Author, speaker and activist Brian Mclaren drops in for a wide-ranging conversation with our editor Sam Hailes. The pair discuss a range of theological, political and social issues, including the environment, Trump and the relationship between grace and good works. For more information about Brian see brianmclaren.net For a free sample copy of the …

The bestselling evangelical author Philip Yancey is coming to the UK this September for a tour with The Leprosy Mission. In this interview he talks about his writing process, reading habits and why he doesn’t own a smartphone. For Yancey, recent debates among Christians over the Trump presidency are a distraction from what really matters. “I believ…

Long-time listeners of the Premier Christianity podcast will no doubt have fond memories of our former cultural commentator and all-round funny guy Martin Saunders. Well, he’s back this week with a brand new book The Man You’re Made To Be (SPCK). In this episode, Martin talks to Sam Hailes about banter, Twitter, mental health, Jesus, (not) watching…

Vicky Walker has spent years researching Christian perspectives on sex and relationships. She dropped into the Premier Christianity offices to chat to our editor Sam Hailes about the results, which are detailed in her new book Relatable. Their conversation covers everything from gender stereotypes to dating apps and singleness to robot brothels. Is…

Matt Redman drops in to the Premier Christianity offices to chat about his involvement in Thy Kingdom Come, the Archbishop of Canterbury's call for Christians to pray for their friends to come to know Christ between Ascension and Pentecost. In his chat with Sam Hailes, the worship leader also reveals which worship leaders and preachers he's most in…

What if doubt doesn't have to be the enemy of faith? Lisa Gungor and Nick Page join Sam Hailes to discuss the unexpected benefits of pulling apart and re-examining your beliefs on this week's edition of the podcast. 'Deconstructing faith' is our cover story this month and the article features a variety of voices on doubt, questioning and what happe…

The bewildered founder of 24-7 prayer, Pete Greig drops in for a chat with our editor Sam Hailes. The two discuss how to pray about Brexit, the wealth of different ways to pray and why Pete Greig believes revival has already begun in the United Kingdom. "Every single historical, theological and biblical marker - you can tick the box," he says. "We'…

When Jackie Hill Perry utters the words "I used to be a lesbian", she knows a backlash is coming. "When someone comes out saying: 'Hey, I used to be gay,' they are slaughtered, they are called bigoted," she says. In this interview, the author of Gay Girl Good God responds to her critics and shares the story of how God turned her life around. You ca…

Christians know self-control is important. But why is it so difficult? How can we train ourselves to be more disciplined and form better habits? And what's the key to keeping those New Year's Resolutions? Drew Dyck delves into all these questions (and more) in his new book Your future self will thank you: Secrets to self-control from the Bible and …

A new documentary is exploring reconciliation in Northern Ireland from the perspective of Christians who lost loved ones during The Troubles. The Kickstarter-funded Guardians of the Flame film was inspired by Lord Rabbi Sacks' words: "Religion is like fire and like fire it warms, but it also burns. We are the guardians of the flame." In this episod…

Everyone's favourite bearded worship leader chats with Sam Hailes about his new album I Know a Ghost. You can also read this interview in the forthcoming edition of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for half price herePremier

After years spent in a Pakistani prison awaiting a death sentence for the crime of blasphemy, Asia Bibi is finally free. James Mildred joins Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes to discuss this story, plus two other significant religious freedom cases which have dominated headlines in recent weeks. Plus, the writer of this month's cover story o…

The son of the world's most famous evangelist, the late Billy Graham visited Blackpool last month and saw hundreds make commitments to Christ. Premier's head of news Marcus Jones was at Franklin Graham's Festival of Hope and shares his reflections not only on the event, but on his recent interviews with this somewhat controversial leader. Plus, as …

16 months ago the popular Christian author and blogger Adrian Warnock was diagnosed with a slow growing form of blood cancer. In this candid interview, Adrian opens up about how his faith has been tested since receiving the news, what he thinks about healing and why he believes every Christian must prepare for times of suffering. Plus, the Christia…

Does the Bible teach predestination? How can we best reach out to our Muslim friends? Why does God seem so violent in the Old Testament? These are just a few of the many questions hurled at three Christian speakers in a live Q&A during Refuel Festival in the Highlands of Scotland. Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes was there and recorded the hour-lo…

On this week's show Rachel Held Evans introduces her new book on the Bible, responds to the claim she's "the most polarising woman in evangelicalism" and explains the strengths of writing as a layperson, rather than an academic. Rachel, who grew up in America's Bible Belt, believes Christians need to stop treating biblical interpretation as a "zero…

Who is Jordan B. Peterson and why is he attracting such a huge audience? Justin Brierley met the man himself and reports back on his first impressions of the Canadian psychologist who is taking the world by storm. Plus our deputy editor Megan Cornwell explains how the Pope's comments on divorce and communion are causing a stir in the Vatican. Final…

