In this episode of The Word Shared, Tanya Stead sits down with Tobi Olujinmi to explore the enduring theme of joy in Christ — especially in seasons of suffering.

Drawing on her experience in the TV industry and her love of storytelling, Tobi reflects on how stories shape us, connect us, and even carry us through crisis. Together they talk about the power of Christian community, the importance of vulnerability in the church, and why hope is not naïve optimism but rooted confidence in God.

This is a conversation about honesty, endurance, and the deep joy that sustains us when life feels heavy. Tobi reminds us that suffering is real — but it is not final. Spring follows winter. Joy follows sorrow. And the joy of the Lord truly is our strength.

Listen in for encouragement, perspective, and a renewed vision of what it means to walk together in hope.

To learn more about the book, Light in the Valley of the Shadow of Death from Langham Light in the Valley of the Shadow of Death

To get a copy of the issue, What is Joy, where Tobi reads from: Issue 31 - Joy — Preach magazine - a resource for preachers and worship leaders, putting world events into a biblical context

*this episode is sponsored by Langham Publishing

In this interview Tanya Stead, editor of Preach magazine, chats with Kirsten Birkett, author of the new Hodder Bible Commentary: Proverbs.

Kirsten Birkett's commentary on Proverbs offers a fresh perspective on this timeless book of wisdom. By understanding the literary form, appreciating the interconnectedness of wisdom literature, and applying its principles thoughtfully, readers can unlock the profound insights that Proverbs has to offer. Whether for personal study or leadership guidance, Kirsten's work serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to grow in wisdom and understanding.

To get yourself a copy: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/kir...

To read this interview, and enjoy the other articles, in Preach magazine take out membership today: https://www.preachweb.org/membership

To learn more about the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust visit: https://lwpt.org.uk/

In this conversation, Charmaine Yip talks with theologian David Ford about his lifelong engagement with the Gospel of John, exploring its authorship, distinctive style, and the depth of meaning woven throughout its pages. David reflects on why John’s Gospel is so central to Christian theology, how it reveals the identity of Jesus, and how its “waves of meaning” invite us to deeper faith, worship and self-understanding.

David also introduces his new Advent resource, Meeting God in John (SPCK 2025), designed to guide individuals and groups through the Gospel during Lent and beyond, offering a way to read Scripture slowly, prayerfully and in community.

In this interview, you’ll discover:
- Why the Gospel of John is essential for Christian faith and theology
- What makes John’s Gospel different from the Synoptic Gospels
- How John reveals the identity of Jesus
- What David means by the “superabundance” of God’s love
- Why reading Scripture with others deepens understanding
- How John invites us to reflect on our own identity and desires
- How to engage with John’s Gospel during Lent and beyond

Explore More Resources

View our Bible Month resources — in-depth Bible teaching for churches and small groups
Discover David Ford’s new Advent resource, Meeting God in John — available now
Explore more Preach resources on our website — articles, workshops, webinars and preaching tools

Preach magazine is a resource of the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust, supporting those called to preach and lead worship.

In this episode, James Catford reads from one of his earlier articles published in Preach magazine, reflecting on the role of personality profiling in Christian leadership. Drawing on his own journey from initial scepticism to thoughtful engagement, James explores tools such as Myers-Briggs and the Enneagram, and how they have shaped his self-understanding and leadership practice.

As he reads and reflects, James considers how personality assessments can help leaders navigate the complexities of human relationships, strengthen communication, and foster healthier team dynamics. He also offers a careful warning against using these tools to label or limit others, instead encouraging their wise and compassionate use as aids to growth, understanding, and collaboration in ministry and beyond.

To read this article in full and explore more thoughtful writing like this, find the issue of Preach magazine or take out membership today to receive access to the magazine and our wider resources.

Preach issue 14 | Whole life Preaching | Spring 2018

Preach membership

Our website: www.lwpt.org.uk

In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, Louisa Lockwood is joined by bestselling author and theologian Philip Yancey, along with theologian and poet Carolyn Whittenall, to explore Yancey’s latest book, A Companion in Crisis (Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 2022).

The book is a modern paraphrase of John Donne’s Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, written while Donne was seriously ill during the bubonic plague of the 1600s. Yancey shares how Donne’s raw reflections on suffering, faith, illness, mortality, and trust in God feel strikingly relevant today.

Together, they discuss:

• John Donne’s life as a priest and poet during a time of plague
• Why Donne’s struggles with doubt and death still resonate today
• How faith can survive — and even deepen — in times of crisis
• The communal nature of suffering and our call to compassion
• Why ancient spiritual writings still matter in the modern world

This conversation offers hope, honesty, and depth, inviting listeners to wrestle with big questions and discover how Donne’s words can guide us through our own seasons of pain and uncertainty.

✨ Whether you’re interested in Christian faith, theology, spiritual resilience, John Donne, or finding meaning in suffering, this discussion will encourage and challenge you.

