The Word Shared

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.