Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Life Issues

We talk about comfort. We talk about being comfortable. We talk about giving comfort. We talk about our comfort zone.

We even refer to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter.

But given the Bible says we are to share in Christ’s sufferings,

should our lives be comfortable? Do we not need sometimes to step out of that comfort zone – or away from the security blanket that is distracting us or holding us back? What is comfort really about and how do we comfort those in need? It’s the LI podcast – “are you sitting comfortably?”

How often do you chat to your neighbour? On Life Issues this week we’re asking what was that ‘glue’ that seemed to stick people together bringing a sense of belonging and relationship to a community that doesn’t seem to exist anymore? Or does it? Joining Vicky Gibbens for the conversation is author Nigel Adams in our latest podcast episode, Communities of Hope.

[Originally broadcast the week of 27th November 2023]

What role do children have in your church? So often we look at them as to be “ministered to” but what if we started to recognise, respect and nurture their giftings and ability to minister? In a world where so many young people are disengaged from the church, what difference would it make to develop children’s ministry, that is ministry by children not to them? It’s the Life Issues podcast this week with Founder of Parenting for Faith, Rachel Turner.

Ever considered what it would have been like to witness the events of the passion narrative? In this week’s Life Issues you’ll have a chance to do just that as Dr Andrew Ollerton takes us back in time to reflect on the reality of the Easter story as experienced by Jesus’ disciples.

How often do we pause to consider the gender-specific sufferings of Christians facing persecution around the world? Emma Dipper provides us with the opportunity to do just that in this episode of Life Issues.

We know that faith is a personal choice & response, but how can Christian parents best teach their children in the way that they should go so they will not depart from it? Andy Frost, Director of Share Jesus International, shares from his own experience of being a Dad.

What side should a Christian take in the debate on assisted suicide? The desire to alleviate suffering at the end of life is certainly a Christian instinct, but does the end justify the means?

In this episode of Life Issues James Mildred seeks to bring some much-needed clarity to this ethical quandary.

Three million girls across the world are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) every year. Ann-Marie Wilson has dedicated her life to ending this cruel practice and shares with Vicky the challenges still to overcome and the hope she has for the future.

How tough is the road to rehabilitation and what difference can prison workers make to those on this journey? Governor Nicola Marfleet shares her insight on these issues as she discusses what life is like behind bars.

Martin Luther King Jnr, the black American Civil Rights Leader of the 20th Century famously spoke of black boys and girls holding hands with white boys and girls as brothers and sisters. So why in the next century does this still remain a dream for so many? 

In this Life Issues, we’ll be focusing on the subject of Racism and what we as Christians can do to make the dream a reality in our own lives, church and wider society. Paul Hammond is joined by Chine McDonald, Author of 'God Is Not A White Man' and Dr Krish Kandiah.

Ever notice how Doubt gets a bad press in Christianity? Always seen as a negative & dangerous, but what if doubt is not always the evil pitfall, but is sometimes the compost from which the green shoots of faith can spring? What if the danger is not that we doubt, but that we deny doubt, pretend that it does not exist & so do not handle it well what if that is the real issue & the real pitfall.

Brian McLaren is author of ‘Faith after Doubt - Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It’

In a second Life Issues dedicated to the theme of ‘Immanuel – God with us’ Martin Ayres unpacks the profound reality of what the promise of God’s presence means for every-day life.

[Originally broadcast the week of 5th February 2024]

Do you know the value of your attention? In an age where various forms of media compete to get it, Helen Lea asks Speak Life’s Nate Morgan Locke about the rise of the “attention economy” in this week’s Life Issues.

God’s presence with his people has looked different at different points in history. In this episode of Life Issues Dr Jon Andrews takes us on a fascinating journey to explore these different manifestations in celebration of our 2021 Christmas theme ‘Immanuel-God with us in our everyday life’.

During Advent, how can we get back to the truth at the heart of Christmas? 

Tony Watkins unwraps some of the misconceptions around the Christmas story and encourages a rethink of our traditional festivities to help focus our minds on the real reason for the season.

According to the NHS 1 in 4 adults are struggling with obesity. It might seem an uncomfortable subject to address, but given the command we have to love our neighbours, is there a role for Christians to better support those around them living with obesity? 

Mark Daly joins Vicky Gibbens to share his professional expertise on the subject.

Throughout history the message of the church to single people about sex has been clear, just say no. But is it that easy when the need for intimacy is such a powerful driver? Is it enough to be told don’t do? Or does the human heart need a better reason? After all we live in a world where, even in church, celibacy is seen as a bit anachronistic, so how do we stay true to God’s call?

Kat Harris, author of Sexless in the City, joins Paul Hammond on Life Issues.

How do you restore a marriage? There are some regular suggestions as to how might approach that, talking things through, counselling, maybe even some time apart. You don’t often see the suggestion of a 320 mile backpacking pilgrimage across France as a route back to happiness. I mean, life’s hard enough when your marriage is in tatters without adding blisters in, but if you believe in marriage, believe in trying to fix not abandon that which is broken & believe in God’s calling on your lives as a couple. Maybe it’s not so strange.

