Is there a message in the mayhem?

Exploring the nature of God, the faithful response of Christ-followers and the future of the church in light of the COVID-19 virus crisis.

Jesus brought good news to the poor and the early church lived out his teaching - feeding widows, rescuing orphans, and helping victims of plague and famine. What is the Christian response to what we are seeing today?

The session will comprise of two 15 minute talks followed by group discussion. Joining instructions will be sent out at least 24 hours before the event. Please be aware that registration closes at 10 am on Saturday so that we have time to prepare the breakout rooms.

There is no charge for this event - we encourage you to make a donation to the HOPE worldwide COVID-19 response at https://www.hopeworldwide.org.uk/covid-19/ by selecting the 'COVID-19 International Relief' option when you donate.

HOPE worldwide will send funds raised to HOPE worldwide programmes in Africa and Asia, so that they can help bring hope to those suffering as a result of the pandemic.

See video for COVID-19 response from HOPE worldwide, Zambia.

Sat 13 June (11:00 am - 12.15 pm): How may we live differently in the future?

In what ways may followers of Christ want to live differently as a result of the pandemic? Can we perceive the Spirit prompting us to think and live differently? How does the virus change the way we think about our mission, lifestyles, social responsibilities, and our impact on the planet?

In this session, we will consider how the world is changing and what role Christians and churches play in responding to and bringing about change.

Profiles of Speakers:

Dr. Andy Boakye (BSc. Medical Biochemistry [King's College London] BA Theology, MA Biblical Studies, PhD New Testament Criticism [University of Manchester]) is a Lecturer in Religions and Theology and the author of Death and Life: Resurrection, Restoration and Rectification in Paul's Letter to the Galatians (2017). He was formerly theologian in residence for a University chaplaincy, serves as admissions officer for the Department of Religions and Theology and is chair of the Religions and Theology Research Seminar. Andy recently appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show “Beyond Belief” and the Channel 5 documentary "Crucifixion Mystery".

Prior to his career in academia, Andy spent 10 years in full-time Christian ministry working with campus, teenage, single and married ministries. He recently popularised 'Ask Andy' sessions - encouraging teenagers to ask all the thorny questions about the Christian faith.

Andy is husband to Chi and father to Aaron and Storm. When he is not researching the origins of ancient Christianity, he is often found training in the gym, cheering on Tottenham Hotspur or listening to obscure rap music. His recent podcast Euangelion: Interpreting Scripture and Life has a complete series on Galatians and is available at https://anchor.fm/andrew-boakye

Malcolm Cox is currently minister to the Watford church of Christ and part of the staff of the Thames Valley churches of Christ. His original degree was in music (BMus, Birmingham University). This has been supplemented by a diploma in Theology from the London School of Theology. After teaching in prep schools for a couple of years (with dreams of being an opera singer), God called him into ministry. He trained in the London International church of Christ before spending five years as minister to the Manchester Christian church. He has served as evangelist, teacher, worship leader and many other roles. Malcolm has travelled extensively in these islands and abroad, teaching, preaching, training and leading worship workshops.

A prolific author, podcaster and YouTuber, he focusses on the triple priorities of spiritual disciplines, effective teaching and corporate worship. His book, “An elephant’s swimming pool: a devotional guide to the gospel of John” was published in 2008. His wife of over thirty years, Penny, is a GP in London. They live in Croxley Green, near Watford and have two adult children. His spare time is taken up with reading, walking and keeping a close eye on the progress of Luton Town FC - the town of his birth. To access resources produced by Malcolm and to sign up for his weekly newsletter see https://www.malcolmcox.org/

Previous sessions:

Sat 6 June (11:00 am - 12.15 pm): How do we respond to a crisis?

How can we respond to what we’re seeing, hearing and experiencing? How can we bring hope?

In this session, we will look at what we can learn from the way the early church responded to times of trial, and consider how our prayers, gifts and resources can help bring hope.

Session Speakers:

Dr. Andy Ezeilo is a member of the Leadership team of the East Region of the London International Church of Christ and is a key member of his congregational teaching and worship ministries. His teaching interests are predominantly in the areas of Biblical interpretation and practical Christian living.

Andy has a background in science (PhD. in Neutron Scattering, Imperial College, London) and currently runs his own business. Andy has been married to Sandra for 27 years. They have two adult children.

Rob Payne is the Director of Homeless Services at HOPE worldwide with many years of teaching experience and development partnerships in education, charity and church contexts. As a former Physics teacher and Christian minister, he particularly enjoys exploring the relationship between faith, history and science.

Rob blogged about his personal experience of suffering and social isolation while undergoing treatment for Leukaemia and is very grateful to be in full remission now. He is a member of the North Region of the London International Church of Christ and is married to Katarína - they have two young children.

To read more about the work of the Homeless Services of HOPE worldwide, please visit the 'Two Step' programme website twostep.org.uk – for a recent sermon by Rob related to his work at HOPE worldwide click here: Compassion of Jesus sermon

Sat 30 May (11:00 am - 12.00 noon) Why do these things happen?

Why does suffering happen? Where is God in it? How can we grow and develop as we go through times of trial?

In this session, we will explore what key passages from the Bible say about these and other related questions – starting with the creation account. We continue by considering the ministry of Jesus, and how the writings of the apostles and prophets give us hope now and for the future as they point to the ultimate hope.

Session Speakers:

Chris Birtles has a particular interest in 'big picture' theology presenting the Bible as a single narrative. He has presented three series in recent years: God With Us , Context and Continuity, and most recently, Narrow road, Broad mind.

Chris graduated in Economics and Politics from Exeter University and became a police officer in London's West End. He was baptised in London in 1988. When he started dating Caroline in January 1990, he had little idea what a momentous year it was to be. They became part of the Thames Valley church planting, got married and celebrated Sir Alex Ferguson's first trophy as manager of Manchester United. Thirty years later Chris and Caroline are still living in Hampshire as part of the Thames Valley church in which Chris serves as a trustee. Chris works in finance and in his spare time enjoys the beautiful heathland of the Surrey/Hampshire borders on his bike.

Simon Dinning is currently completing his MSc in Biblical Studies through Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology. He also runs his own Biblical Teaching and Apologetics ministry www.thatbibleguy.org which has a special emphasis on answering the difficult questions related to God and the Bible. His recent YouTube series on the book of Isaiah has been viewed over 6,000 times.

Simon's passion is to communicate God's word clearly, and to bring the gospel to those who have yet to be convinced of its truthfulness. Simon has spoken on many occasions throughout the UK and Europe, including Belfast, Dublin, Manchester and Switzerland - he lives in Belfast, Northern Ireland and is a member of the Belfast International Church of Christ. Simon has been married to Nadine for 15 years and is a father of 4. His first degree was a BSc Hons in Physiotherapy and he worked as a Physio for several years in many clinical settings including running his own personal training/Physiotherapy business. He now works as an auditor and Clinical Coach of the government's new disability assessments. In his spare time, he loves to spend quality time with his family and to train in his home gym.

Reminder: There is no charge for this event - we encourage you to make a donation to the HOPE worldwide COVID-19 response at https://www.hopeworldwide.org.uk/covid-19/ by selecting the 'COVID-19 International Relief' option when you donate.