Ashes to Crowns // Facing the Canon with Kate Patterson

This week, J.John speaks with Kate Patterson, author of Ashes to Crowns, which looks at her journey through grief and the hope she discovered in the midst of loss. Drawing on the promise of Isaiah 61:3, Kate reflects on God's faithfulness through suffering and how she learnt to grieve with hope.

This week, J.John is joined by Sandy Millar, former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton and one of the pioneers of the Alpha Course. Together, they discuss his remarkable journey of faith and leadership, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped his ministry.

This week, J.John speaks with Pastor Billy Burke, who shares his remarkable testimony of healing and the life-changing miracle he experienced through the ministry of Kathryn Kuhlman. Together, they reflect on God’s power to transform lives and the impact this experience has had on Billy’s faith and ministry.

This week, J.John speaks with Lucinda Button as she shares her journey from engaging in New Age practices to discovering that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. In their conversation, she reflects on what led her to faith and explains how her life has been transformed by her relationship with Jesus Christ.

This week, J.John speaks with Colin Buchanan, an award-winning singer-songwriter and Australia’s number one Christian children’s artist. Together, they talk about how Colin began writing songs for children, the importance of building strong foundations in Jesus, and the joy of advancing God’s kingdom.

This week, J.John speaks with Chip Kendall, musician, author and evangelist. Known for his dynamic and vibrant ministry in schools, Chip has spent years using music, storytelling and creativity to help young people explore the Christian faith.

This week, J.John speaks with Francis Collins, who served as the director of the National Institute of Health for 12 years and directed the National Human Genome Research Institute. During this conversation, Francis reflects on his journey from atheism to faith, sparked by a simple yet profound question: "What do you believe?"

This week, J.John is joined by Revd Dr Simon Vibert, who grew up in Jersey and reflects on his journey in Christian faith and ministry. In this conversation, he talks about living a distinctively Christian life, including learning to navigate times of spiritual challenge and periods of feeling under condemnation. He also considers the “armour of God” and what it means in everyday discipleship, offers reflections from the book of Exodus, and shares thoughtful advice for pastors and preachers drawn from his experience in ministry.

This week, J.John is joined by Lucy Peppiatt, theologian and President of Westminster Theological Centre, which equips people for ministry through accessible, part-time theological training. She is also the author of Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women and teaches The Discipleship Course, both reflecting her commitment to thoughtful and accessible theological formation. Having spent time in Zimbabwe, Lucy shares some of the experiences that have shaped her journey, including a striking story involving prayer, provision, and a simple lettuce. In this conversation, she reflects on her role at Westminster Theological Centre, the vision behind its approach to training, and the importance of forming and supporting those preparing for ministry today.

This week, J.John is joined by Dr Sarah C. Williams, a historian with deep Christian roots as the granddaughter of evangelist Tom Rees and daughter of Jennifer Rees Larcombe.Trained in history at Oxford University, Sarah brings a rich historical perspective to faith and society, with a particular focus on the life and legacy of Josephine Butler and her impact as a pioneering social reformer. In this conversation, she reflects on Butler’s courage and convictions, and what they can teach us today about faith in action, especially for women sensing a call to preach and lead.Sarah also shares from her own life, including the loss of a child, and how that experience has shaped her understanding of grief, faith, and hope alongside her study of history and Christian witness.