Ian Paul

Can we do all-age worship well?

For churches with active children's groups, there are some compelling reasons to have periodic all-age services, and every Sunday there will be a period, usually at the start of the service, when all ages are worshipping together.
Crazy golf in cathedrals: a tool for mission or compromising the sacred?

Writer and theologian Ian Paul considers whether cathedrals should be used as playgrounds.
Where is the Cross in Revelation?

Any discussion of 'the cross' in the Book of Revelation initially looks like a substantial challenge: it is barely mentioned at all overtly.
$A lot of people are upset by the Archbishops\' latest on gays: Here\'s why$
A lot of people are upset by the Archbishops' latest on gays: Here's why

A much more fruitful approach would be unapologetically to commit to upholding the teaching of the Church, without the attempt to ingratiate other groups with ambiguous statements.
$Is \'evangelical\' a word beyond redemption?$
Is 'evangelical' a word beyond redemption?

Tony Campolo has announced that he "did not want to be known as an evangelical Christian any more".
What Leicester City can teach the Church about leadership

Leicester City's triumph in the Premier League is being hailed as 'the most unlikely sporting triumph ever'. What does it have to say to the Church?
$Should we \'hate the sin, love the sinner\'?$
Should we 'hate the sin, love the sinner'?

Ian Paul looks at the classic evangelical mantra, and whether it's time for it to be retired.
$Why Christians shouldn\'t fear being labelled$
Why Christians shouldn't fear being labelled

It is only when we recognise our differences that we can offer genuine respect, genuine interest, and a genuine willingness to listen and learn from others.
Seven questions to help you keep your New Year resolutions

We know from bitter experience that New Year's resolutions seem to disappear faster than a cold turkey sandwich.
Do we worship Jesus or the Bible?

The accusation is that, if you focus on what the Bible says, you are making the Bible your ultimate authority instead of making Jesus your ultimate authority.
Advent: Why knowing the ending makes the story better

As Advent approaches once more, we need to understand the hope that is held out in the prospect of Jesus' return.
Is passion or competence more important in Church ministry?

How important is it that we're actually good at the things we do? Ian Paul suggests competence is not a way to earn Gods favour â but it is a sign of God's grace at work in our lives.