This interview is from 2022 but still offers clarity and wisdom to us today. Leave a comment or review our podcast to learn more.

To view the Bible Month resource: https://www.preachweb.org/biblemonth

In this conversation, Andy Peck and Dr. Andrew Ollerton discuss Andrew's book, God's Book: An Honest Look at the Bible's Seven Toughest Topics,* exploring challenging themes within the Bible. He emphasises the importance of context, Christ, and community in understanding these topics, while also addressing the complexities of progressive revelation, science and faith, and the emotional weight of discussing judgment and hell. Andrew encourages open dialogue and acknowledges the diversity of thought within Christianity, aiming to provide a resource that opens up discussion and understanding among readers and congregations.

To purchase God's Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399806459?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_22AEYXGH047CSG8H0ZGF

To view the resources for churches and small groups - andrewollerton.com

Takeaways

• The seven topics chosen reflect the challenges faced in contemporary culture.
• Context is crucial for understanding difficult biblical passages.
• Reading the Bible in light of Christ is essential.
• Community engagement is key to making sense of tough topics.
• Progressive revelation helps us understand the development of biblical themes.
• Personal perspectives can shift through in-depth research.
• Judgment and hell are emotionally challenging topics to address.
• Preachers should embrace a range of views on secondary issues.
• The book aims to be a resource for both individuals and congregations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tough Topics in the Bible

04:05 The Seven Toughest Topics Explored

07:53 Progressive Revelation: Understanding Biblical Context

11:25 Researching Creation and Science

13:54 Changing Perspectives Through Research

17:13 Emotional Challenges of Judgment and Hell

20:31 Navigating Certainty in Preaching

23:53 Utilizing the Book in Church Settings

The Word Shared is a podcast from the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and Preach magazine.

*This interview was sponsored by Hodder Faith.

To learn more about the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust visit - https://lwpt.org.uk/

To become a member and receive Preach magazine - https://www.preachweb.org/membership

In this Preach archival conversation, Elaine Storkey discusses her insights on the Gospel of Matthew, exploring themes such as genealogy, prophecy, social action, and the role of women in the New Testament. Elaine emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context of biblical texts and the need for greater biblical literacy in contemporary society. She also highlights the significance of women's voices in the early church and the ongoing relevance of Jesus's teachings in today's world.

Book references:

Meeting God in Matthew by Elaine Storkey (SPCK, 2022)

Women in a Patriarchal World: Twenty-five Empowering Stories from the Bible by Elaine Storkey (SPCK, 2020)

Takeaways

• Elaine Storkey emphasizes the Jewish context of Matthew's Gospel.
• The nativity story according to Matthew and the Christmas message.
• God's message is inclusive, reaching out to all backgrounds.
• Education in churches is crucial for understanding biblical texts.
• Prophecy in the Bible has deeper meanings beyond initial fulfillment.
• Social action is a natural outcome of genuine faith.
• Jesus's teachings on divorce protect vulnerable individuals.
• The Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus highlights redemption.
• Women played significant roles in the early church, as seen in Priscilla's leadership.
• Understanding the intent of biblical texts is essential for interpretation.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring 'Meeting God in Matthew'

06:53 The Significance of Genealogy in Matthew

09:59 Understanding Prophecy and Its Deeper Meanings

12:56 Social Action and the Gospel's Call

16:48 Jesus' Radical View on Marriage and Divorce

20:20 The Samaritan Woman: A Case Study in Redemption

25:12 Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles

31:09 Women in the Early Church and Paul's Teachings

In this episode of The Word Shared, Tanya Stead and Mark Woods discuss the importance of vulnerability in preaching. They explore how personal stories can enhance sermons but also highlight the risks involved in sharing personal experiences. Mark shares insights from his own ministry, emphasizing the need for preachers to connect with their congregations while maintaining a focus on God. The conversation culminates in reflections on the nature of sermons and the impact they can have on listeners.

Key takeaways

• Vulnerability in preaching can create deeper connections.
• Personal stories should point beyond the preacher to God.
• Sermons are fundamentally about God, not the preacher.
• Careful consideration is needed when sharing personal experiences.
• Illustrations in sermons should illuminate biblical truths.
• Preachers must balance personal experiences with congregational needs.
• Humility is essential when addressing real human situations.
• All sermons have value, even if they don't resonate with everyone.
• The heart of preaching is about connecting with the audience.
• Every sermon is an opportunity for God to speak through the preacher.

If you'd like to purchase the issue of Preach magazine that Mark has read from, then please visit www.preachweb.com/issues and choose Vulnerability in Preaching (Issue 15)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Personal Stories in Ministry

04:25 Vulnerability in Preaching

19:14 Bible Month Philippians

20:39 Reflections on vulnerably sharing stories

AD: Pre-order your copy of Bible Month Philippians from our website: Bible Month Philippians