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Our churches are becoming more and move diverse as the UK population does. How can we help our churches to embrace the differences this brings for the sake of the gospel? As people from different cultures and backgrounds become Christians and join our churches, or move locations and join, it can be a challenge. There are different expectations of what church should be like, or how Christians should behave, or even language we should use. But there is much to benefit from and learn from those from other cultures if we can learn to embrace one another's differences. For the sake of the church and the gospel. In this podcast, Adrian Reynolds (Associate National Director) is joined by Eben Adu (Christ Theological College) and Efrem Buckle (London City Mission) to share experiences and expertise in this area to help our churches embrace this changing diversity. About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - Churches becoming more diverse 05:59 - How to help a church embrace changing diversity 09:55 - Biblical basis for intercultural church 12:28 - Cultural differences across cultures 22:38 - Theological differences across cultures 30:55 - Small steps towards other cultures

How do you lead a church during a cost of living crisis? Why do we have church votes? Does Star Trek hold the hope for humanity? In this episode, Phil Topham (Executive Director), John Stevens (National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (Associate National Director) discuss the stories in the news from the past weeks and what lessons church leaders can learn from them. Show notes: FIEC Leaders' Conference 2026 (FIEC)Introducing Our New Director for Women’s Ministry (FIEC)Your pay, energy bills and savings: How the Budget affects you (BBC)Star Trek actor Walter Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov, dies aged 90 (BBC)Legendary Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies, aged 86 (BBC) About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - FIEC update 04:24 - The Autumn Budget 2026 09:38 - Leading a church during a cost of living crisis 17:45 - Why do we have church votes? 23:38 - Star Trek and the hope for humanity

The Pentecostal church is one of the fastest growing groups of churches in the UK. But do they all preach prosperity? Can FIEC churches partner with them? As the UK becomes more diverse, so do our churches. That includes those from a Pentecostal church background joining our churches, and Pentecostal churches starting and growing near us. It is commonly held that Pentecostals believe in health and wealth as a sign of God's love for his people, otherwise known as "the prosperity gospel". But is it fair to assume this? Either way, can FIEC churches partner with Pentecostal churches? How can they do so for the sake of the gospel? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) is joined by Eben Adu (Christ Theological College) and Efrem Buckle (London City Mission) to discuss the Pentecostal movement, the prosperity gospel, and how we can get to know Pentecostal church leaders. About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - Introduction 02:07 - Church life in a changing world 07:10 - London City Mission's intercultural journey 12:08 - The Pentecostal movement 14:50 - Pentecostal churches and the prosperity gospel 24:27 - Preaching hope for today 32:55 - The need to get to know other church leaders

How do we fix problems of our own making with integrity? How does Old Testament law apply today? Should the UK have a Christian government? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director) and John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discuss the stories in the news from the past weeks and what lessons church leaders can learn from them.

Pornography can be a struggle for those leading churches as well as those in churches. How can they flee the darkness and live in the light? In this bonus episode, Adrian Reynolds (Associate National Director) is joined by Ian Henderson (The Naked Truth Project) to talk about pornography struggles for church leaders, its impact on ministry effectiveness, and how they can move towards deliverance. About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - Porn is a struggle for church leaders too 07:44 - Godliness and ministry effectiveness 09:35 - Steps out of the darkness and into the light

Pornography is more accessible than ever, and even in churches it is being consumed on a daily basis. How can church leaders address this issue and pastorally care for those who struggle with it? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) speaks with Ian Henderson (The Naked Truth Project) about the influence and harms of porn, how it distorts God's good gift for sex, and how church leaders can address the issue and pastor those in their churches who struggle with it. Show notes The Naked Truth Project (The Naked Truth Project)Pornhub’s Annual Report (Fight the New Drug)25 Porn Addiction Statistics for 2025 (Ecare Behavioural Institute)Over Half of Practising Christians Admit They Use Pornography (Barna) About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - Introduction 02:03 - Definitions and statistics of pornography 10:45 - The harms of pornography 17:57 - The sin of porn, a distortion of sex 21:39 - Pastoring people through porn issues 30:52 - Professional help for porn strugglers 33:11 - Realism and optimism

