The Profile

Although he grew up in a Christian family, Graham Tomlin hasn't always believed in God. His teenage rebellion was a little unusual. "It wasn't sex, drugs and rock and roll," he says, "it was reading Nietzsche!" In time and through the help of Christian friends who stuck by him, he came to see the version of Christianity he'd rejected was "a childish" one. Now he's the President of the UK's largest 'vicar factory' St Mellitus, a host of the popular Christian podcast GodPod and the Bishop of Kensington. What draws these things together? His calling to explain how the Christian faith makes sense of life. Speaking one year on from the Grenfell Tower disaster, Bishop Graham also reflects on how the churches he oversees sprang into action in the hours following the fire. He also urges the media to be "responsible" as the one year anniversary draws near, pointing out how many local people are still distressed by the events of 14 June 2017. 

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

Follow Bishop Graham on Twitter @gtomlin

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

Lucy Peppiatt is Principal of Westminster Theological Centre. She talk to Justin Brierley about how she came to faith, being a charismatic and a theologian and her extensive work uncovering the real meaning of what Paul wrote about women and worship in 1 Corinthians.

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

Follow Lucy on Twitter @lucepeppiatt

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

Andy Kind is best known for his work in the world of comedy. The award winning comedian has taken his stand-up shows to bars, clubs and churches across the country. But it seems that era might be drawing to a close. Explaining the reasons for his retirement from popular Christian summer festivals such as New Wine, Andy opens up about how he believes God is calling him to preach. This week's interview was conducted by Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes, who met Andy in an Eastbourne pub just hours before the comedian's stand up performance across the road at a local church. Andy would perform his stand up set that Saturday evening then preach the following morning. It's become a new pattern in his already eventful career which has seen Andy play thousands of gigs, write a number of books and even run a Christian conference centre. In opening up about past failures (and he isn't afraid to be honest, describing one project as "a big mistake"), Andy reflects on lessons learned, why Christian comedy doesn't have to be second rate and why he's "more relaxed" than ever. He even gives us an insight into what he calls his "gardening phase" and reveals the one word stand up comics can never say. 

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

Follow Andy on Twitter @andykindcomedy

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

The most prominent religious freedom defender for China, Bob Fu explains how he went from an atheist to being imprisoned for leading an underground church. After severe persecution for his Christian faith, Fu fled China to the United States and founded China Aid. The charity brings attention to China’s religious and human rights violations, while also providing legal help for Christians facing injustice. In this in depth interview, Fu shares harrowing stories of persecution demonstrating why the crackdown on Christians in the country is the worst it’s ever been. But he also shares testimonies of how the Church in China remains victorious as the Christian population continues to rapidly increase despite suppression.

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

Follow Bob Fu on Twitter @BobFu4China

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

It's a double bill on this week's show! Claire Musters talks to the well known leadership coach and popular speaker Jo Saxton ahead of her appearance at New Wine this summer. Jo has Nigerian roots but grew up in London. She explains how she faced many battles against racist attitudes and negative stereotypes and now seeks to minister to women and “build their confidence so they can be unleashed”. In part two Sam Hailes talks to the musician and singer-songwriter Tom Read. Tom spent many years working for a church in Hong Kong. He now lives in Oxford and has released a new EP titled 'Lament'. In opening up about his own mental health struggles, Tom explains why he believes we need a diverse range of worship songs to sing in church. He also reveals how he's gone through a recent process of deconstructing his faith. 

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