“For the first 200 sermons, no matter what you do, your first 200 sermons are going to be terrible.” I’ve encountered this quote from Tim Keller a good many times, and have found it to be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it’s hugely releasing to know that you’re not going to be perfect…
Tag: church
My favourite ‘celeb’ preacher: why I guarantee you can’t name him
If I asked you to name your favourite preacher, I wonder who you might choose? I would probably struggle to limit it to one. I could possibly give you a top five. There are various men and women from whom I’ve learned enormous amounts, and who have influenced different aspects of my own preaching. Some…
Returning to our First Love (Revelation 2.1–7)
“What if Jesus’ definition of thriving leaders and thriving churches is different to ours?” Last weekend I had the privilege of speaking at Thrive – a conference for the Salt and Light Advance churches of which Oxford Community Church is a part. It was a fantastic event – with powerful times of worship, great speakers, and some…
Premature eulogies and spineless tributes
There has been a recent flurry of eulogies commemorating the passing of… well, various things, including the church, Christianity, and God himself. A survey by The Times claims that three quarters of Church of England priests think Britain is no longer a Christian country, and many believe the church is on the verge of extinction….
Living Sacrifice: Four talks on Romans 12
Last week Helen and I had the privilege of speaking at a weekend away for Wheatley Community Church. It was such a fun weekend getting to know them better, and serving them. We were certainly grateful for the way they welcomed and embraced us as a family, and I also loved the opportunity for me…
Unintended consequences of failure porn
I’m seven episodes into The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and my feelings are more mixed than before. Not particularly towards the podcast itself. I have some questions about particular editorial choices in the more recent episodes, but I still feel it’s an important project, generally well-executed, and a valuable though painful listen. But…
Disciples or Devices?
I was in a meeting the other day, discussing how to rebuild community post-COVID. We were talking about how to encourage people – whether new visitors, or old-faithfuls returning to in-person services – to be an active part of the church, get involved in midweek groups, find a team to serve on, and so on….
Unwanted retronyms and the physicality of preaching
Retronym (noun). A new term created from an existing word in order to distinguish the original referent of the existing word from a later one that is the product of progress or technological development. An acoustic guitar was simply a ‘guitar’ until the electric version was created. Then a new name was needed for the…
The Spirit Filled Life: Empowered for Mission
The resurrected Jesus stood before his disciples and breathed upon them, giving them the Holy Spirit. In this talk, Liam considers the significance of this strange act, and looks at how Jesus sends us out with his message of forgiveness. Audio: Listen or download Here is a small-group practice to help you reflect on and…
The Spirit Filled Life: Not by Power or Might
The prophet Zechariah saw a strange vision of olive trees and lampstands, and heard a promise of a new temple. In this talk, Liam unpacks Zechariah’s vision and looks at what it means to build, not by might or power, but by God’s Spirit. Audio: Listen or download. Here is a small-group practice to help…
Liam Thatcher 