Lets be honest most of us want to be liked, valued, appreciated but how far are we prepared to go to make that happen? We’re told that, as far as we are able we should live at peace with all, but that’s different to living a life to “please people” in fact that’s something the bible warns against, so in a world that seems obsessed with impressing others, what does it mean to be a people pleaser? What does it do to us if we are & how does having a “servant heart” fit in? Paul is joined by UK and Ireland Directors for Ellel Ministries, Andy and Cath Taylor, in this weeks Life Issues episode 'People pleasers, is that really what we want to be'

University is a time of unique challenges and opportunities for the young believer. Lizzie Fry is on a mission in this episode of Life Issues to encourage Christian students to make the most of it, sharing advice from her own experience of navigating university life.

Feeling apathetic about doing church in the real world again? 

Rachel Jordan-Wolf from Hope Together shares her enthusiasm for church and encourages us to recommit to showing up and getting involved in fellowship and service.

Sport, a universal language that unites people from all walks of life. But it can also divide us. Many fans hurl abuse, referees fear for their safety and hooligans use sport to incite violence and hate.

So how do we create a more respectful and rewarding environment for everyone involved? Can Sport build hope AND teach us about the nature of God? This week's life issues, Helen Lea is joined by Joe Lowther CEO at youth charity KICK. Using sport to build hope and respect.

[Originally broadcast the week of 14th April 2024]

Millions of people globally will be heading to the polls as part of national elections in 2024. But what about the sovereignty of God and understanding his will when it comes to voting? Vicky Gibbens is joined by Danny Webster, the Director of Advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance in this week’s Life Issues: Does God care about my vote?

[Originally broadcast the week of 9th October 2023]

Can Christians influence culture, without needing to label content as "Christian”?

Can we separate faith from our creativity?

And how do you shape culture rather than let culture shape you?

Helen is joined by Norman Stone, a BAFTA and Emmy-award winning Director, who doesn't make 'Christian films' but is a Christian who makes films in this week’s Life Issues.

Are Christianity and Feminism compatible?

Why do some people feel the Bible presents a barrier rather than a boost when it comes to championing equality between the sexes?

When you look at the life of Jesus, he showed great respect to women and included them in his work - despite the prevalent culture doing the opposite. Helen Lea is joined by Author of Notes on Feminism, Lauren Windle in this week’s Life Issues - Is Jesus the original feminist?

If you check out the trending TV shows or book best seller lists you’ll quickly discover that humans are fascinated by the supernatural. Yet, those who believe in prayer and miracles are at risk of being mocked for their faith. So in this week’s Life Issues, Paul Hammond invited Dr Keith Warrington to explore the reality of the supernatural from a Christian perspective and to consider how we can confidently embrace it.

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK, many of whom continue to be at risk of poverty and exclusion from education and employment. So how can a Paralympian, whose resilience and adaptability has been celebrated, use their status to bring change and inclusivity for all? Vicky Gibbens is joined by Stef Reid MBE. 

This week on Life Issues we are talking about vision –

how to find it/cast it/pursue it/live in light of it and why vision as a spiritual reality is very different from what the management training books recommend. Joining Paul for the conversation are Senior Leaders of All Nations Church Steve and Esther Uppal.

If God created men and women equally: Why did the Apostle Paul write: I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man?

If the risen Jesus showed up to women first, what's so controversial about women leading in church? Helen’s guests to explore in this week's Life Issues are Rev Dr Katie Stock, Lead Pastor at Christ Church Summerfield, and Amy Wicks, Associate Minister for Women and Pastoral Care at St Silas church in Glasgow.

Do you dream? Throughout the bible there are plenty of examples of dreams – Pharaoh’s cows, Jacob’s ladder, Nebuchadnezzar’s statue. They send the message that God speaks through dreams. So, could He be speaking through yours? Maybe not the ones about your teeth falling out or turning up at work with no trousers on! But could it be, that in a world where dream interpretation is big business, it might actually be God speaking to us? This week’s Life Issues, Paul is joined by Professor Mark Birch Machin.

Are you someone who can fall asleep easily? Or do you have trouble nodding off and struggle to wake up?

Have you ever wondered why we need sleep? Or what is happening to our bodies and minds when we are in slumberland?

Joining Helen to explore in this week's Life Issues is Dr Lindsay Browning, a neuroscientist and author of navigating sleeplessness.

These days it is more and more common for those responsible for things that go wrong to fail to take ownership of their actions – or worse to hide behind blame shifting and cover ups. So, whether it be governments, church denominations or even closer to home, Paul is exploring why taking responsibility seems such a struggle with Revd Jonathan Aitken in this week’s Life Issues.

