The Profile

Inderjit Singh Bhogal is a leading theologian and a former President of the Methodist Conference. Originally from an Indian Sikh background, he was just 11 years old when his family moved from Nairobi to the West Midlands. There were only two Sikh temples in the UK at the time, and Inderjit's nearest place of worship was a Methodist chapel. "I arrived in this chapel and was made to feel welcome," he remembers, finding the atmosphere to be "a real contrast" with school, where life was more challenging. After finding this place of belonging, he began to read the New Testament and found himself drawn to the story of Christ. "I was particularly captivated by the way he spent most of his time sitting with those who feel on the outside. I thought if that is what God is like, I want to know him more". Inderjit is now based in Sheffield. His work in interfaith relations was recognised with an OBE in the 2005 New Year’s Honours list.

For more information on Inderjit, visit his website inderjitbhogal.com

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Spurred on by her Christian faith, Baroness Caroline Cox has spent most of her political career drawing attention to the plight of persecuted people both at home and around the world. And she hasn’t been afraid to court controversy in the process. Most recently, she has argued the UK is prolonging the war in Syria and failing to acknowledge that Islamic State is far worse than the Assad regime. Previously, while president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), she was criticised for her policy of buying slaves their freedom in Sudan. Her 2009 invitation to Dutch politician Geert Wilders to screen his anti-radical-Islam film Fitna in the House of Lords led to the home secretary refusing the far-right politician’s entry into the UK. Cox described it as a blow for free speech. In this in depth interview with Premier's Justin Brierley, the founder of Humanitarian Aid and Relief Trust (HART) recounts the highs and lows of her fascinating career so far. Her work often places her in highly dangerous situations. She's observed wars, conflicts and atrocities around the world. So does Lady Cox ever feel afraid? "Yes," she responds, "I get scared stiff. But I love the phrase: 'Courage is a fear that has said its prayers.'" 

For more information on Baronness Cox, visit her website baronesscox.com

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John Stevens is the national director of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), a family of 600 local churches who are "united by the gospel and by a common purpose". In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes, John explains how he first came to Christ and how early on in his Christian life, thought he might be ordained in the Anglican church. As time went on, John came to the realisation he "wasn't an Anglican". As well as explaining the theological and doctrinal reasons for this, he also clears away some common misconceptions regarding what FIEC believes and stands for. According to John, the spiritual situation in the UK is "desperate" with "no more than 3% of the British population" being "Born-again Christians". When challenged that other statistics show 11% of the country attends church, John argues that attending church doesn't make you a Christian, and that in his view, some churches are not remaining faithful to biblical instructions on topics such as same sex relationships. Looking ahead, he says evangelical Christians need to have a greater impact outside of London and the south east, and plant more churches in deprived and multi-ethnic contexts. 

Follow John on Twitter @_JohnStevens. For more information on FIEC visit fiec.org.uk

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Some of Rachel Gardner’s first words during this one-hour conversation were a warning. “I’m going to bring plenty of sass to this interview.” She didn’t disappoint. Adjectives such as ‘bubbly’, ‘gregarious’ or ‘extroverted’ somehow feel insufficient when it comes to the president of Girls’ Brigade England & Wales. Sassy is a much better descriptor. Whether preaching, writing or campaigning, Rachel combines her determined, driven nature with dollops of grace and compassion. 

Follow Rachel on Twitter @rachelgardnerRA

You can also read this interview in the latest edition of Premier Christianity magazine. Request a free copy here.

Sarah Corbett is a professional activist, author and the founder of Craftivist Collective, a social enterprise which combines craft and activism to engage people in social justice issues "in a quiet, non-confrontational manner." The pioneer of "gentle protest" talks to Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell about how deliberate, thoughtful actions can provoke reflection and respectful conversation instead of the aggression and division which can often dominate the public sphere. 

For more information about Craftivism visit craftivist-collective.com

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We're in Scotland for this week's episiode! Sam Hailes travelled to Refuel! - a new Christian festival in the Highlands run by The Filling Station. In the first part of the show he meets Tim Cheshire, the frontman of Christian band Superhero who is now heading up The Message Trust's work in Scotland. Speaking about his passion for mission, Tim says: "It doesn't matter how bad the state of the church is here or anywhere else. The effectiveness and the power in the message of the Gospel remains absolutely the same." 

In part two, Richard Fothergill introduces The Filling Station - a new informal way of expressing the Christian faith. He also explains how God called him out of a successful career in advertising to go into church ministry and why although he was initially sceptical about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he became convinced that prophecy, words of knowledge and speaking in tongues are all gifts from God. He also reflects on his time at Holy Trinity Brompton where he watched the Alpha course grow from a local to a global phenomenon. 

For more information about The Message visit message.org.uk

For The Filling Station see thefillingstation.org.uk. For Refuel go to refuelscotland.org.uk. 

To take advantage of Premier Christianity's limited HALF PRICE subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe

We're in Scotland for this week's episiode! Sam Hailes travelled to Refuel! - a new Christian festival in the Highlands run by The Filling Station. In the first part of the show he meets Tim Cheshire, the frontman of Christian band Superhero who is now heading up The Message Trust's work in Scotland. Speaking about his passion for mission, Tim says: "It doesn't matter how bad the state of the church is here or anywhere else. The effectiveness and the power in the message of the Gospel remains absolutely the same." 

In part two, Richard Fothergill introduces The Filling Station - a new informal way of expressing the Christian faith. He also explains how God called him out of a successful career in advertising to go into church ministry and why although he was initially sceptical about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he became convinced that prophecy, words of knowledge and speaking in tongues are all gifts from God. He also reflects on his time at Holy Trinity Brompton where he watched the Alpha course grow from a local to a global phenomenon. 

For more information about The Message visit message.org.uk

For The Filling Station see thefillingstation.org.uk. For Refuel go to refuelscotland.org.uk. 

To take advantage of Premier Christianity's limited HALF PRICE subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Bazil Meade has been working in the music industry for over two decades. He is the founder and principal of the world famous London Community Gospel Choir. Under his direction and tuition some of the industry’s finest gospel and RnB singers have blossomed and found successful careers. Premier Christian Radio's John Pantry sat down with Bazil to hear more of his story. 

Follow Bazil on Twitter @BazilMeade

The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample

For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile

In 1992 John Kirkby lost virtually everything he had. Finding himself with debts of £78,000 and nowhere to turn he had hit rock bottom. But fast forward to today and the Yorkshireman's life has changed dramatically. Not only did he turn his finances around, but he met God in the process and is now the founder of the award winning debt advice charity Christians Against Poverty Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell hears the remarkable story. 

Follow John Kirkby @JohnKirkby

The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample

For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile

JLS were one of the biggest boybands of their day. The group rose to fame after reaching second place on ITV's X Factor and went on to sell over 10 million records. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, JB Gill recounts the highs and lows of his time in the band and explains how he's gone from winning BRIT awards to presenting programes about faith and farming on the BBC. The 31 year old also opens up about how, although he's always believed in God, he's found it hard to live out his faith. But now he's resolute, explaining how his Christianity is "at the centre" of his entire life and career. 

Follow JB Gill @JBGill

Read the interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Request a free copy here

For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile