PEP Talk

Why do personal stories have the power to move us? In this episode, Brooke Kehl, of Eastern European Mission, explores why testimonies can be such a compelling witness to others. Hear how God is transforming lives, and how you can play your part in reaching those around you. Could a focus on mirroring Christ be the first step to unlocking new and surprising opportunities to share your faith? How might our own stories inspire and impact others, as part of God's grand plan to reach the lost?

"Many [Christians] know what they believe, but they just think 'I can't share that in the workplace. I can't share that in a friendship. I don't want to get into a fight… But if you listen to people talking on the street, or in the workplace, most people aren't afraid to share their opinions." In a world that often feels fragmented and uncertain, many are searching for purpose and meaning. At the same time, Christians often feel that they are on the 'back foot', when it comes to how the church is viewed by wider society. In this episode of PEP Talk, Dr Paul Coulter calls us to step forward with confidence, offering a transforming vision of an identity rooted in Christ. By engaging with contemporary culture, he shares how we can meet the challenges of today with a bold faith that provides meaning, identity and hope – and how we can share that message with those around us. Our Guest: Paul Coulter's day job is as Head of Ministry Operations for Living Leadership [https://www.livingleadership.org], which seeks to support Christian leaders and their families to live in Christ joyfully and serve Him faithfully. Paul has worked as a medical doctor, a cross-cultural pastor and a lecturer in practical theology. He continues to teach ethics and other subjects in theological colleges.  Paul holds primary degrees in medical genetics and medicine, an MA and PhD in theology, and a post-graduate certificate in higher education teaching. Paul lives in Lisburn with his wife, Gar-Ling, and their two children.  In his spare time he enjoys cycling, walking and reading historical novels.  Centre for Christianity in Society: www.christianityinsociety.org [http://www.christianityinsociety.org/] Personal website: www.paulcoulter.net [http://www.paulcoulter.net/]

"Why don't we write a prayer guide for people who aren't religious and who don't do church?" If you could inspire people across the country to pray, what would be the result? In this episode, we hear from David Hill, who runs a ministry that is doing just that. For many this has led to unexpected and profound experiences of God – moments of revelation and transformation. How have so many people found a deeper connection to God in this way? Tune in as we explore the ways in which the power of prayer is breaking down barriers and leading to extraordinary spiritual breakthroughs. Could a simple invitation to pray be the first step for someone near you to experience God? Try praying yourself at trypraying.org [https://trypraying.org/] or find campaign resources at do.trypraying.org [https://do.trypraying.org/]

Gavin and Kristi hear from Chris McBurney about how students in Ireland are responding to the gospel in different ways across very different contexts in the north and south of the island. Reflecting on the rise in spirituality, coupled with muddied worldviews, the beating heart of evangelism for young people still seems to remain rooted in authentic relationships. As leader of Christian Unions Ireland, Chris shares his passion for this type of ministry. Chris McBurney is the Director for Christian Unions Ireland [https://cui.ie/]. He lives in Comber with this wife Katie and two girls, Orla and Ava. Having become a Christian at university in Canterbury, he's spent the last 10 years working in student ministry both in England and across the island of Ireland.

Today's PEP Talk comes from a former Muslim who encountered Jesus in a powerful way. He gives us important reminders of the cost that can come from following Jesus - losing family, job and country. Whilst his journey to faith is full of passion and joy, it is also a great reminder to appreciate our freedoms and blessings in the West. How can we then use these freedoms to reach Muslims and support those who convert, often at great personal cost? John Ghanim is a passionate Christian influencer, evangelist, and full-time missionary. After leaving Islam in 2014 and spending three years as an agnostic, his life was transformed at the end of 2017 when he encountered Jesus. Called to be an evangelist, John now dedicates his life to sharing Christ with all nations. With a background in business administration from his time in Yemen, he uses his experience and unwavering faith to inspire and equip believers worldwide. Follow him on social media here [https://linktr.ee/johnghanim].

