You will struggle to find a better goal than Micky van de Ven’s against Copenhagen this evening. Winning the ball back on the edge of his own box, he dribbled the length of pitch before firing home.

Remembering the heart of worship…

An encouragement for emerging leaders…

The four stages of discipleship (inspired by writings of Dan Spader)

A new report from the Evangelical Alliance highlights the top 5 ways people are finding faith: 1️⃣ An experience of God 2️⃣ Reading the Bible 3️⃣ Attending a Christian course 4️⃣ Conversations with a friend 5️⃣ Answered prayer

I have deeply valued the insights & opportunities provided by the Lausanne Movement, with their missional focus & global insights. I was invited recently to contribute to their podcast & share this conversation about spiritual formation and mission here in Ireland. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l...

I am sorry to read of this. Just wrong.

Social media can be an excellent tool for churches in evangelism (promotion & proclamation) and even formation (re-telling & resourcing). However, it is a terrible tool for church comparison and we need to guard our hearts in this.

4 key aspects for churches in development mode. Part of foundational thinking & work we are doing with small churches across the island in the coming weeks.

Been reflecting on this myself recently.

“The kingdom of God is God’s people in God’s place living under God’s rule and reign.” Vaughan Roberts

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

A morning spent enjoying a tour of the Royal Chapels with some military chaplains. Something different but very impressive!

“Ireland, the land of welcomes.” By Colin Holmes of ECM www.interculturalireland.org/post/ireland...

"The churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers." (Acts 16:5) What a great prayer for your church: deeper faith and wider witness. Growth that is both spiritual and numerical; for stronger faith and larger impact.

Kinfire Festival in Kilkenny. A beautiful expression of the vibrancy of the church in Ireland.

Learning new skills this summer

Worth a listen… podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...

Ireland is stunning. A week spent in the beauty of Wicklow.

Posted without comment

Creative. www.theguardian.com/global-devel...

Top notch. Rich. Biblical. Practical.

This Saturday 2nd August a special event at Corrigan Park as part of Féile. 2 joint Scottish shinty & hurling/camogie matches with a combined rule set. Everyone welcome with no booking required.

Very helpful. www.eauk.org/news-and-vie...

4. There is a psalm for absolutely every day you'll ever live through, the best, the worst, the weirdest.

Anyone can work a ton of hours. It can be a sign of dedication but it can also be a sign of insecurity and lack of confidence. Performance has little to do with how MANY hours you work. It's about what you do IN those hours. Quantity independent of quality is nonsense.

Sporting holiday…

Holiday reading

Out of office on the beautiful north coast

‘This is the homeland of Jesus’: Palestinian Christians plead for end to attacks by West Bank settlers

For the week that is in our wee country. 1. Every human is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) including bonfire builders and problematic politicians. 2. The whole earth belongs to the Lord and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). 3. God has no preferred culture or ideology. (Rev 7:9).

Great to be listening to Chris Wright share his understanding of mission at Keswick at Portstewart Convention. Very helpful as ever.

What a cover… and looks like a really interesting book on chapters of the Bible I’ve recently been preaching through.

Hello, just a quick reminder that you're fearfully and wonderfully made

I think this also needs to be read alongside the recent Quiet Revival research. It is completely valid to say both realities are true. Indeed, that is what I am seeing in the church in Ireland. As in life, there is both health & decay, decline & new life. t.co/DkyAT2PQWp

Notwithstanding any of her own personal sadness, I found the Chancellor publicly crying this week quite refreshing. It is easy to forget that many leaders are under significant pressure and often face hostile criticism. Regular reminders of their humanity is helpful for us all.

Looking forward to this.

No brainer.

A unique set of Gaelic Games organised by Presbyterians this August, as Shinty teams from Scotland go head-to-head with Antrim Hurling and Camogie teams using composite rules at Corrigan Park in West Belfast. www.presbyterianireland.org/News/June-20...

“Our generation is addicted to revelatory moments yet unprepared to incarnate these inspirational soundbites into a life of sacrifice.”

A bold new vision for church planting in Ireland, along with a target for the next decade. www.presbyterianireland.org/News/June-20...

Ballymena, Larne and elsewhere... my response to the racist violence... and a prayer... I grew up singing, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world" (unless they move in beside us?) stocki.typepad.com/soulsurmise/...

Scripture is clear: Love your neighbour. Welcome the stranger. Defend the oppressed. These aren’t optional extras but fundamental to following Jesus. He crossed every boundary - ethnic, social, political - to welcome those others cast out. His commission wasn’t to guard culture but go to all nations

Every single ministry role is temporary. No role, position, title or job will last forever. We stand on the shoulders of those before us. We pass the baton on to those coming after us. Our job? To steward well the things in our care & to seek to leave things in a better place.

Not full-scale revival, but first-fruits? www.eauk.org/news-and-vie...

Recent research and articles like this have been encouraging. While it’s hard to know how it all equates to Ireland, I certainly see signs of fresh interest and growth. www.independent.co.uk/life-style/c...

New pathways of pioneering mission in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland: issuu.com/presbyterian...

In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.

While statistics offer a broad summary, they rarely reveal the whole story. By God’s grace, there are also signs of growth and many ‘green shoots’ or ‘new things’ in various parts of our island. Often it is happening in the most surprising of places. www.presbyterianireland.org/News/March-2...