Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast

In this second episode of the new series of the Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast, hosts Graham Nicholls and Lizzie Harewood sit down with FIEC Director John Stevens about his journey into ministry, his work with the FIEC and the ever-changing relationship between Christianity and British culture. Read the transcript in full at affinity.org.uk/podcast/podcast-church-and-britains-changing-culture/

In this first episode of the new series of the Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast, hosts Graham Nicholls and Lizzie Harewood sit down with Alex Lyells. Alex is setting up a new ministry called Sanctifi, which aims to collaborate with churches across the United Kingdom to encourage financial sharing. You can find out more about this ministry at sanctifi.com

We discuss the critical role of Christian foster carers and adopters in addressing the growing need for child placement in the UK with Cornerstone UK.
In this episode of the Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast, hosts Graham Nicholls and Lizzie Harewood sit down with the Chief Executive of Cornerstone, the UK's only evangelical Christian fostering and adoption service.
They explore the current landscape of Christian fostering and adoption in the UK, highlighting the alarming rise in children in care – now over 100,000 – and the urgent need for compassionate, faith-driven foster carers and adopters. The discussion explores the challenges of the adoption process, the societal factors driving the UK adoption crisis, and the biblical call for Christians to care for the fatherless.
With a focus on recent trends, such as the rise in unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors and the decline in adoptions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering, adoption, or supporting vulnerable children. It is also a challenge for the UK church to embrace a fostering and adoption church culture, inspired by stories like that of a young woman who found Jesus through her adoptive family's love.
Discover how Cornerstone is making a difference and how Christians can get involved in this vital ministry by visiting their website: https://www.cornerstoneuk.org/.

Alex, CEO of Faith in Later Life, discusses the charity’s mission to inspire and equip Christians to reach, serve, and empower older people through evangelism, discipleship, and active ministry involvement.
In this engaging episode of Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast, host Graham welcomes Alex Huggins, the CEO of Faith in Later Life, a Christian charity dedicated to transforming how churches engage with older people. They dive into the urgent need to share the gospel with older generations, foster lifelong discipleship, and empower seniors to remain active disciple-makers. Alex highlights the charity’s work, including its network of 900 church champions, free resources on issues like dementia and loneliness, and training events to equip churches for senior ministry.
The conversation tackles ageism in society and churches, emphasising the biblical call to value people at every stage of life. With practical insights, such as the power of coffee mornings and care home outreach, this episode is a must-listen for church leaders, volunteers, and anyone passionate about intergenerational ministry. Discover how Faith in Later Life is reshaping attitudes toward ageing and empowering older Christians to thrive in their faith and service.
Find out more about Faith in Later Life on their website www.faithinlaterlife.org

Church historian Gerald Bray joins the Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast to discuss the profound impact of Christianity on England's history and its relevance to today's denominational challenges.
In this enlightening episode of the Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast, hosts Graham Nicholls and Lizzie Harewood sit down with renowned church historian Professor Gerald Bray to uncover the rich tapestry of Christianity in England. From the Roman Emperor Claudius' conquest to the seismic shifts of the Reformation led by figures like Martin Luther and Henry VIII, Bray traces the evolution of the English church through centuries of change. Dive into the stories of historical giants like the Venerable Bede and Thomas Cranmer, whose legacies shaped the Anglican tradition and the King James Bible – a unifying force across denominations.
The conversation also tackles contemporary issues, including the Church's response to modern moral debates like same-sex relationships, reflecting on how historical insights can guide unity and faith today. 
This episode explores the interplay of faith, identity, and ecumenism amidst recent trends toward denominational reconciliation and societal shifts. Whether you're a history buff, a theology enthusiast, or seeking to understand the Church's role in today's world, this discussion offers timeless wisdom and fresh perspectives.
Reverend Professor Gerald Bray (DLitt, University of Paris-Sorbonne) is Research Professor at Beeson Divinity School and Director of Research for the Latimer Trust. He is a prolific writer and has authored or edited numerous books, including The Doctrine of God and Biblical Interpretation: Past and Present.