All Interviews articles
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ArticleAnna Hawken: ‘I may have become a parent but that doesn’t change my core identity as a child of God’
Anna, what was your experience of faith as a child?
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ArticleNeil O’Boyle: As parents ‘we couldn’t hide the fact that we were flawed, but we could be authentically flawed’
Neil, diving right in, what do you think is the key thing to remember in Christian parenting?
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ArticleGemma Hunt: ‘your child doesn’t need a perfect parent - just a present one’
Gemma, what do you find difficult as a mum? I think it’s fair to say that parenting has never been a walk in the park—but wow, in this digital age, it feels like we’re facing a whole new level of challenge. Our own parents had their struggles too, of course, but now we’ve got smartphones in our pockets, social media on demand, and AI popping up in everything from homework help to shopping lists. It’s fast, it’s convenient… but if we’re honest, it’s also exhausting.
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ArticleMartin Saunders: ‘God’s grace is bigger than anyone’s parenting failures’
Yeah, I was born into a working-class family, but my parents were part of the home ownership boom in the late 70s and 80s. So, we were not wealthy but not poor either. I wasn’t brought up as a Christian, but I came into contact with a number of churches and Christian groups near where I lived, so I got to see and be around Christians a bit. When I was 14, I met an amazing school’s worker who set out the Gospel in a really clear and logical way – it really made sense to me, and I was convinced on the spot. I went up to him at the end and said “you’ve got yourself a convert”; he thought I was making fun of him!
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ArticlePaul Kerensa: Parents ‘take sleep when you can and be kind. Not every day will be easy – but that’s OK’
Welcome Paul, thanks for agreeing to share your experiences with us, can we start with you telling us a bit about yourself?
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ArticleChloe Swart: You don’t have to be a superhero parent. Just love Jesus deeply and live that out in front of your kids
Chloe, can you describe what it was like growing up in a home where your parents were so actively involved in mission?
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ArticleFaith, fun and real-life heroes: Paul Kerensa on writing for a new generation
Christian comedian and writer Paul Kerensa is best known for his work on TV shows like Miranda and Not Going Out, as well as his stand-up comedy and a range of books of adults and children. In his latest project is the Fantastically Faithful series, Paul brings to life true stories of inspiring Christians throughout history – from Harriet Tubman to Jesse Owens – in a way that’s engaging, exciting and faith-filled for children aged 7 to 11.
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ArticleDave Newton: As a parent ‘put your confidence in God - in the one who holds your child more tightly than you ever could.’
OK so I am Dave Newton. I’m an Elim Pentecostal, ordained minister, working as the National Director of Scripture Union (SU) England and Wales. My background has got two sides to it. One is youth mission and ministry – I worked for Youth for Christ (YfC) for many years and now work for SU. The second side to my work is that in-between I was the principal of Regents Theological College in Malvern and director of training for the Elim movement. Born and brought up in Merseyside I now live in Malvern which is a beautiful part of the world, married to Liz and have three children who are all adults.
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ArticleOlly Goldenberg: 'I am so grateful to be able to pass on the spiritual legacy of my parents to my children'
I was born into a non-Christian home. My Dad was a nominal Jew, raised orthodox in Sudan he moved to the UK and had long since left the synagogue behind. My Mum, a gentile, would have called herself a Christian, but this was more a matter of culture than heart submission to the Lord. More a wedding and funeral follower than a devoted disciple of Christ. That all changed when I was 4 years. Both my parents became Christians around the same time attending church became a regular part of our lives.
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IssuesQ & A: Ishmael
Ishmael has spent the last 50 years writing more than 400 songs and sharing the good news of Jesus with children. He’s authored eleven books and is now a deacon at Chichester Cathedral. Editor Ruth Jackson spoke to him about prioritising children, all-age services and clinging to God through suffering.
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IssuesQ&A: Francine Rivers
Francine Rivers is a multi-award-winning author. She spoke to Ruth Jackson about coming back to church through the influence of a child, the art of storytelling and how to cover difficult topics with young people
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IssuesQ&A: Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi
Ruth Jackson: What was your experience of God as a child?Ore Ogunbiyi: As a young kid living in England I had lots of little Christian books from my auntie and grandma. My mum would take us to a church down the road. But when I moved to ...
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IssuesQ&A: Ben Woodman
Ben Woodman was a youth pastor in Canada for ten years before joining the Alpha Youth team. He is one of the hosts for the Alpha Youth Series and heads up Alpha Youth globally. Ben spoke with editor Ruth Jackson about young people and evangelism
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IssuesQ&A: David Bennett
As a teenager David Bennett was a gay rights activist. At 19 he encountered the Holy Spirit in a gay bar. David spoke to editor Ruth Jackson about how the Church can support gay young people
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IssuesQ&A: Les Isaac
Rev Les Isaac OBE founded Ascension Trust 25 years ago, expanding from schools’ work into Street Pastors and numerous other initiatives. Deputy editor Emily Howarth, spoke to him about what he has learned over the years
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IssuesQ&A: Hannah Bourazza
Hannah Bourazza is chief safeguarding officer at youth charity XLP and heads up their mentoring project. She tragically lost her son Nathaniel to knife crime six years ago. Hannah shared of some her story with editor Ruth Jackson.
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IssuesQ&A: Guvna B
Multi-award-winning rap artist Guvna B released an album earlier this year that speaks honestly about his grief following his father’s death. Editor Ruth Jackson spoke to Guvna about faith, vulnerability and hope
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IssuesQ&A Paul Kerensa
Award-winning comedian Paul Kerensa has written for TV shows such as Miranda, Not Going Out and Top Gear. Editor Ruth Jackson spoke to him about faith, comedy and writing children’s books
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IssuesQ&A: Wayne Jacobs
Ruth Jackson spoke to former premiership footballer Wayne Jacobs about finding God, being a parent and starting One In A Million
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IssuesQ&A: Tim Chaddick
Tim Chaddick and his wife Lindsey moved to the UK from California with their three daughters to set up Reality Church London. Editor Ruth Jackson spoke to Tim about family life, church planting and evangelism
