as ever, and what happens when believers take them seriously in their daily lives.This conversation offers valuable insights for church leaders, preachers, teachers, and anyone committed to sharing God's Word. As faith and church engagement continue to evolve, Phil highlights important lessons about how people encounter Scripture, respond to the gospel, and relate to spiritual leadership. His reflections challenge us to consider whether our ministries are forming disciples who not only know Jesus' teachings but live them out.Whether you're leading a congregation, teaching a Bible study, or seeking fresh encouragement in your own faith, this inspiring discussion will help you think more deeply about revival, discipleship, and the transformative power of God's Word in today's world.

In this interview for The Word Shared, Tanya Stead speaks with Chris Doran about his new book, Climate Migration: A Christian Call to Action in a Warming World (Eerdmans, 2026). Together, they explore the growing challenge of climate migration and why it matters for church leaders today.As extreme weather events become increasingly common, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating wildfires and floods, what role can the Church play? How can Christians support those who are displaced by climate change, whether through sudden disasters or gradual environmental changes that make communities uninhabitable?Chris begins by explaining what a climate migrant is and why this issue is becoming more significant across the world. He reflects on the privileges many of us enjoy in Western societies and considers what our response should be as followers of Jesus.Tanya and Chris also discuss the biblical perspective on migration, exploring what Scripture teaches and what examples we can learn from. Along the way, Chris challenges some of the common myths surrounding migration and highlights the positive contributions migrants make to the communities they join.Finally, Chris addresses some of the reasons people doubt or dismiss climate migration and offers a compelling challenge to church leaders to care for both people and God's good creation.If you're a church leader, preacher, speaker, or changemaker seeking to respond faithfully to one of the defining issues of our time, this episode is for you.For more resources for church leaders, visit www.lwpt.org.uk.

As church leaders, preachers and teachers of God's Word, we can easily become familiar with the book of Acts without fully appreciating its challenge for the Church today. In this episode, Andy Peck sits down with renowned New Testament scholar Tom Wright to discuss his latest book, Acts for Everyone and explore why Christian leaders should read Acts again.Together they unpack the enduring relevance of this foundational New Testament book, examining how the story of the early Church continues to shape Christian leadership, discipleship, mission and witness in today's world. Drawing on decades of scholarship and ministry experience, Tom offers fresh insights into Acts that will encourage, challenge and equip anyone seeking to faithfully share the gospel.This conversation was recorded in late 2024 and holds special significance as the first interview Andy Peck conducted for Preach magazine, and appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Preach magazine, The Epistles. We are re-releasing it now following Andy's return home to Jesus in July, and we are grateful for his faithful ministry, wisdom and encouragement to generations of Christian leaders.Whether you are a pastor, preacher, Bible study leader or evangelist, this episode will help you see Acts with fresh eyes and inspire you to lead and serve with renewed gospel confidence.

In this episode of The Word Shared, Tanya Stead is joined by Mark Woods for a thoughtful conversation about prayer, preaching, and how church leaders can help congregations grow in confidence and faith. Mark reflects on the importance of prayer as a core Christian discipline, while also offering practical, honest wisdom for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life or encourage others in theirs.Mark reads from his article, Lord, Teach Us to Pray, which explores how prayer can be nurtured in everyday life and within church communities. He explains that prayer is often treated as a basic habit, but in reality many Christians struggle with guilt, dryness, distraction, or uncertainty. Rather than forcing one “correct” approach, he encourages a healthier, more personal understanding of prayer — one that recognizes different personalities, rhythms, and needs.From there, the episode moves into practical ideas for encouraging prayer in congregations. Mark shares eight helpful suggestions, including:shared church prayer resourcespraying through scripturepraying through the housethe ACTS mnemonicstillness and silenceusing technology wiselyprayer partnershipspraying the Lord’s PrayerA key thread throughout the discussion is the idea that prayer should be a blessing, not a burden. Mark emphasises that prayer is deeply personal and that leaders can help people discover their own authentic way of praying. He also reflects on the importance of listening to God, not just speaking to God, and of being open to a genuine two-way conversation in prayer.The episode closes with a reading of Matthew 6:9–13, including the Lord’s Prayer, and a reminder that even when our own words fail us, we always have the words of Jesus.In this episode, you’ll hear about:how prayer can become a healthy, life-giving habitpractical ways to encourage prayer in churchesthe importance of listening as part of prayerwhy vulnerability in preaching must be handled with carethe value of humility, preparation, and God-centred storytellingFeatured Scripture:Matthew 6:9–13

In this special archive episode from 2022, we revisit a powerful and deeply insightful conversation with Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, co-pastor of Triumphant Church International, which she planted alongside her husband, Pastor Clem Esomowei.Speaking with Louisa Lockwood (Editor of Preach magazine), Pastor Marjorie reflects on the release of her book The Leading Lady and opens up about the lessons she’s learned—sometimes the hard way—as well as the blessings that come from trusting God’s voice and faithfully following His assignments.In this episode, we explore:Pastor Marjorie’s remarkable journey, including over a decade of ministry in Holland’s red light districtHow a God-given vision for women’s salvation shaped her callingThe importance of listening to the Lord in every seasonLiving a balanced Christian life in today’s worldInsights on emotional intelligence, including what we can learn from Moses’ angerHonest discussion around leadership dynamics, including “alpha male” personalitiesThe often-overlooked soul and mental health challenges of lockdown, with a biblical reflection on Noah’s experience after the ArkThroughout the conversation, Pastor Marjorie draws powerful connections between biblical narratives and modern life, offering wisdom that is both practical and spiritually rich.Resources & Links:Learn more about Triumphant Church International:https://www.triumphant.org.uk/Get your copy of The Leading Lady:https://theleadingladybook.co.uk/

Most Christians’ views on immigration, refugees, and hospitality are being challenged more than ever. Krish Kandiah’s new edition of God is Stranger reveals how scripture calls us to see God's presence in the stranger—and how neglecting this call risks turning faith into a tool of fear.This episode breaks down practical ways to embody biblical hospitality, from welcoming refugees into our homes to challenging the narratives that fuel fear. How can we — as individuals and communities — embody Christ’s love in a world fraught with polarization? This episode reminds us that welcoming others is not just kindness—it’s an act of faith, justice, and obedience to God.Krish Kandiah is founder and director of Sanctuary Foundation, championing refugee and asylum seeker support across the UK. His work challenges believers to reconsider what it truly means to love our neighbour and see God's image in everyone.God Is Stranger: The Surprising Power of Hospitality (Hodder & Stoughton, 2026) https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/krish-kandiah/god-is-stranger/9781399837774/