How should we respond to stories of the abuse of women? What do Jehovah's Witnesses believe about blood? What can we learn from Manchester City FC? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director), discuss stories in the news and lessons that church leaders can learn. Show notes Leaders' Conference 2026 (FIEC)Church Planting (FIEC)What we know about Cornell University frat house rape investigation (BBC)Domestic abuse resources (FIEC)Walking with Domestic Abuse Sufferers, Helen Thorne-Allenson (The Good Book Company)The End of an Absolute: Jehovah’s Witnesses Reconsider Blood Product Transfusions (Bioethics Today)Sharing the Gospel with a Jehovah's Witness, Tony Brown (10ofThose)Manchester City guilty charges explained: Premier League's options, how appeal works, more (ESPN) About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - FIEC update 06:38 - Domestic and sexual abuse of women 18:39 - Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions 24:45 - Manchester City's 115 charges

How many evangelicals are there in the UK? Should we slow down the development of AI? Can anyone simply become independent? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) and John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discuss stories in the news and lessons we can learn for church leadership. Show notes Planters 2027 conference (FIEC)Church Planting support (FIEC)Understanding UK Evangelicals (EA UK)Anthropic boss Dario Amodei calls for AI development to slow down (BBC)A Christian’s Guide to AI (The Good Book Company)Rising Lights 2027 (Rising Lights)Social Issues Bulletin (Affinity)Village votes to leave UK over asylum housing plan (BBC)The Proclaimers - Knock It Down (Official Video) (YouTube)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - FIEC update: affiliations and church plants 09:55 - EA's Understanding UK Evangelicals survey 17:16 - Should AI development slow down? 27:28 - Piddington and independency 30:38 - The Proclaimers and honouring unsung heroes

Health and safety is an important issue for all church leaders as a way to help us care for and love one another. Health and safety is not just a box-ticking exercise, nor a necessary response to interfering authorities. A proper regard for people's well-being goes to the heart of Christian ministry. As church leaders, we should be invested in it, and glad to be - seeing it as a positive way of caring for and loving others. In this episode of In:Dependence, Becky Thomas, FIEC's Director for Church Governance, joins Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) to talk about risk, keeping people safe, and why we should all be on board. Show notes Church Policies and Templates (FIEC)Protecting People (FIEC)Risk Assessment templates (FIEC)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - The importance of keeping people safe 02:52 - Health and safety is for every church leader 09:38 - Eliminating risk? 14:30 - Re-using and refining risk assessments 18:01 - First steps towards health and safety 21:47 - Communicating health and safety to the church 25:00 - Using templates 27:46 - Help and resources for health and safety

How do we reconcile tragedy at Christian events? When is style too much over substance? Does the Antichrist walk among us? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) discuss stories in the news over the past weeks and lessons we can learn from them for church leadership. Show notes FIEC Leaders' Conference 2026 (FIEC)Rising Lights 2027 (Rising Lights)Planters conference (FIEC)Journeys conference (FIEC)Church leads tributes for man killed at festival (BBC)Burnham's PMQs debut shows the challenge of delivering new style of politics (BBC)Keir Starmer announces he is standing down as MP (BBC)JD Vance says he’s doing ‘God’s work – and if that leads to the end times, OK’ (The Guardian)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - FIEC update 06:57 - Big Church Festival tragedy 13:29 - Andy Burnham and style or substance 19:07 - Keir Starmer and moving on 23:16 - JD Vance and the end times

God who delights in those who "pour out their hearts to him" (Psalm 62:8). Explore what this means in church life at the 2026 Leaders' Conference. In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director) and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) talk about the FIEC Leaders' Conference and why we chose the theme of prayer for 2026. Show notes Dates: Monday 9 - Wednesday 11 November, 2026Tickets: £285 per person when booking before 6 OctoberFind out more and book: https://fiec.org.uk/events/leaders-conference-2026 About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - What is the FIEC Leaders' Conference? 02:48 - 2026 theme: Pour Out Your Hearts 07:00 - Seminars, marriage MOT track, drop-ins, and more 09:17 - After-event: leading a prayerful church 10:58 - How will the conference help you with prayer?

