Politics in the Pulpit?

Episode 137: with Sally Mann for Sunday 10th October

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Revd. Dr Sally Mann. They are joined by Steve Tinning, a member of the JPIT team.

Sally is Co-Director of www.redletterchristians.org.uk and one of 5 co-vocational ministers at Bonny Downs Baptist, an inclusive church in East London. She is the 4th of 6 generations of her family to stay put and serve in that East-End community. 

Sally wrote “Looking for Lydia”’ reflecting on 25 years of ministry, and recently collated 25 stories for Red Letter Christians’ book “Jesus and Justice”

She lectures in sociology and has a PhD in philosophy. 

She’s happiest in her Bonny Downs community where she’ll be moving in to an “Urban Abbey”- an experiment in intentional community living (see 

https://www.bonnydownschurch.org/urbanabbey)

 

Matt, Steve and Sally discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th October, which are:

Hebrews 4:12-16 

Mark 10:17-31 

Psalm 22:1-15 

Job 23:1-9, 16-17

 

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / 1001084297426200

Episode 136: with Jacob Dimitriou for Sunday 6th October

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Jacob Dimitriou. They are joined by Roo Stewart, a member of the JPIT team.

Jacob Dimitriou is the Director for England at Christian homelessness charity Housing Justice, he has previously worked for the Labour Party and Commonweal Housing. Jacob was closely involved in the Everybody In initiative during the pandemic, supporting rough sleepers to access safe provision which is estimated to have saved more than 200 lives. Housing Justice is the membership body for faith and community night shelters, as well as providing a Hosting and Lodgings project for destitute migrants and working to support churches to build affordable housing on their land.

Matt and Jacob discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 6th October, which are:

Job 1:1, 2:1-10

Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12

Mark 10:2-16

Psalm 26

 

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / 1001084297426200

Episode 135: Handover Episode with Matt Forsyth for Sunday 28 September

Welcome to this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit. Nathan Maguire introduces Matt Forsyth, future Vice President of the Methodist Conference, who takes over hosting duties. Matt is joined by Steve Hucklesby, a policy advisor for the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT).

Matt and Steve delve into their roles, emphasising the intersection of politics and faith. They explore the importance of unity in diversity, reflecting on this week's lectionary readings from Esther, James, and Mark. The discussion highlights themes of justice, prayer, and the role of Christians in advocating for global peace and nuclear disarmament.

The episode also touches on current news, including climate change, political developments, and heartwarming stories, connecting these to the scriptural themes. The conversation encourages churches to engage in prayer, advocacy, and practical action, particularly in the context of the climate crisis and local community needs.

Join us as we reflect on how to faithfully navigate the intersection of faith and politics in our preaching and daily lives.

Episode 134: with Isabella Senior for Sunday 25 August

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Isabella Senior. 

Isabella is the Young Leaders' Development Coordinator for Baptists Together. She's from Brazil and grew up church planting with her family. Isabella first came to the UK age 15 on a mission trip when she heard God speak to her about not waiting to be older to serve Jesus and to focus on reaching younger generations. At age 18 Isabella moved to the UK in response to God's call and she now works supporting young adults nationally in the Baptist movement. Isabella loves connecting with people and encouraging them to grow as missionary disciples while discovering their God-given potential for the Kingdom. 

Helen and Isabella discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th August, which are:
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 
Ephesians 6:10-20 
John 6:56-69 
Psalm 84 

This is the last episode of our summer season, and we will be back with the autumn season mid-September. 

 

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

Episode 133: with Revd Canon Dr Sarah Hills for Sunday 18 August

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Revd Dr Canon Sarah Hills. 

Sarah was born in South Africa and brought up mainly in Northern Ireland. She has been Vicar of Holy Island since January 2019, and Area Dean of Norham for the last 3 years. Before moving to Newcastle Diocese, she served as Canon for Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral for five years. She is also Honorary Canon for Reconciliation at Inverness Cathedral; Visiting Fellow at St John's College, Durham; and Visiting Practice Fellow at the Dept of Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University. Prior to ordination, Sarah was a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in the NHS. She is married to Richard, a GP, and they have 2 boys and a Labrador.

Helen and Sarah discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 18 August, which are:

1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
Psalm 111

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

Episode 132: with Stef Benstead for Sunday 11 August

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Stef Benstead. 

Stef is an independent researcher in social security and disability, and is herself dependent upon benefits due to a genetic chronic illness. She is currently studying for a Master's in Theology, Community Development and Social Change at Nazarene Theological College, and has recently brought out her second book, Just Worship: Worshipping God by living just lives. 

 

Helen and Stef discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 11 August, which are:

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 
John 6:35, 41-51 
Psalm 130 

 

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

Episode 131: with Revd Dr Simon Woodman for Sunday 4 August

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Revd Dr Simon Woodman.

Simon is the Minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in the West End of London, and has previously been a market stall holder on Camden Market, a Baptist Minister in Bristol, a Tutor at South Wales Baptist College, and a lecturer at Cardiff University. He is married to Liz.

Helen and Simon discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 4 August, which are:

2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Ephesians 4:1-6 
John 6:24-35 
Psalm 51:1-12 

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

Episode 130: with Dr Trevor Laurence for Sunday 28 July

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Dr Trevor Laurence. 

Trevor Laurence (PhD, University of Exeter) is the Executive Director of the Cateclesia Institute and Theologian-in-Residence at Trinity Church (PCA) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He serves as a Research Associate with the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence and is the author of Cursing with God: The Imprecatory Psalms and the Ethics of Christian Prayer (Baylor, 2022).

Helen and Trevor discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 28 July, which are: 
2 Samuel 11:1-15 
Ephesians 3:13-21 
John 6:1-21 
Psalm 14 

 

 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

Episode 129: with Dr Marion Carson for Sunday 21 July

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Dr Marion Carson. 

Marion Carson lives in Glasgow where she serves as Chaplain to Glasgow City Mission. She is also a senior research fellow at the International Baptist Study Centre in Amsterdam. She is the author of several books and articles, including the Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems (SPCK) and Human Trafficking, the Bible and the Church (SCM Press).

Helen and Marion discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 21 July, which are:

2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Psalm 89:20-37

 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

Episode 128: with Revd Jade Zerk for Sunday 14 July

We're back with a brand new season! In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our new host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Revd Jade Zerk. 

Jade is a Baptist Pioneer Minister at Hope in Highbridge, working as a consultant to the Trussell Trust Church Engagement Team one day a week. Prior to this Jade was a Community Engagement Worker in a New Housing Estate in Swindon, helped run Communications for the national New Housing Hub and contributed to the Arch Bishops Commission on Housing, Church and Community. 

Helen and Jade discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 14 July, which are:

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 
Ephesians 1:3-14 
Mark 6:14-29 
Psalm 24 

 

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200