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The art of listening
We have an Alpha course running in Redeemer at the moment, and it has been a big learning curve for all of us involved. This is the first time I have been involved in Alpha, and I am finding huge value in going back to the very basics of Christian faith, talking them through, asking questions, and hopefully finding some answers along the way.
Tags: Alpha, communication, Made me think, Prayer
The Shaw Street Redemption
Well, what can I tell you about Shaw Street? We moved here nearly two years ago while I was heavily pregnant with my son, Teddy. It’s just a regular terraced street in East Belfast with its own wee unspoken rules such as cars on the left can park mounted on the pavement but cars on the right park on the road. We were never told this rule but it seemed like this was how it was done, so we just followed suit. Another unspoken rule seemed to be that (apart from Shanti and Garth who invited us into their home for a yummy meal) no-one spoke to you, you kept your head down and didn’t make eye contact and that suited everyone just fine. Again, we were never told this but it seemed like this was how it was done, so we just followed suit… for a while.
Tags: communication
Meaningful engagement with random strangers
I popped into Tesco on a Sunday afternoon a couple of weeks ago to pick up a few bits and pieces, and I had a pleasant, but ultimately unfulfilled experience. I was strolling along with my little trolley, taking my sweet time, stocking up with fruit and veg, and balancing it out with a healthy helping of cheese and wine. Nothing too unusual about that. But there I was, strolling along in my own little world, thinking about the price of tomatoes, when I spotted this other shopper. A male shopper. A handsome male shopper. A handsome male shopper without a wedding band. No trolley; he was carrying a basket. Hmmm. Shopping for one. Interesting.
Tags: communication, Community, Life, Relationship
Accosted by Christians
So, this is a narrative, kind of, about something that actually happened to me, but I couldn’t just tell it. I think I might turn this into a short play, but I secretly hate having things be about me. I feel like it’s self centered...anyway, here goes... Upon entering a street in central Belfast I see 2 men with a small table with what appears to be books on it. My first thought is are they JW’s?, second thought are they Mormon’s?, third thought are they Christians? I had seen their counterparts before, 2 women, long skirts, same table, same books. I kept walking. I had things to do. My thoughts got the better of me...
Tags: Christianity, communication, Identity
Tags: Christianity, Church, Church planting, CityGroup, communication, Community
Every leader should watch this
An orchestra conductor faces the ultimate leadership challenge: creating perfect harmony without saying a word. In this charming talk, Itay Talgam demonstrates the unique styles of six great 20th-century conductors, illustrating crucial lessons for all leaders.
Tags: communication, Conferences, Leadership, Made me think, Music, Preaching, Teaching
Redeemer online: get connected
The world is now a very connected place and much of that is due to a small phenomenon that snotty nosed geeks refer to as the ‘interwebs’ or what Peter Kay calls “t’internet’’- you may have heard of it. The Internet which launched in 1995 is starting to grow up thanks to a social networking revolution and we at Redeemer are big fans. Our desire is to be connected to as many people as we can and use these technologies to share the Gospel of Jesus.