Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Are social media platforms the new pulpits?  And is evangelism now a competition for the most 'likes'?

Pastor and author Mark Sayers has observed a rise in performance-based ministry, and urges Christians – from everyday believers to senior pastors – to step off our own pedestals and instead serve as pillars of Christ's church. 

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Explore the controversies surrounding a changing church with the first female head of the Anglican Communion; & concerns around consumer credit traps -

Maxim researcher Maryanne Spurdle explains why they're concerned about Afterpay allowing customers to buy essential goods with no payment upfront;
The Hope Project's Dave Mann (alltogether.co.nz) takes us back to basics with a refresher about the two-fold mission of evangelism & discipleship;
And is it the Anglican Communion or the Anglican division? Public theologian Dr Craig Heilmann reflects on the potential impact of Dame Sarah Mullally's appointment as leader of the worldwide Anglican church. 

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Dive into three encouraging discussions about spirituality and mental health, faithfulness and pain, as Andrew Urquhart marks Mental Health Awareness Week with a special episode looking at how we're doing as a nation, in community and in our homes. 

Minister of Health Matt Doocey says we have made progress in terms of raising awareness & reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions, but is there more to be done in workplace and public health policy, as well as encouraging agency in individuals' mental well-being;

Rev. Dr Maja Whitaker challenges churches to better support Christians who are facing mental health diagnoses, instead of judging or dismissing the issue;

And leadership coach John Peachey shares the importance of journeying with friends & family who are struggling with invisible pain and unspoken trauma.

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Join Andrew Urquhart to reflect on the second anniversary of the October 7th terror attacks against Israel; the anatomy of an age-old conflict, and the political complexities as the world charts a path to peace. With special guests, Israeli ambassador His Excellency Mr Alon Roth-Snir, Rev. Dr Stuart Lange, & Emeritus Professor Jonathan Boston. 

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In today's episode Andrew Urquhart & guests take a look at what the week holds for Kiwis:

Andy Milne from Christian Savings takes the pulse of the economy with a round-up of market indicators ahead of this week's OCR announcement;

Stephanie Martin updates us on the Free Speech Union's submission to the Education and Workforce Committee regarding young New Zealanders' exposure to online harms;

And as voting draws to a close this week, Tash McGill brings some incisive analysis to what's at stake in this year's local body elections, urging Kiwis to vote where it matters.

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If you don’t like the idea of getting old, how about the alternative… Death!

On this episode Andrew Urquhart talks with Bonnie Robinson, about the challenges and joys of aging well, and how to care for Older people in our communities.

Frank Ritchie comments of the passing of TV personality Nigel Latta and the collective grief of saying goodbye to someone loved by many.

Lynne Taylor looks at grief from a Spiritual and more personal perspective, and shows how we can best support ourselves and others through this process.

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Join Andrew Urquhart and guests in reviewing New Zealand's blaze of independence regarding Palestinian statehood, and the prospects of an American-brokered peace deal.  With Professor of International Relations Dr Robert Patman, public theologian Dr Craig Heilmann, and award-winning former journalist Tim Wilson of the Maxim Institute. 

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On the International Day of the Older Person, Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart presents a special feature about being Christ to the elderly.  

Rev. Ben Boland shares his first-hand experience of caring for people with dementia, and the importance of including them in community worship. 

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Andrew Urquhart looks at how our rights are bound by responsibility - from freedom of speech in Kiwi classrooms, to freedom of religion at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and how evangelism may have to adapt.

The Free Speech Union's Jillaine Heather responds to allegations of rising 'student extremism' in New Zealand schools (fsu.nz);

John Peachey warns we may need to modify Christian counsel as western societies arm themselves with hate speech laws (thethinkfarm.org);

And updates on religious extremism in the mission fields of Eurasia, with Stephanie Johnston (Barnabasaid.org/nz). 

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Dive deep into thought-provoking conversations about how we see ourselves, and others.

The Salvation Army's Ana Ika challenges us to rethink and reassess our definition of poverty, as growing numbers of waged households seek support;

Barry Raeburn of Mission Without Borders reports on levels of elder distress and poverty in some eastern Europe mission fields;

And mental health coach and public speaker Julia Grace flags the importance of resilience and acknowledging God's provision, in order to extend that grace to others.

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