David Smith - Christian MP and the UK Government's envoy championing freedom of religion
The MP David Smith says that while he never wanted to be a 'pigeonholed' as a Christian neither would he ever deny how central his faith is to his work.
He's only newly been elected to the Labour seat in North Northumberland last year. His previous work included being Chief Executive with Oasis as well as senior roles in faith-based organisations such as Bible Society and Tearfund. It was work that deeply influenced his deep sense of vocation to politics.
In government he's also succeeding Fiona Bruce as the new UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief highlighting his longstanding commitment global human‐rights advocacy.
Smith grew up in the west of Scotland into a family where faith was real and meant something. It become something real to him too after the death of his father in his teens and where in the period after he says God "held him".
In this edition of The Profile he speaks to Premier Christian Radio's Esther Higham, usually found on the Inspirational Breakfast Show. She explores his upbringing, his ultimate path to politics and how he doesn't have much time for the idea that UK Christians are losing their freedom to express their faith.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Miel de Botton - talks about faith and musical healing
Miel de Botton is a Swiss-born singer-songwriter, psychologist and philanthropist.
In this podcast she describes a loving but strict upbringing along with her brother, the author Alain de Botton. As her interests grew she went onto study law at Oxford before then switching to clinical psychology in Paris, where she worked with people overcoming addiction.
Miel began her professional musical career later in life. Her debut album, Magnetic showcased her as someone with a smooth, melodic pop style. That was followed by Surrender to the Feeling. Her latest i s Love Ones, Vol a personal tribute to her family and friends.
Beyond music, de Botton is passionate about philanthropy and supports mental health, environmental, and scientific causes, including marine research initiatives with the Weizmann Institute of Science where faith and healing are a major part of her work.
On today's edition of the Profile she speaks to Gareth Crispin edits the Premier NexGen website, which helps all parts of the Church to raise faith in the next generation. Their conversation covers, faith, music, her upbringing and the journey she's taken as a parent.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Leadership Special Alan Cutting: ‘Leading for reconciliation’
Andy Peck talks to the church and community consultant about his work bringing reconciliation for people devastated by human conflict, including the people of Ukraine. What does it mean to be ‘messengers of reconciliation’? Why is a disposition of peace to be the pervasive stance of the Christian and how can we work towards this in our relationship with other churches?
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Check out the latest offers at premierchristianity.com
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Phil Knox: how male friendships can help win souls for Jesus
Phil Knox is best known for his work with the Evangelical Alliance - an organisation which represents and connects evangelical churches and people across the UK and where he serves as evangelism and missiology senior specialist.
Knox grew up in a Christian household and attended church regularly. Home was a place where Scripture was regularly referenced. On car journeys he describes his parents teaching him to memorise Bible verses before he was allowed to discuss football.
His father was a lawyer and specialised in social housing. For a time, Knox also believed he would follow in his footsteps but a stint working at Youth for Christ got him hooked on mission and on seeing "young people become Christians."
Working with his friend and colleague Gavin Calvert, CEO of the Alliance, he has written: Good News People: Hopeful evangelicals yesterday, today and tomorrow. which he describes as celebration of the UK evangelical Church.
During his research he says he discovered a Church which was 'rich', 'diverse' and full of 'life' and that any decline in nominalism - the idea that people attend church because of mindless duty - has been replaced by a people that are alive for Jesus fronted by some extraordinary Church leaders.
On this edition of The Profile he talks to Premier Christianity Editor Sam Hailes about the vital element friendship plays when sharing faith, particularly between men, a subject he has already written about in his book The Best Friends and how we need to be both braver and kinder.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Leadership Special Jim Thornton & Reiss Gillingwater: ‘Leading to engage with Gen Z’
Andy Peck talks with two men involved in Wellbeing Church, a new style of church in Hertfordshire which creates opportunities for young people to engage with Christian faith. Jim Thornton is one of the pioneer leaders and Reiss Gillingwater on the team that develops connection with Gen Z through online gaming and Football. They discuss how this fresh expressions approach came about and the leadership challenges that have arisen.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Check out the latest offers at premierchristianity.com
Find out what makes influential Christian leaders tick! Hear the faith stories of a huge range of church leaders, musicians, preachers and more, as they share how God has led and guided them through both valleys and mountain-top experiences.
The Profile brings you in-depth interviews to help you learn from the wisdom and experiences of people who have gone all-in for God.
Past guests include church leaders such as HTB’s Nicky Gumbel, the world renown DJ Moby, Bible teachers Joyce Meyer and John Mark Comer, missionary Jackie Pullinger, Gospel superstar Fred Hammond and worship leaders Martin Smith and Tim Hughes. New episodes are published every Friday, PLUS check out bonus episodes every Wednesday, where our resident leadership expert Andy Peck interviews a range of pastors, preachers and practitioners on the topic of Christian leadership.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. If you enjoy The Profile you’re sure to love Premier Christianity magazine which will help you understand the changing culture around us and what God is doing through his Church today, read for free now at premierchristianity.com.
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