The Thread, from Alpha

In this episode of The Thread, Stephen Foster speaks with New Testament Scholar, thinker and theologian, N.T. Wright. This conversation centres on the resurrection of Jesus, looking at both the historical evidence supporting its truth and the significance it marks for God’s new creation on earth. Talking about being identified in Christ, the role of the Church today and the importance of imagination in the life of a follower of Christ, we hope you this episode.

Opening the Leadership Conference 2025, Nicky Gumbel makes a rallying call to the Church, to resist the spirit of the age and to embrace the Spirit of Jesus.

Drawing from Revelation 22:1-2, Nicky speaks about God’s plan to use His Church for the healing of the nations and he encourages us all to lead with integrity, courage and a Kingdom mentality as we share the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ.

In episode 4 of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada and Global Senior Vice-President of Alpha International. Shaila shares learnings from her own remarkable journey in leadership. In this conversation, Shaila and Stephen discuss what it looks like to live a truly surrendered life, why breadth of leadership requires spiritual depth, and how to clear the way for the rising generation.

In this episode of The Thread, Stephen talks with Mark Sayers on how the Church is uniquely placed to navigate today's 'grey zone' of transition and uncertainty with a steadfast hope and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

In this conversation, Stephen and Mark look at the opportunities that are awakening as secularism faces a moment of doubt, discussing the historic pattern of crisis preceding renewal and how suffering is a well-worn track in the path of a leader.

In this episode of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Jodie Lintern, student outreach pastor at St Aldates Church in Oxford. Driven by her own radical coming to faith, Jodie shares wisdom from the front row of working with the rising generation in the church today.

From the importance of authenticity, to creating a culture of feedback and the value of proximity over perfection, this conversation offers practical and hope-filled insights on what God is doing in young people today.

Welcome to The Thread! In our first episode, Stephen Foster talks with Jon Tyson, who shares his own leadership journey - from dropping out of school at 14 to leading a community of people at Church of the City New York and seeking renewal and revival in the Western church today.

In this conversation, Stephen and Jon discuss a God-centred approach to leadership, how our hunger attracts the presence of God, and some practical guidance for Christian leaders today on praying Kingdom prayers, living in reliance on the Holy Spirit and what to do when resistance gets in the way.

In this interview with Nicky Gumbel, historian, author and co-presenter of the world-famous The Rest is History podcast, Tom Holland describes his renewed interest in Christianity in the past decade. He reflects on the impact Christianity has made on history, right up to shaping the modern world and guiding how we all think – whether we call ourselves Christians, or not.

In this episode, Jennie Allen shares her personal experiences of journeying through tough times. She also outlines the hope she has for a reawakening and how we can all play our part, together.

Jennie will be speaking at Leadership Conference on 6–7 May 2024, live at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Book your place now: leadershipconference.org.uk/lc24

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About Jennie Allen:

Bible teacher, author, and the visionary behind IF:Gathering, Jennie leads a new chapter as the Founder & Visionary of Gather25, a 25-hour global prayer gathering. Driven by a deep love for God and an unyielding belief in the potential of this generation, Jennie's mission is to disciple a generation of Jesus followers to live what they believe. Jennie is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation to live what they believe. Jennie is the New York Times' best-selling author of Untangle Your Emotions, Find Your People and Get Out of Your Head. Jennie has a masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children.

Discover Jennie's books

In this episode, Maanda and Bev Tshifularo talk with Nicky Gumbel about their experiences growing up through hardship to find success at the top of the business world. Now, Maanda is an author, strategist, and founding CEO of SuperLead, and Bev works as a Digital Consultant in the banking sector.

https://www.maandatshifularo.com/

Shelbi and Jordy will be speaking live at ⁠Leadership Conference 2024⁠ over 6–7 May at the Royal Albert Hall.

This episode:

Shelbi and Jordy Shutt share their story of navigating life and faith through disability. At the age of 16, Shelbi received a shock diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy. In this conversation with Nicky Gumbel, Shelbi and Jordy give an open and honest account of their experiences and what they've learned as a couple so far on their journey. They explore the value of vulnerability, the power of forgiveness, and share insights into marriage, ministry, and how to prioritise God's presence.

Dr Johannes Hartl is a philosopher, Catholic theologian and an influential mediator between Christian spirituality, philosophy and psychology. He reaches hundreds of thousands of people through his books, lectures, and YouTube videos. In 2005, he founded the House of Prayer in Augsburg, Germany.

In this conversation with Nicky Gumbel, they discuss theocentricity, the importance of being rooted in reality, and the challenges and opportunities of reaching young people in the post-modern world.

Find more videos and resources from Johannes Hartl on his website: https://johanneshartl.org/

In the build up to Leadership Conference 2024 (6–7 May) we'll be sharing conversations with experts from various fields.

