Defence against the dark arts
Satan is real and is a clear and present danger. This is not a widely accepted truth in many churches. We ignore this to our peril. In our final part on this subject, Ian Mitchell and Andy Cornell shine a light at the art of war in the days leading up to October 31, a significant day in pagan, Wiccan, and occult traditions. … Read more
The enemy is real
Behind the costume masks and jack-o'-lanterns lurks an inconvenient truth: October can be an evil month. It begins with a build-up to Thanksgiving then gradually becomes dark in the slide towards Halloween. This essay explores the reality of the darkness, the power of the contrary spirit, and the vital need for believers to be engaged in spiritual warfare. … Read more
The horrors of Hallowe’en
Autumn can be a glorious time. We rejoice in fall colours, fresh starts, and relief from the summer’s heat. October is the peak. While the month begins with a rapid build-up to Thanksgiving, it quickly turns dark. This essay is a statement against Hallowe’en that explores the reality of the darkness in which depression and anxiety are endemic, souls are lost, and spirits are troubled, tossed about and tempted by the lies and lures of Satan. … Read more
What is a Presbyterian General Assembly?
Rev. Paul Johnston, in blue shirt, takes in the proceedings at General Assembly 2025. A (possibly radical) proposal for a fresh answer. What is a Presbyterian General Assembly. The short answer is it’s the highest … Read more
Lifting clergy burden
The Protestant Reformation, particularly in England, marked a major change in how pastoral care was done in churches. Up to that time, clergy in the Roman Catholic church focused their efforts on the sacraments: the worship service, confession, marriage, extreme unction and so forth. The priest was not the active component to such ministry, it was chiefly based on the grace bestowed by … Read more
A Sense of Urgency
What’s the church being called to do in this extraordinary time? A wide ranging conversation by believers. … Read more
Keeping it Odd
The delightful oddness of Christian theology is doped down when we get anxious about providing answers. … Read more
Fasting: Spiritual muscle for leaders at war
I can’t help but wonder if Protestantism has, in some ways, and in some quarters, become spiritually flabby. … Read more
Is the Spirit still truly with GA?
An honest look at the PCC through the eyes of confessional, orthodox Gen Z Christians. A group of us from PCC Renewal were fortunate enough to attend the PCC’s 2026 General Assembly (GA). … Read more
Dialogue, pluralism and discipleship
A challenge to repositioning the church in a post-Christendom age. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: A Presbyterian Lifestyle
Sin’s consequences are powerful, but human will can be trained and reinforced. … Read more
Jesus is our only hope
The sharp increase in the price of groceries is depressing – $25 for a can of coffee that used to be $9.99? It gives dark roast a new meaning. We live in extraordinary times – and it’s more than just inflation. The Church remains alive precisely for such a time as this. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: God, Simply
God's revelation of His perfect self provides a foundation for our knowledge about the Divine. Third of a series: (1) "Bavinck in Brief: Method as Model", (2) "Bavinck in Brief: A Presbyterian Lifestyle" Dutch theology … Read more