What does the PM's northern office teach us about mission? What is a gospel response to the death penalty? Does football bring happiness? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) discuss stories in the news over the past weeks. Show notes: Rising Lights 2027 (FIEC)Leaders' Conference 2026 (FIEC)Navigate Church Planting Challenges Together (cohorts) (FIEC)Behind the scenes at Number 10 as Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister (BBC)What does Manchester think of new Number 10 North? (BBC)Ruth Ellis, last woman hanged in UK, granted posthumous conditional pardon (The Guardian)Infantino tells Fifa critics to 'meditate, pray or watch football' (BBC Sport)England and France players lauded for praying together after World Cup thriller (The Independent) About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - Giving thanks for holidays 02:49 - FIEC update 09:49 - Andy Burnham, Prime Minister 16:00 - Valuing the whole UK 19:18 - Ruth Ellis' death sentence and the gospel 27:18 - The World Cup and happiness

We all value good preaching and want to encourage it in our churches. How do preachers develop and grow in this skill for the sake of the gospel? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) is joined by Colin Smith (Founder and Teaching Pastor of Open the Bible) to talk about preaching. Colin shares his preaching experiences, advice, and encouragement from 46 years of pastoral ministry in London (Enfield Town Community Church) and Chicago (The Orchard Church). Show notes Open the Bible (Open the Bible) About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - Introduction 03:59 - Developing a preaching style and strategy 12:12 - Pace in preaching 15:25 - Variety in preaching God's word 18:24 - Using commentaries when preaching 22:13 - Preaching different genres 24:38 - A weekly pattern for preaching 29:33 - Stand out sermons

Should church leaders be fearful of another "conversion therapy" ban? How can you leave your role well? What should preachers wear? In this episode, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) discuss stories in the news and what lessons we can learn for church leadership. Show notes Leaders' Conference 2026 (FIEC)Rising Lights 2027 (FIEC)Local Conference videos (FEIC)Jail time and unlimited fines planned under conversion practices ban (BBC)Ben Stokes: England captain reveals 'tough' decisions behind international retirement and why it is 'best thing' for him (Sky Sports)Angela Tilby: How clergy dress sends a message (Church Times)Pastoral Attire with Kyle McClellan (Practical Shepherding podcast)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - FIEC update 02:52 - Revisiting a ban on 'conversion therapy' 12:45 - Facing repeated opposition 19:36 - Ben Stokes and leaving badly 27:45 - What should church leaders wear?

Church leaders can be described as stewards of the mystery of God and his church. How does this description help leaders in their ministry? In this episode, Adrian Reynolds (Associate National Director) is joined by Colin Smith (Founder and Teaching Pastor of Open the Bible) to discuss the parable of the faithful manager in Luke 12:42-48. This episode was recorded at the 2026 European Leadership Forum where Colin preached from this passage. In this episode, he helps to unpack a little more of the parable and see how it applies - in both its warnings and encouragements - to leaders serving in our churches. Show notes Open the Bible (openthebible.org.uk)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders. Podcast music: Drifting by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Future Infinite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. 00:00 - Introducing Colin Smith 03:48 - Church leaders are stewards 07:29 - The parable of the faithful steward 11:03 - The temptation to be harsh 13:43 - The temptation to self-indulgence 17:00 - Stewarding your time 21:16 - Serving food at the proper time 23:49 - Stewarding in the light of the Lord's return 26:43 - Advice for faithful stewards