This episode:

In this conversation with Nicky Gumbel, Arthur shares his expertise and insights on the science and philosophy of happiness. He outlines the role faith plays in his understanding of purpose and fulfilment, and how Jesus' model of servant leadership gives us a framework for finding meaning and joy in everyday life. They also discuss how to make the most of the second half of life, exploring how our strengths and abilities evolve over time. Bio: Arthur Brooks is a Harvard professor, PhD social scientist, #1 bestselling author, and columnist at The Atlantic who specialises in using the highest levels of science and philosophy to provide people with actionable strategies to live their best lives. Arthur provides happiness training and professional development to businesses, academia, government, and faith communities based on cutting-edge research in social science and neuroscience, as well as philosophy and wisdom traditions.

Show notes: Build the Life You Want – Arthur Brooks

From Strength to Strength – Arthur Brooks

Leadership Conference 2024 – Book your place

⁠Take the Arthur Brooks Personality Quiz

Scott and Viktoria Harrison have been on a journey – from working as colleagues at Scott’s kitchen table, to becoming a husband-and-wife team who would revolutionise the way the non-profit sector thinks about branding, fundraising, and marketing. As co-founders of charity: water, Scott and Viktoria have helped over 15 million people gain access to clean water through over 111,000 water projects in 29 countries, work which has saved countless lives and given dignity and hope to countless more. In this interview, they share their stories of how they got here, how they reimagined the rules of how charities operate, and how much more there is yet to be done in the task of making water poverty a thing of the past.

Bio |  Scott and Viktoria Harrison are husband and wife, and co-founders of charity: water – an organisation on a mission to bring clean and safe water to every person on the planet. Scott is author of Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World. Previously Creative Director for charity: water, Viktoria now runs Mission Critical, a course platform that teaches other rising non-profits essential marketing and fundraising skills to accelerate growth.

Show Notes

• Charity: water
• Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World
• Mission Critical

Leadership Conference 2023

On 1–2 May 2023, Nicky Gumbel will be hosting the Leadership Conference from Alpha in person at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Join us to experience live worship, hear from inspiring speakers, and to connect with other global leaders. Book tickets and find out more at: leadershipconference.org.uk

Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha and Vicar of HTB in London, one of the largest Church of England churches in the UK. He is the author of many books and is married to Pippa.

https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-nicky-gumbels-call-to-the-church-in-this-unique-season

In 2009 in Iran, Maryam and Marziyeh were imprisoned and sentenced to death because of their Christian faith. Maryam and Marziyeh were born into Muslim families but converted to Christianity and began to share the Gospel with those around them. They were arrested in March 2009 after being accused of evangelism and apostasy. After 259 days in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison they were released. This is their story. 

https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-maryam-marziyeh/

The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town was born in 1960 and grew up in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. He holds a BSc, a BA(Honours) in Applied Psychology, and a MEd in Educational Psychology, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. He lectured at Wits University and was Dean of Knockando Residence at Wits College of Education (formerly Johannesburg College of Education – JCE), as well as Senior Lecturer. He is married to Lungi Manona and they have two children, Nyakallo and Paballo. He recently authored the book: Faith & Courage – Praying with Mandela.

https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-archbishop-thabo-makgoba/

Rick and Kay Warren are pastors, authors and global influencers. They founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California in 1980. Since then Saddleback has become one of the most influential churches in the United States and Rick and Kay continue to be at the forefront of the evangelical movement, encouraging churches everywhere to be a sanctuary for hope and healing.

https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-rick-kay-warren

Heidy Quah is a 26-year-old human rights activist who founded Refuge For The Refugees [RFTR], a one-stop centre that looks into advocating for the rights of refugees in Malaysia. Almost a decade into working with underserved populations, Heidy specializes in taking on highly complex human trafficking cases, as well as advising corporations on their anti-slavery and human trafficking policies. Heidy is currently an Associate Professor at Taylors Lakeside University, and a supervisor to a PHD candidate in Australia Catholic University. Heidy’s work over the past decade has seen her recognized regionally and globally, winning two notable awards – The Queen’s Young Leaders Award and the South East Asia Women Of The Future Award, marking some of the best practices in the region.

https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-heidy-quah

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. was appointed the 16th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2009. In this role, Dr. Collins oversees the work of the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world, spanning the spectrum from basic to clinical research. Dr. Collins is a physician-geneticist noted for his landmark discoveries of disease genes and his leadership of the international Human Genome Project, which culminated in April 2003 with the completion of a finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book. He served as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH from 1993-2008.

Dr. Collins is an elected member of both the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007, and received the National Medal of Science in 2009. In 2020, he was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society (UK) and was also named the 50th winner of the Templeton Prize, which celebrates scientific and spiritual curiosity.

https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-francis-collins

Rebecca served on the staff at the HTB Group for 14 years, as Head of Alpha UK, COO and Group CEO, prior to which she worked in banking, consulting and head-hunting.  Rebecca now works with charitable foundations and is the Vice-Chair of Alpha International.  She is married to Alex and they have two children.

https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-rebecca-stewart/