Immigration continues to be one of the most important socio-political talking points in western societies today. This is especially so in Britain, where various controversial events in recent times highlight the growing concerns of the populace.
Too often, genuine conversation about the problems of mass immigration are shut down without due reflection even on the numbers, let alone more particular issues around the influx of hugely divergent cultural norms into very different societies. The assumption that westerners cannot care about the preservation of their own peoples or cultures without incurring the charge of being racist or xenophobic only tends to make the tensions worse.
How should Christians think and speak about these issues? What does loving our migrant neighbour look like in the context of national decline? How can we reach the asylum seeker in front of us whilst questioning or critiquing current immigration policies? And with the growing profusion of British flags appearing in public spaces, what Gospel opportunities does this open up for Christians to speak about where our true identity is found? Andy and Aaron fly the flag on this issue in their usual style, seeking to tread that fine line between inspiration and cancellation for your listening enjoyment!
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Episode 96 - Can We Make Britain Christian Again (Live from Cedarwood)
As modern Britain is mired in confusion over its multicultural identity, growing Islamisation, and moral decline, surprising numbers of people are re-looking to Christianity as the country's foundation.
But is Britain a Christian nation? Was it ever a Christian nation? What makes (or breaks) a Christian nation? What can churches and individuals do to work towards the Christianisation of Britain today? Is it a helpful term ... or a hindrance?
In this special episode of Pod of the Gaps recorded live at the 2025 Cedarwood Festival, Aaron and Andy discuss these questions alongside special guest David Stretton-Downes, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
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Episode 95 - Evangelism: Overcoming Fear and Fatigue (with special guest Mark Greenwood)
Why do many Christians today lose heart for evangelism? Are we fatigued by negative responses? Are we fearful of stepping outside our comfort zone? Do we overcomplicate it by listening too much to the "wisdom" of this world?
In this special live episode recorded at Cedarwood Festival, Andy and Aaron are joined by Rev. Mark Greenwood, evangelism director for Elim Pentecostal Church, to wrestle through these questions. Mark shares some of his testimony, how it continues to inspire his approach to evangelism today, and how we can think through the challenges of evangelism on a more practical level.
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Episode 94 - Evangelism: Building Bridges or Breaking Barriers?
When it comes to evangelism, a surprising number of Christians find themselves fearful, lethargic, confused, and out of their depth. We can find it hard to make clear connections to the Gospel, or to see the light of Christian truth in relation to the everyday interests of strangers and neighbours alike.
Is this due primarily to a lack of conversational wisdom or a lack of spiritual boldness? Andy and Aaron both spoke on the different sides of this "coin" at the 2025 Cedarwood Festival. They reflect here that what may appear to be opposing perspectives can actually be complementary, challenging us to overcome cowardice whilst making the best use of our witness, ever mindful of what God can do even in the midst of our most feeble efforts.
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Episode 93 - Does the Sabbath Still Matter?
What’s so special about the Sabbath? Many modern Christians don’t quite know what to do with it, and often end up practising elements of it inconsistently—or avoiding it altogether. But whatever we do (or don’t do) will have wider consequences somewhere down the line.
Should Christians keep a day dedicated to rest “unto the Lord”? What does that look like? Where does modern Sabbath-keeping (or Sabbath avoidance) go wrong? What are the wider societal implications of Sabbath-keeping within a nation? And how can families and churches navigate the challenge of hectic, chaotic work schedules—and show the world a different way, rooted in peace and faith in the Lord?
Andy and Aaron dig into these questions, reflect on some of their recent travels (some more “Sabbath-like” than others!), and explore what a thoughtful approach to Sabbath might look like today.
And get your Pod of the Gaps mug here — https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitsCraftyCornerUK — courtesy of Andy's 12 year-old-daughter, Caitriona! Every mug bought helps keep Pod of the Gaps going :-)
An occasional podcast featuring Aaron Edwards and Andy Bannister. Each episode sees the two friends take a contemporary issue in culture and explore it from a Christian perspective.
Featuring banter, philosophy, culture, theology, bad jokes, apologetics, and more — the podcast aims to help Christians think wisely about the challenges of living in the 21st century.
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Theological and Political Disclaimer
The content of this podcast does not represent the views of any institutions, colleges, networks, churches, or secret government organisations with which we are affiliated or employed."
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