002 Following God into the Unknown
The African Impala is a deer-like animal that can jump to great heights, yet be contained in any zoo with just a one metre high wall. Why? Because it won't jump if it can't see where it's feet will land. That's like many of us: we won't take a leap of faith unless we know
The God of Surprises
How do you get the attention of a world that thinks it knows what Jesus is all about, when it is often only familiar with misconceptions? You do what Jesus did—you tell surprising, beguiling, captivating stories. A piece written for the #BigRead13 Lent event, with former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
Losing My Religion: Dialogue with an Ex-Christian [Podcast]
In a previous post I shared some thoughts on how to converse across the Christian-atheist divide, following my dialogue with ex-Christian Rebekah Bennetch on Premier Christian Radio's Unbelievable? program. Like all good conversations, I walked away from the interview with much to ponder. Here are three reflections I scribbled down after the recording. You can
A Basket Full of Stars: How to Communicate with Colour and Creativity
What does it take to become a colourful, creative communicator in your writing and public speaking? How do you craft a message that sparkles in the mind of your audience? In this 44 minute audio seminar I cover the 4 phases of creativity and the 6 creative elements that will help your writing and speaking
Holding onto God through the Dark Night of Doubt
If you're a person of faith who has experienced a season of doubt you'll know it can be a harrowing experience. Like your world is suddenly unstable. But can doubt ever be a good thing? In this talk I tell the stories of two men: one a Middle-Eastern God-follower in 1000BC, the other a 21
Four Questions on the Nation’s Soul
Recorded at the Mural Hall of Australia's Parliament House for the Christian Schools Australia National Policy Conference, this was my most enjoyable keynote presentation for 2009. In it I examine social trends like Mind-Body-Spirit festivals, life coaching, voluntourism, ‘secular confessionals’ and more to discern four spiritual questions asked by today’s Australians.
The Bittersweet Symphony of Life
Pain, pleasure, beauty and longing - could these and other human experiences be 'whispers' of God to us? Could God be trying to get our attention through them? I believe so and, if followed, those whispers can lead us to life's most significant discovery.