The Sunday Refill – 7 Links for Your Weekend (16/2/20)
Seven up…
1) Responding to abuse by Christian leaders – There has been a growing awareness of the dangers of spiritual abuse and abuse of power amongst those in Christian ministry throughout 2020, with a number of stories emerging that have been difficult to read and have caused many of us to reflect on our own practices and priorities. In response, Chris Green observes in this helpful piece that ‘Leadership always has to be an expression of the Fruit of the Spirit’ and not a cover for egos and bullying. His closing questions are very helpful to reflect on. You might also find it helpful to ponder the challenging Our Abusive Leaders: Do We Love God? by Matthew Mason. And Susie Leafe’s powerful closing speech at the Church of England’s General Synod this week will take just four minutes of your time, but is well worth a watch.
2) Reflecting on university evangelism in 2020 – This is a fascinating thread from Caz Dodds as she reflects on her recent experience of being involved in a university Christian Union events week – interesting to see where common questions have shifted.
3) Love Actually: Piccadilly Circus not Heathrow Airport – In the week of Valentines Day, this is a beautiful reflection from Ed Drew on a love that begins in Piccadilly Circus (or in the Godhead at least…). Give it a read – you’ll be nourished!
4) Navigating Conflict in Marriage – I’ve appreciated Christopher Ash’s books on Marriage immensely, and it’s been a blessing to hear him and his wife Carolyn share about their own marriage. Here Christopher is interviewed about navigating conflict in marriage, whether through money, sex, or kids.
5) Missionary died thinking he was a failure – I’d not come across the story of Dr. William Leslie before. In 1912, the medical missionary went to live amongst tribal people in a remote corner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After 17 years he returned to the U.S. a discouraged man, believing he failed to make an impact for Christ. He died nine years later. But he was wrong…
6) Five Habits to Practice the Presence of God at Work – I appreciated (and reviewed – here!) Justin Whitmel Earley’s book, A Common Rule, and this is a helpful snapshot of what it might look like to particularly build habits in the workplace that help us to treasure the gospel and worship God.
7) The NBA’s Secret Addiction – For something a bit different, because who doesn’t love a PBJ?!