Life Issues

[Originally broadcast the week of 23rd October 2023]

What happens when we regularly doubt ourselves, allowing our fears and insecurities to take a hold of shaping who we are? Lucinda Smith was faithfully serving as a medical missionary in Pakistan, yet felt abandoned by God. But a life changing encounter with a little girl from China was to change that.

Adopted by God is our Life Issues podcast this week.

[Originally broadcast the week of 20th November 2023]

Wellbeing, there’s a lot of talk and advice about how we should be. Thankfully, we seem to be losing the stigmas that suggests people should admit such difficulties.

But when the clouds press in, when the skies darken, when the fog seems impenetrable and the spiral seems ever downwards - How do we find the path to a brighter day? There is a new book out that offers a suggestion – 12 steps to strengthen your wellbeing in this week’s Life Issues - Brighter days?

[Originally broadcast the week of 30th October 2023]

We can often be made to feel like we have to choose between faith and science? But what if we don’t? What if science can actually prove God? Steph Bevan from God and the Big Bang joins Helen Lea for this week’s Life Issues conversation.

[Originally broadcast the week of 27th November 2023]

What role do children have in your church? So often we look at them as to be “ministered to” but what if we started to recognise, respect and nurture their giftings and ability to minister? In a world where so many young people are disengaged from the church, what difference would it make to develop children’s ministry, that is ministry by children not to them? It’s the Life Issues podcast this week with Founder of Parenting for Faith, Rachel Turner.

[Originally broadcast the week of 5th February 2024]

Do you know the value of your attention? In an age where various forms of media compete to get it, Helen Lea asks Speak Life’s Nate Morgan Locke about the rise of the “attention economy” in this week’s Life Issues.

Sport, a universal language that unites people from all walks of life. But it can also divide us. Many fans hurl abuse, referees fear for their safety and hooligans use sport to incite violence and hate.

So how do we create a more respectful and rewarding environment for everyone involved? Can Sport build hope AND teach us about the nature of God? This week's life issues, Helen Lea is joined by Joe Lowther CEO at youth charity KICK. Using sport to build hope and respect.

[Originally broadcast the week of 14th April 2024]

Millions of people globally will be heading to the polls as part of national elections in 2024. But what about the sovereignty of God and understanding his will when it comes to voting? Vicky Gibbens is joined by Danny Webster, the Director of Advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance in this week’s Life Issues: Does God care about my vote?

[Originally broadcast the week of 9th October 2023]

Can Christians influence culture, without needing to label content as "Christian”?

Can we separate faith from our creativity?

And how do you shape culture rather than let culture shape you?

Helen is joined by Norman Stone, a BAFTA and Emmy-award winning Director, who doesn't make 'Christian films' but is a Christian who makes films in this week’s Life Issues.

Are Christianity and Feminism compatible?

Why do some people feel the Bible presents a barrier rather than a boost when it comes to championing equality between the sexes?

When you look at the life of Jesus, he showed great respect to women and included them in his work - despite the prevalent culture doing the opposite. Helen Lea is joined by Author of Notes on Feminism, Lauren Windle in this week’s Life Issues - Is Jesus the original feminist?

If you check out the trending TV shows or book best seller lists you’ll quickly discover that humans are fascinated by the supernatural. Yet, those who believe in prayer and miracles are at risk of being mocked for their faith. So in this week’s Life Issues, Paul Hammond invited Dr Keith Warrington to explore the reality of the supernatural from a Christian perspective and to consider how we can confidently embrace it.