Millions of people globally will be heading to the polls as part of national elections in 2024. But what about the sovereignty of God and understanding his will when it comes to voting? Vicky Gibbens is joined by Danny Webster, the Director of Advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance in this week’s Life Issues: Does God care about my vote?

They say like father, like son, and for the majority, the fact that we sow into the next generation is a good thing. But what if Dad isn’t a good example?                               

What if he has his own behaviour problems or addictions? Does that have to manifest in the next generation or can the cycle be broken? Author James Goldie joins Paul to explore what dads can be and whether it always has to be “like father, like son”?

Do you struggle with the relentless demands of life?

Is it possible to live slower and freer but still keep up with all our responsibilities?

And what can ants teach us about living in freedom?

Katharine Hill, UK Director at Care for the Family and author of Born Free joins Helen Lea in this week’s Life Issues: How to flourish in a hectic world.

It can increasingly feel as if we are living in a society that has moved on from Christianity – either deeming it irrelevant or responsible for doing more harm than good. In this Life Issues, Dr Sharon James encourages us to take confidence from and maybe shout about the way Christianity has changed the world, and share a Gospel that is and has always been a force for good.

We have thousands of thoughts every day. The challenge for us is to fix them on what is true and right, pure and lovely. So how much attention should we pay to the latest news bulletin or online article when the content is often shocking and woeful? Vicky Gibbens takes up the conversation with Tim Levell and Julia Bicknell, both mentors for Christians in Media with considerable experience working for some of the UK’s major broadcasters.

Do you know what a Sustainable Development Goal is? It’s a commitment to ensure that no one is left behind as the world develops. Yet despite support from global leaders, we’re falling short on achieving the goals set for 2030. So, what can we do, why should we care and how does the reality of our faith call us to model a better way? It’s the Life Issues conversation this week with Paul Hammond and his guests Paul Cook and Elizabeth Myendo from Tearfund.

Questioning our beliefs is healthy right? Yet a trend for ‘deconstructing’ faith to the point of some even deny the name “Christian” is emerging. So, what has created this tide of disillusionment and what can we do to protect people from falling away from the truth? Alisa Childers shares her insights on ‘progressive’ Christianity in this week’s Life Issues. 

We are exploring a widely misunderstood mental health condition that is often shrouded in secrecy and shame - Eating Disorders. They affect around 1 in 50 of us in the UK. Di Archer from the Eating Disorder charity Taste Life UK is joining Helen Lea for a frank and personal conversation in this week’s Life Issues podcast: Why eating disorders aren't about food…

[Originally broadcast the week of 20th May 2024]

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK, many of whom continue to be at risk of poverty and exclusion from education and employment. So how can a Paralympian, whose resilience and adaptability has been celebrated, use their status to bring change and inclusivity for all? Vicky Gibbens is joined by Stef Reid MBE.

Family dynamics these days can be confusing things, with the traditional image of the “nuclear family” no longer really covering it. So, in this week’s Life Issues Paul Hammond discusses the importance of our wider relational networks with Care for the Family’s Claire Burton, asking “How far does my family extend?” 

What is life like with a severe mental illness? And what stigma generated by news headlines might you still face?

Sharon Hastings qualified as a doctor, but lives with a psychotic illness. In this week’s Life Issues with Paul Hammond, she challenges the misconceptions around psychosis and shares what we can do to help.

Do you know the value of your attention? In an age where various forms of media compete to get it, Helen Lea asks Speak Life’s Nate Morgan Locke about the rise of the “attention economy” in this week’s Life Issues.

We believe in a God who can do miracles – who can heal, re-create and restore. But where does that leave us if “the healing never comes”? In Life Issues this week, author Paul Mallard discusses chronic illness with Paul Hammond.

Success - do we define it too narrowly and therefore set ourselves up for ‘failure’? And how do we 'dream big' when life is full of disappointments and unmet expectations?

British Olympian Abigail Irozuru shares her wisdom on the subject with Helen Price in this week’s Life Issues.

Beachy Head is a stunning location, but sadly is often less associated with its beauty than it is with people who die from suicide. So, this week we’re asking what drives people to that decision and what we can do to step in?

Gus Pickett from Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team speaks with Paul Hammond.

If you are affected by the conversation please call the Samaritans on 116 123.

What stops you believing in God? Maybe unanswered questions? But what if doubt and the mystery of God is part of what makes faith so powerful? 

Helping Helen Price explore how we can embrace the unknown is Zach Bolen, lead singer of Indie-Rock group Citizens, in this week’s Life Issues.

What is your relationship like with ‘things’? And how does it impact your relationship with the Giver of all things? Cathy Madavan, speaker, broadcaster and author, shares her personal experience of losing it all and finding true identity in this week’s Life Issues with Paul Hammond. 

Our news is often saturated with stories of hostilities across a divided world. We may even ask ourselves if there can be any hope for peace in these days? In this episode of Life Issues Dan Morrice encourages us with unreported and inspirational tales of peacemakers around the globe to spur us on in our own efforts to be people of peace.