At Solas, we love learning about (and working with!) others who share our passion for equipping Christians for evangelism. Today Steve and Gavin discover how Share Jesus International is working with churches to help unlock their outreach potential, through resources like their Prompt Cards [https://www.sharejesusinternational.com/prompt/] and Sharing Jesus [https://www.sharejesusinternational.com/project/sharingjesus/] course. Andy Frost has been the Director of Share Jesus International since 2008 leading scores of projects ranging from London's Pentecost Festival to national tours. He presently heads up the London Mission Collective [http://londonmissioncollective.com/]; works with Care for the Family on the Kitchen Table Project [https://kitchentable.org.uk/] and Gather [http://gather.global/] on church unity and mission. Over the years he has worked with a variety of organisations including More than Gold, Big Book Media and C3 Global. He is a Methodist Local Preacher: has an MA in Applied Theology and has authored a number of books and presented the Jesus Series [https://www.sharejesusinternational.com/jesus-the-series/]. He is married to Jo and has two daughters.

If you encounter apathy when sharing the gospel, it could stem from a worldview that sees faith as irrelevant in a world ruled and explained by science. Research in the area of intelligent design can be a great tool in breaking down those barriers within a scientific mindset. On PEP Talk today, Steve and Gavin learn more about how we as Christians can connect with those who think this way.  For an introduction to Intelligent Design, check out this video [https://youtu.be/ZWhZg_bJIUU?si=SNQ5vDCAgdpj3GsJ] from Stephen Meyer or Cosmic Chemistry [https://spckpublishing.co.uk/cosmic-chemistry-714] by John Lennox. Alistair McKitterick is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the MA in Practical Theology and Ministry at the London School of Theology.  He has a particular interest in the science and faith debate, with his doctoral research on the effectiveness of teaching science [https://www.podpage.com/poulner-baptist-chapel-podcast/digging-deeper-1-science-friend-or-foe/] to Evangelical theology students.  Before lecturing in theology, Alistair studied physics and taught mathematics and science in Zimbabwe in an Elim Pentecostal mission.  He is married to Emily and has four grown up children.

In the UK today, an increasing number of our colleagues and neighbours come from Muslim backgrounds. Although there are issues arising from the clash of Islamic theology and Western values, how can we interact constructively and lovingly with Muslims we meet? Today on PEP Talk we look at the challenge of Islam and the opportunities for sharing the gospel with those who follow it. Tim Dieppe is Head of Public Policy at  Christian Concern [https://christianconcern.com/] with a specialist interest in Islam [https://christianconcern.com/ccissues/islam/]. He regularly writes and comments in the media on Islamic affairs and is passionate about encouraging Christians to respond with confidence to the growing influence of Islam in the UK. Tim holds a degree from Oxford University and an MA in theology from  Westminster  Theological Centre. He co-authored Questions to Ask Your Muslim Friends [https://www.wilberforcepublications.co.uk/questions-to-ask-your-muslim-friends] with Beth Peltola.  He is also the author of The Challenge of Islam [https://www.wilberforcepublications.co.uk/the-challenge-of-islam] published this year by Wilberforce Publications, which seeks to equip and inform Christians how best to respond to the rise of Islam in Britain.

Down through the ages, the Christian message has been shared via new technology, from Gutenberg's Bible to TikTok. But with recent advancements in AI, what would it look like to share the gospel with a chatbot? Today on PEP Talk, Andy and Gavin find out about one project to explore the possibilities and challenges. Try it out now at apologist.ai [https://apologist.ai/en] or try bots focussing on Islamic [https://alim.apologist.ai/en] or scientific [https://isaac.apologist.ai/en] backgrounds. Jake Carlson is the founder of The Apologist Project [https://apologistproject.org/], a nonprofit that develops conversational AIs for Christian apologetics and evangelism. Jake grew up as a missionary kid in China, where he first became interested in apologetics and Christian worldview study. He has over 25 years experience in software product development, leading product and engineering teams in both small startups and Big Tech companies. Jake founded The Apologist Project two years ago to develop digital products to further the Kingdom. The Apologist Project recently won 1st place at the Indigitous #HACK [https://hack.indigitous.org/] event — as well as 2nd place in challenge at the Gloo AI & the Church hackathon — for its work developing a Muslim-serving chatbot.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Andy and Gavin speak with Angela Mackenzie about the role apologetics has had in her life. Her unique blend of artistry, femininity, scholarship and cross-cultural experience are an incredible inspiration as she integrates them all in the service of Christ. Angela Courte Mackenzie is a musician, speaker, broadcaster, apologist and Florida native. She holds a B.A. in Music and, at age 50, she completed an M.A. in Christian Apologetics exploring the intersection of music, faith, and apologetics. Angela has decades of experience presenting and performing music on television. She currently hosts Praise Around the Piano [https://www.youtube.com/@theAngelaMac] and directs the Amazing Life Gospel Choir [https://amazinglifegospelchoir.org/] in Stirling. Since 2014, Angela has called Scotland home, where she lives with her husband, Kenneth, and their blended family of 31, including 19 grandchildren. Learn more at angela.org [https://angela.org]

