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disappointment

How does God speak to us in our in moments of pain and loss?

September 22, 2021September 20, 2021 by Ian Paul

Mark Bradford is the vicar at St Cuthbert’s Fulwood in Preston, and I knew him from his ordination training at the college where I taught. He has written a fascinating book, The Space Between, reflecting on how God speaks to us and shapes us in those difficult times when things are not going right or in … Continue Reading

Categories Book Reviews 6 Comments

What are the challenges and joys of leadership?

June 28, 2021June 24, 2021 by Ian Paul

Last year, Alan Wilson invited me to contribute to his Leadership Journey podcast. Alan is from Northern Ireland, and has been in pastoral ministry for many years, much of that time in Switzerland. He started interviewing leaders as part of his research for a DMin degree, and the podcast has now become a really useful … Continue Reading

Categories Life & Ministry 3 Comments

Living in the silence of Holy Saturday

May 31, 2019April 20, 2019 by Ian Paul

Today is a day when we do nothing. For those whose tradition takes them through a detailed re-enactment of the events of Passion Week, the seven days set out in the gospels (especially Mark), this day is striking in its stillness. In Catholic tradition, nothing can be celebrated, the only exception being in the case … Continue Reading

Categories Biblical Studies, Life & Ministry 9 Comments

Disappointment and God’s sovereignty

January 27, 2017January 26, 2017 by Ian Paul

I wonder if you have heard this kind of story recently. A friend of yours is perhaps happy in a particular job or ministry role, or perhaps senses a need for change. An new opportunity comes up, and something stirs in your friend. Other people sense the same, and perhaps get in touch. ‘Could this … Continue Reading

Categories Life & Ministry 11 Comments

Coping with disappointment in ministry

August 23, 2016August 19, 2016 by Ian Paul

Have you experienced disappointment in your ministry? If you even hesitate to answer ‘yes’, then I would wager that you have not been long in ministry, whether that is ordained ministry or some form of lay ministry. I say that not to sound cynical, but to be honest about the realities of ministry—but also as … Continue Reading

Categories Book Reviews, Life & Ministry 10 Comments

Disappointment and the Sovereignty of God

February 4, 2014February 4, 2014 by Ian Paul

I wonder if you have heard this kind of story recently. A friend of yours is perhaps happy in a particular job or ministry role, or perhaps senses a need for change. An new opportunity comes up, and something stirs in your friend. Other people sense the same, and perhaps get in touch. ‘Could this … Continue Reading

Categories Life & Ministry 8 Comments

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  • Winner Premier Digital Blogger of the Year - 2017
  • Winner Premier Digital Blogger of the Year - 2018
Find out more about Ian Paul

Ian Paul: theologian, author, speaker, academic consultant. Associate Senior Research Fellow, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology; Associate Minister, St Nic's, Nottingham; Managing Editor, Grove Books; member of General Synod and Archbishops' Council. Mac user; chocoholic. Tweets at @psephizo

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Gospel commentary index Lectionary Year A


My Recent Publications

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Other Publications

Publications Ian Paul has written or contributed to.

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