Rob Bell has gone from being a megachurch pastor to talking about Ecclesiastes in LA's comedy clubs. In one sense nothing has changed. In another sense everything has. There's a "massive world of people who are spiritually hungry", he says, "but they can't stomach the Christian packaging they've encountered around Jesus". Enter: the new Rob Bell. F…

The founder of Soul Survivor drops in this week to explain the full story behind Soul Survivor's shock announcement that their summer festivals will end after 2019. Mike goes into detail on how this decision came about and says he's confident that other Christian organisations will fill the gap and run their own future events. Commenting on the sta…

Societal attitudes to women have changed drastically in recent years. Does the Church need to change too? Editor Sam Hailes and our new deputy editor Megan Cornwell talk to Katie Harrison about her cover story 'A Woman's Place'. Plus, Rob Parsons explains why he's written his latest column on avoiding "divisive Christians". To request a FREE editio…

Sam Hailes is joined by the editor of Youth and Children's Work magazine Ruth Jackson to discuss Soul Survivor's shock announcement that their events will finish in 2019. Plus Luke and Anna Hellebronth drop in to discuss Worship Central's new project Stir A Passion. Follow YCW on Twitter @ycwmag and Worship Central @worshipcentral To request a FREE…

In this wide-ranging conversation with Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes, the much loved speaker, sociologist and author Tony Campolo argues Christians need to drop the 'evangelical' label. He also comments on the new film Leaving My Father's Faith - a documentary about how his son left Christianity. The former spiritual advisor to Bill Clin…

1 in 4 people in the UK experience a common mental health problem. But is the Church as welcoming toward those struggling with mental ill health as it should be? Speaking ahead of Mental Health Awareness week, Claire Musters gives her view. Plus, Heather Tomlinson introduces us to Identity Politics and assesses whether Christians should get involve…

Sam Hailes introduces a special edition of the Premier Christianity magazine podcast which this month features Justin Brierley’s documentary: Billy Graham: A life well lived. To request our special Billy Graham tribute edition of the magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesamplePremier

In the March edition of the Premier Christianity magazine podcast editor Sam Hailes interviews Tom Wright (aka NT Wright) about his brand new biography of Paul: Who was he? What did he look like? And what would he say to the Church today? Read Tom Wright's article for Premier Christianity magazine Find out about Tom Wright's event in London this su…

It's farewell to Justin Brierley as he reflects on his final edition of Premier Christianity mag after nearly four years at the helm. Justin, Sam and Claire also discuss the front cover feature on Christians fighting London's knife crime epidemic, whether evangelicalism can survive the era of Trump, what to do when God doesn't heal. Plus we hear fr…

Justin, Sam and Claire open up the pages of the January 2018 edition as they review highlights from the past year, hear how broadcaster Jeremy Vine lost and found his faith again, profile 3 of the UK’s fastest growing churches, and hear about Claire’s experience of spiritual practices that may help others connect with God in 2018. Subscribe at http…

It's a bumper Christmas-y edition as Sam, Claire and Justin debate the best time to put up your tree and hear from funny man Paul Kerensa about why he's written a book about Christmas traditions. Plus we look at amazing dreams that led people to Christ and hear from pastor to sceptical millennials John Mark Comer. Claire tells her personal story of…

New team member Claire Musters joins Sam and Justin on the podcast as we debate how parents should treat Halloween, ask “Is it time to pray for Revival again?” in light of Terry Virgo’s cover feature, investigate how evangelicals took over the CofE, hear about how C4’s Eden TV show turned into a living hell and hear an exclusive interview between G…

Sam and Justin open the pages of the Reformation anniversary magazine, with tons of features commemorating the idea and key players. Nick Page talks to Sam about the pros and cons of the Reformation, we look at why Bart Campolo (son of Tony) lost his faith and hear form Christy Wimber on what happens when people don’t get healed. See the full Augus…

It’s a sad goodbye to Katie as she’s off to vicar factory, but she joins the team one last time to discuss our Sep cover feature, marking the 100th anniversary of the first woman to be ordained to ministry in a UK denomination. We also revisit the Jesus People Revolution 50 years on from 1967’s Summer of Love, hear how a KGB spy became a Christian …

Sam, Katie and Justin are back to talk about the latest mag, featuring tips on how Jesus triggered his listeners’ brains, how to be brave when the world is warzone, an amazing story of a child captive in Uganda, Katie’s interview with Parliamentary chaplain Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Sam’s blog on Eugene Peterson’s U-turn on gay marriage (read it here:…

Katie and Justin bring highlights from the July mag, including Glenn Paauw’s article on how to get Christians reading their Bibles again, a rare interview with Eugen Peterson, Katie’s piece on church response to prostitution, Justin’s book and also talking about the Grenfell Tower fire. See the July edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Pa…

In this month's edition of the podcast, the team discuss the latest cover story which asks 'Should Christians be patriotic?' Justin, Sam, Malky and Katie also share their thoughts on this month's culture column about Grime music and hear from Argentinian evangelist Carlos Annacondia. All that, plus we take a closer look at Emma Scrivner's article o…

