David Pawson Ministry Podcast

Part 1. What About Other Religions?

In these six talks, Problems of Faith, Pawson addresses major objections and dilemmas that often trouble Christian belief: other religions, war, suffering, miracles, healing, and capital punishment. He examines each topic through careful biblical exposition rather than simplistic slogans or isolated proof-texts. Presenting Christianity as uniquely grounded in God’s revelation through Jesus, while also wrestling honestly with the moral complexity of war, the mystery of suffering, and the possibility of divine intervention in miracles and healing. Throughout, he resists easy answers: suffering is not neatly explained, miracles cannot be dismissed by science alone, and healing requires discernment rather than rigid formulas.

A consistent thread running through the series is Pawson’s distinction between personal Christian conduct and the responsibilities of wider society or the state. He argues that believers must live by the values of Christ’s kingdom while also recognizing, in areas such as war and capital punishment, the biblical role of government in restraining evil and administering justice. His conclusions are often cautious and nuanced rather than absolute, but the overall emphasis is clear: Christians should think from the whole Bible, hold together truth and compassion, and approach difficult questions with humility, moral seriousness, and trust in God.

Part 16. Into The World

Drawing on his experience of pastoring a church that modelled itself on the New Testament church, David Pawson argues that the latter’s governance was not that of a democracy but was instead founded on “corporate leadership”. This structure enables a church that adopts it to “become not only self-governing but also self-supporting”. David states that “the scriptural pattern for the church is elders with a distinction recognised between pastor elders and teacher elders,” including “a presiding elder”, and “elders and deacons” working “together”, crucially with Christ as head of the church. David regards this as a model for the modern church.

To those who view churchgoing as an optional extra, or select their church based on preference rather than proximity to their home, the emphasis on corporate leadership with an involved membership may come as a shock. It is a focus on structure and discipline that differs markedly from the approach taken in some denominations. In the New Testament church, the membership will experience every facet of church life with the goal of enabling the church body to worship as one, have fellowship with each other, evangelise, and establish the building as a prominent place of worship in the community. This requires obedience to God and the elders who serve him. The emphasis on discipline and obedience (to God and the leadership) will surprise some readers (and churchgoers) who are used to other approaches to governance.

There are further surprises. In tackling the issue of money, David discusses legitimate and illegitimate ways of earning for members of the church. In addressing the issue of giving, he critiques modern tithing, arguing that instead members should give in proportion to their wealth rather than a set sum. Giving, which he sees as a form of worship, must be motivated by a sense of gratitude towards God—a feeling that is also experienced when receiving communion. This is a vision of an inclusive church that enables fellowship between people from diverse backgrounds who are brought together as one body in Christ.

Part 15. Open my eyes

Drawing on his experience of pastoring a church that modelled itself on the New Testament church, David Pawson argues that the latter’s governance was not that of a democracy but was instead founded on “corporate leadership”. This structure enables a church that adopts it to “become not only self-governing but also self-supporting”. David states that “the scriptural pattern for the church is elders with a distinction recognised between pastor elders and teacher elders,” including “a presiding elder”, and “elders and deacons” working “together”, crucially with Christ as head of the church. David regards this as a model for the modern church.

To those who view churchgoing as an optional extra, or select their church based on preference rather than proximity to their home, the emphasis on corporate leadership with an involved membership may come as a shock. It is a focus on structure and discipline that differs markedly from the approach taken in some denominations. In the New Testament church, the membership will experience every facet of church life with the goal of enabling the church body to worship as one, have fellowship with each other, evangelise, and establish the building as a prominent place of worship in the community. This requires obedience to God and the elders who serve him. The emphasis on discipline and obedience (to God and the leadership) will surprise some readers (and churchgoers) who are used to other approaches to governance.

There are further surprises. In tackling the issue of money, David discusses legitimate and illegitimate ways of earning for members of the church. In addressing the issue of giving, he critiques modern tithing, arguing that instead members should give in proportion to their wealth rather than a set sum. Giving, which he sees as a form of worship, must be motivated by a sense of gratitude towards God—a feeling that is also experienced when receiving communion. This is a vision of an inclusive church that enables fellowship between people from diverse backgrounds who are brought together as one body in Christ.

Part 14. Personal Relationships

Drawing on his experience of pastoring a church that modelled itself on the New Testament church, David Pawson argues that the latter’s governance was not that of a democracy but was instead founded on “corporate leadership”. This structure enables a church that adopts it to “become not only self-governing but also self-supporting”. David states that “the scriptural pattern for the church is elders with a distinction recognised between pastor elders and teacher elders,” including “a presiding elder”, and “elders and deacons” working “together”, crucially with Christ as head of the church. David regards this as a model for the modern church.

To those who view churchgoing as an optional extra, or select their church based on preference rather than proximity to their home, the emphasis on corporate leadership with an involved membership may come as a shock. It is a focus on structure and discipline that differs markedly from the approach taken in some denominations. In the New Testament church, the membership will experience every facet of church life with the goal of enabling the church body to worship as one, have fellowship with each other, evangelise, and establish the building as a prominent place of worship in the community. This requires obedience to God and the elders who serve him. The emphasis on discipline and obedience (to God and the leadership) will surprise some readers (and churchgoers) who are used to other approaches to governance.

There are further surprises. In tackling the issue of money, David discusses legitimate and illegitimate ways of earning for members of the church. In addressing the issue of giving, he critiques modern tithing, arguing that instead members should give in proportion to their wealth rather than a set sum. Giving, which he sees as a form of worship, must be motivated by a sense of gratitude towards God—a feeling that is also experienced when receiving communion. This is a vision of an inclusive church that enables fellowship between people from diverse backgrounds who are brought together as one body in Christ.

Part 13. Obedience - John chapter 14

Drawing on his experience of pastoring a church that modelled itself on the New Testament church, David Pawson argues that the latter’s governance was not that of a democracy but was instead founded on “corporate leadership”. This structure enables a church that adopts it to “become not only self-governing but also self-supporting”. David states that “the scriptural pattern for the church is elders with a distinction recognised between pastor elders and teacher elders,” including “a presiding elder”, and “elders and deacons” working “together”, crucially with Christ as head of the church. David regards this as a model for the modern church.

To those who view churchgoing as an optional extra, or select their church based on preference rather than proximity to their home, the emphasis on corporate leadership with an involved membership may come as a shock. It is a focus on structure and discipline that differs markedly from the approach taken in some denominations. In the New Testament church, the membership will experience every facet of church life with the goal of enabling the church body to worship as one, have fellowship with each other, evangelise, and establish the building as a prominent place of worship in the community. This requires obedience to God and the elders who serve him. The emphasis on discipline and obedience (to God and the leadership) will surprise some readers (and churchgoers) who are used to other approaches to governance.

There are further surprises. In tackling the issue of money, David discusses legitimate and illegitimate ways of earning for members of the church. In addressing the issue of giving, he critiques modern tithing, arguing that instead members should give in proportion to their wealth rather than a set sum. Giving, which he sees as a form of worship, must be motivated by a sense of gratitude towards God—a feeling that is also experienced when receiving communion. This is a vision of an inclusive church that enables fellowship between people from diverse backgrounds who are brought together as one body in Christ.