Today on PEP Talk, Andy and Kristi learn about the Lumino research project from the Bible Society. Its in-depth surveys and analysis offer great insight into attitudes towards the Bible. What can it tell us about Biblical literacy, relevance and attractiveness across UK society? And what should we keep in mind as we help introduce others to the message of Jesus in the Bible? The Lumino project surveyed 20,000 people to find out what they thought about Christianity, the Bible and faith. Explore its resources and insights here [https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/lumino/]. Dr Rhiannon McAleer is Director of Research and Impact at the Bible Society. [https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/] After completing her PhD at the University of Exeter, Rhiannon worked for a number of charities including Meningitis Now and the British Red Cross. Since joining Bible Society, Rhiannon has led innovative research projects on belief, Christianity and the Bible. She leads the Research and Impact team, which is responsible for producing high-quality insight to support Bible Society and the wider Church in mission. She and her husband live in Gloucestershire with their two daughters.

There was a time when a famous sports star giving their testimony was considered the pinnacle of evangelism. These days, there's a richer and more accessible relationship between sport and sharing the gospel. We have two guests from Christians in Sport on the podcast today, exploring the opportunities sport has for us, either as participants or observers.  Dr Graham Daniels is a former professional footballer, now the General Director of Christians in Sport [https://christiansinsport.org.uk/] and a director of Cambridge United Football Club. He also holds positions at St Andrew the Great Church and Ridley Hall Theological College in Cambridge. He is married to Michelle and has three children and five grandchildren. Jonny Reid is the Director of Engagement at Oak Hill College and writes regularly for Christians in Sport [https://christiansinsport.org.uk/]. He plays cricket at Cumnor Cricket Club and is one of the leaders of Town Church Bicester.

Whilst street drama and puppet shows might be a dying form of outreach these days, today's guest started there and continued on to become a professional comedian and magician. How has he achieved success in this field without compromising the gospel or his own values? And how might the church use arts and entertainment better in reaching the world today? Tom Elliott works as an Event Host & Comedy Magician, performing across the UK hosting corporate events, whilst also performing at holiday parks, churches, theatres and comedy clubs. Once described by Miranda Hart as 'Such Fun', Tom has appeared on BBC TV & Radio, had a feature piece in the Times Newspaper and received significant crowdfunding support for his arts-based initiatives. He also hosts a weekly show on Konnect Radio. [https://www.konnectradio.com/] To book Tom at your church, or find out more, go to tom-elliot.org [https://tom-elliott.org]

This week Andy and Kristi chat with a creative evangelist (he once taught Kristi how to share the gospel with a paper clip!) with experience of student ministry and church pastoral work. Drawing on these areas and reflecting on the cultural changes over the years, he offers insight and encouragement for parents, pastors and lay people as they seek to "drip the gospel" into daily conversations. Clive Parnell is Teaching Pastor at Kirkliston Community Church [https://www.kirklistoncc.com/] on the northwest side of Edinburgh. He has served in the church since 2012. Previously Clive was with UCCF for nine years speaking at mission weeks all over the UK and abroad, training staff and students in creative evangelism. Clive is a singer/songwriter currently with Goldfinch Music [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ykHARIIIcxCOQ2NLFa0qT?si=bRVUOGp0SnGAKW5lT3nddw] whose recent release received airplay on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio Ulster. He has also written Bible notes for "Daily Bread" and is currently working on his first book called "Everyday Worship."

"So what? Who cares?" the battle cries of the apathetic ring out from the young (and not-so-young) people of the UK. It seems today the conversation for winning souls needs to start by convincing people they've got souls in the first place! As Christians, what can we do to stir up spiritual curiosity and show that Jesus really matters for everyone? Darin and Joy Stevens recently launched Start to Stir [https://www.starttostir.com/], which exists to help Christians share faith in a culture that is largely indifferent towards faith and God.  Fuelled by their over twenty years experience working with youth from outside the church, and training youth ministry students at ForMission College, they want to help everyday Christians learn how to stir curiosity in the gospel.  Their first tool, the Stir Course, is already being used in over 200 churches and schools across the country.