Sam and Justin bring you a selection from the May magazine and blog, including: Les Moir's feature on how UK worship music went global; the hounding of Christian political leader Tim Farron; how Christians should be involved in politics; Robert Beckford on doing black theology; and what we can learn from the Very Hungry Caterpillar when we have a m…

This month Sam, Katie & Justin are joined by elusive designer Malky and the not-so-elusive Ruth Jackson to talk about fake news, hear about Pete Portal's amazing Cape Town mission work and discuss RT Kendall's end times article. We also hear from chart topping dance DJ Moby about his Christian faith and debate Princeton Seminary's decision to resci…

This month Justin delves into why the church is split along racial lines, Katie talks about her research into why Muslim asylum seekers are converting to Christianity, we review a blog titled “Why Christians should think twice before boycotting Disney’s ‘gay Beauty and the Beast”, plus Sam interviews ‘jail-bird-glam-vicar’ Sharon Grenham-Thompson. …

The team are back to talk about the real life world of exorcism and deliverance ministry in the February edition. Ahead of Marriage Week we look at an article by former family law court judge Paul Coleridge on why marriage is always the best option for children. What are the 6 lies that modern worship music tells us? Plus we look at the life of Fre…

Happy New Year! We’ve packed a lot of good stuff into the January 2017 edition. Sam, Katie and Justin discuss the conversation we hosted between comedians Milton Jones, Sally Phillips and Paul Kerensa. We’re all a bit worried about Sam after he went to a new age fair, Joe Ogborn has an atheist friend he takes to church every Sunday and we hear how …

With Christmas approaching, Justin, Sam and Katie look at how tor refresh your church’s annual festive offerings, plus Katie surprises the team with some fake beards! There’s also some serious stuff too – Jessica Kelley’s article on how she dealt with the question raised by the death of her 4 year old son to cancer and the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoe…

Justin, Sam and Katie talk Trump as they look at Skye Jethani's article on why the US election is dividing evangelicals. Tony Campolo lays his cards on the table over Hillary Clinton and same-sex marriage. Plus Mike Pilavachi on everyday miracles, and we review Sally Phillips' BBC2 documentary 'A World Without Down's Syndrome'. Justin also sings a …

New team member Katie Stock joins Sam and Justin to look through the latest edition of the mag. U2 have turned 40 (do you feel old now?). Why we are addicted to true crime documentaries. 65% of UK Christian say they’ve experienced the supernatural and Justin hears from Eric Metaxas on his controversial support of Donald Trump. See the October editi…

Sam and Justin discuss the big Derren Brown interview in the latest edition and the former faith of the mind bending illusionist. Plus we talk about churches luring Pokemon Go gamers, the Christian Doctor who says dementia helps her to hear from God, the millennials returning to monastic life at Lambeth Palace, and what to do when your church pasto…

Stand-up Comedian Andy Kind joins Justin and Sam to talk about the latest magazine featuring Andy’s cover story on reaching Corbynistas, Alpha Males, Atheist memers and more. Plus we talk about the rumours of revival in Reading, whether you can love your neighbour while kneeing them in the face, and we hear an extract from the profile interview wit…

Justin and Sam talk about the latest magazine featuring the conversion story of TV comedy actress Sally Phillips. Plus the church plants that are reviving the Anglican church, practical tips on rediscovering family worship and 3 reasons from Justin on why God allows suffering. See the July edition at http://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2…

It’s another packed edition of the podcast as Justin and Sam leaf through the June 2016 edition of Premier Christianity magazine. They talk about the Queen’s Christian faith, why evangelists are giving out free hugs on the UK’s streets, when God takes over your church meeting, the global phenomenon of Muslims turning to Christ and Christian apologi…

Justin, Jamie and Sam leaf through the May 2016 edition of Premier Christianity magazine and talk about whether anyone bothers memorising the Bible now we have Google. Also: How to turn your commute into a God encounter and we hear from Shane Claiborne on why US evangelicals are voting for Donald Trump. See the articles at http://www.premierchristi…

Justin interviews creative director Marksteen Adamson about their collaborative artistic project The Stations for the Easter edition of the magazine. The Stations retells the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross through the images and stories of today’s refugees. Get a free copy of the magazine and see the images at www.premierchristianity.com/thes…

Jamie Cutteridge and Ruth Jackson of Premier Youthwork and Childrenswork magazines join Justin and Sam for a rowdy (mainly thanks to Jamie) edition of the podcast. Jamie talks about his Culture column for Premier Christianity magazine on Justin Bieber’s newfound Christian faith and the team debate the value of personality profiling for church minis…

Justin and Sam bring you some of the key articles from the February edition of the mag including Sam’s trip to Lebanon to find out how Christian believers there are bringing hope to Syria’s Muslim refugees. They also discuss Justin’s article on new theological ideas, including annihilationism. Read the February edition of Premier Christianity mag h…