Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

Joe Goodchild, Assistant Lights for Christ Enabler for the Diocese, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.Joe talks about:✝️ Discovering faith as a student and learning the “why” behind belief✝️ Studying theology and church planting alongside working in the Diocese✝️ Moving out of his comfort zone✝️ His passion for discipleship✝️ What Lights for Christ means for everyday faith in the Diocese

Jonny Patton, Worship and Operations Director at St John’s Goole, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Jonny discusses:✝️ Coming to faith just before heading to university✝️ The change in church style from Northern Ireland to Chorleywood✝️ Finding his calling in worship and creativity✝️ Navigating ministry across different traditions✝️ How God has made a difference at St John’s Goole

Charlotte Roberts, Head of Education at Sheffield Cathedral, is on the podcast today talking about: ✝️ Walking the St Cuthbert’s pilgrimage solo✝️ Doing the Camino pilgrimage with Sheffield Cathedral colleagues✝️ Her pride of being born and bred in Sheffield✝️ Helping to make heritage relevant and engaging in her current role✝️ Her background in teaching

Katie Bell, CEO and Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese, is today’s guest on the Words of Grace podcast.Katie talks about:✝️ Her lifelong Yorkshire roots ✝️ What she learned from her time working with the Salvation Army✝️ Feeling called into diocesan leadership✝️ How her faith has shaped her working life✝️ Her passion for mission

Revd Dr Simon Cross, guest speaker at this year’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture, is a guest on Words of Grace today.Simon talks about:✝️ His lecture topic - ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God’✝️ Growing up in an atheist household✝️ His time in aviation as an airline pilot✝️ Ordination and his calling to the permanent diaconate✝️ The importance of not outsourcing our critical thinking to AI

"I remember thinking there is more to life than all of those material things… and his name is Jesus."Revd Nick McKee, Director of Ministry Development for the Church of England, joins us for a special Vocations Sunday episode of Words of Grace.Nick talks about:✝️ Why vocations matter more than ever✝️ How every Christian has a vocation✝️ Sharing his journey from shyness to national leadership✝️How churches can grow and flourish during vacancy when lay vocations are released ✝️How nothing is wasted by the Lord

Ben and Paul introduce this week’s episode, featuring a recording of Revd Dr Simon Cross at Sheffield Cathedral and his talk on ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God’ at this year’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture.Simon discusses in his lecture:✝️ The possible scenarios that could happen if AI advances further✝️ What AI means for our relationship with God✝️ The pros and cons of AI for the Christian faithSimon will join us as a guest on next week’s episode of Words of Grace. 

Hannah Butler, Development Manager for House of Opportunity, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.She talks about:✝️ The work the group do to prevent human trafficking and exploitation ✝️ Helping at-risk young people in Southeast Europe✝️ Her calling to Sheffield and Rotherham✝️ Coming to faith at the age of 3✝️ Being part of the worship band at The Rivers Team

The Rt Revd Dr Tim Ellis, Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and Chris Ellis, Church Buildings Officer, are on Words of Grace today for a special father and son episode.They talk about:✝️ Why Sheffield is a special place for them both✝️ Passion for ministry in deprived areas✝️ How Tim becoming a bishop felt like reconnecting with parish ministry✝️ How the idea of Church Explorers Week came about✝️ Which one of them is 99% Sheffield – according to Ancestry DNA!