Christ in pop music, the role of evangelical culture in a scandal...

... and the case for 'short term mission' trips

I was asked to give some analysis of a long-awaited report into the Mike Pilavachi scandal. He was one of the most prominent evangelicals in the UK who had founded the highly successful ‘Soul Survivor’ youth festival and a church in Watford. The findings are not very different to the conclusions of the CofE’s National Safeguarding Team investigation - that Pilavachi had repeatedly given ‘massages’ and ‘wrestled’ with young men in a way that they found uncomfortable, and that he showed controlling or manipulative behaviour. There is more detail about his response to these accusations. What I found most interesting, and new, was that the report blamed certain aspects of evangelical and charismatic church culture, such as being less formal and hierarchical, on the situation being allowed. There is more to digest, for sure, but my initial article summarises some of the report’s recommendations and analysis.

One of the interesting effects of ‘wokeism’ or the modern social justice movement on the Western church is that it has led to scepticism about going on foreign missions, especially short term mission trips. If you’re not familiar with this modern practice, it is where a group of Christians - usually from one church, and often young - travel to far-off lands - usually poorer than the sending country - and offer practical help or evangelise the people there. My article explores why short term mission has come for criticism in recent years, as well as giving some gentle challenges to these attitudes from people who think that STM is good and fruitful.

One of my favourite pastimes is pondering on the spiritual meaning of apparently secular pop songs. There are many potential lyrics to discuss, often written by people who have converted at some point in their lives, such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan or Dolly Parton, for example. The recent release by Coldplay of the track “We pray” is more obvious in its messaging, which is perhaps surprising. I wrote a quick listicle of other times the secular music scene surprised us with a Christian message.

I’ve been hard at work lately, tapping at the keyboard… as well as lots of singing, which I love. However, both have been a little restricted by ongoing attacks of Repetitive Strain Injury and now a frozen shoulder, which is an annoying combination! Especially with the infernal migraines stalking me periodically. I’m lucky to have a flexible, work-from-home job, especially when the work is so interesting and I have been given a deep faith with which I can explore the world through my writing. Thank you for your support.

Photo by Roman Lopez on Unsplash