Daniel

The introduction of a bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people in England and Wales raises profound concerns for me, both ethically and theologically. Having studied medical ethics as part of my nurse training, I am deeply aware of the principles that guide medical decision-making, particularly the balance between autonomy—the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives—and beneficence—the duty to promote wellbeing and protect life. However, my professional and personal experience as a nurse, Salvation Army officer, and relative journeying with those who are dying has shown me that the practical application of these principles is fraught with complexity, especially for vulnerable individuals. Autonomy and Vulnerability Advocates for assisted dying often frame the issue as one of personal autonomy: individuals, especially those suffering from terminal illness, should have the right to choose the timing and manner of their death. This seems compellin...

Is the world drawn to the distinctiveness of the Church? Listening to The Surprising Rebirth of God  podcast, I heard this quote: “ The world is drawn to the distinctives of the Church rather than to the similarities of the Church with the world. ” The Church is at its most powerful when it offers something radically different from the world—something that cannot be found in society or any other institution. This difference speaks to the deepest needs of humanity, offering hope, transformation, and life that nothing else can provide. Society often promises fulfilment through material success, self-actualisation, or power, yet it consistently leaves people searching for more. The Church, however, offers a radically different narrative. While society may tell people to look inward for solutions, the Church points outward and upward—to the cross, to Jesus, and to the transformative power of God’s grace and embrace. The Church does not simply mirror the good things society already offe...

Go Softly: Missio Dei The Go Softly model emphasises the vital role of relationships in carrying out the mission of God, a concept known as Missio Dei . What is Missio Dei? Missio Dei , meaning “the mission of God,” is a theological concept that recognises God as the sender, initiator and sustainer of mission. This understanding shifts the focus from the Church’s activity in mission to God’s overarching purpose for the world. God’s mission encompasses the whole of creation, as He seeks reconciliation, restoration, and healing in all things (Colossians 1:19-20). The Church is called to participate in this divine mission, owned by God not by the Church, joining in with what God is already doing in the world, rather than creating mission from human effort alone. At the heart of Missio Dei is the idea that mission is relational—rooted in the very nature of God, who is a relational being. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exists in perfect, loving relationship, and this relatio...

Go Softly: How the Model Impacts Mental Health & Wellbeing   The Go Softly model offers a compassionate and relational Christian framework that can significantly support good mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the face of crises.  Here’s a reflection on how this model aligns with good mental health care: 1. Being With: The Power of Presence At the heart of mental health struggles is often a profound sense of isolation. People facing anxiety, depression, or crisis may feel unseen or misunderstood. The Go Softly  model’s first step, being with , emphasises God’s healing power of presence. To be with someone is to communicate that they are not alone in their struggle, that they matter, and that their pain is valid. This isn’t about offering solutions right away or trying to fix things; it’s about walking alongside someone, offering companionship & solidarity, and prayerful holding them before God.  Being present with someone in their mental health jou...

Go Softly: Model for the Missio Dei The  Go Softly  model has been developed to transition homelessness and other community services delivered by churches from being transactional to relational models. The model aligns with several theological principles along with Biblical underpinning that emphasise presence, relationships, and community as central to the church’s mission of declaring the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Let's explore the Go Softly  model: 1. Be With (Incarnational Theology) Incarnational theology, rooted in the life of Jesus, emphasises being present with people. Jesus' ministry was about entering into the lives of the marginalised, the broken, and the oppressed, giving them freedom and ultimate salvation. John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Jesus didn’t just visit or observe; He dwelt with people, meeting them where they were. At times it was a transactional relationship, there is nothing inherently wrong with tha...

The Power of Kind Leadership: A Lesson in Grace There was a quote on my Facebook timeline this morning: “There’s an employee out there who still thinks of you because you were kind to them. Never stop being that leader.”  Kindness—it sounds so simple, doesn’t it? And yet, in the rush of deadlines, expectations, and performance reviews, kindness can easily be crowded out by efficiency and control. After all, isn’t it easier to just tell people what to do, how to do it, and expect them to fall in line? Sure, you might get results that way. But will you have a team that’s truly behind you, one that will go the extra mile because they want to, not because they have to?  The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:1-4 about what it means to shepherd people. He calls leaders to serve—not by lording over others, but by being examples of grace, humility, and kindness. True leadership is not about domination, it’s about nurturing, guiding, and walking alongside those we are entrusted with....

Reflections on Leadership: Lessons from the Journey Leadership, especially in the complex and ever-evolving landscape of church and homelessness services, is as much about the heart as it is about strategy. As a Salvation Army officer, I’ve found that the intersection of spiritual leadership and effective management requires constant reflection, growth, and humility. The truth is, I don’t always get things right. Mistakes are part of the journey, but each misstep offers an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to better serve those entrusted to our care. While I’m far from the perfect leader, I’ve gleaned several key lessons over the years that shape how I approach my responsibilities. 1. Keep Jesus Front and Centre At the core of everything we do in The Salvation Army is Jesus. Without Jesus as the foundation, our efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, lack the spiritual depth needed to truly transform lives. This isn’t just about prayer or devotion but allowing Jesus’ compassion, g...

Homelessness Sunday: The Importance of Faith Faith groups across the United Kingdom recognise today as Homelessness Sunday.  Homelessness in the United Kingdom remains a pressing issue, affecting tens of thousands of individuals each year. Statistics from the charity Shelter reveal that more than 270,000 people, including children, are without a home on any given night, while rough sleeping continues to rise. Behind these numbers lie complex narratives of poverty, mental health struggles, addiction, and disconnection from community. While government initiatives and social services are essential, the church and faith groups offer a uniquely powerful response—one that attends to both the physical and spiritual needs of individuals. Theological Reflection: The Holistic Gospel and Homelessness From a theological perspective, Christianity offers a profound vision for the eradication of homelessness rooted in the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus teaches H...

God is Faithful In a world that constantly changes, there is one constant, one unshakeable truth: God is faithful. God’s love is unchanging, unwavering, and immovable. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Every new day is a fresh start, a new opportunity interwoven with the tender mercies of God, splashed with moments of grace. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). In a world of uncertainty, where shadows stretch and shrink, God remains steady and always faithful.  The seasons change. People change. Our circumstances, joys, and sorrows ebb and flow. Yet, through it all, God remains faithful. When life’s waves crash, God is the anchor. When storms rage, God is the calm. When we falter, God’s hand never lets go. The hymn “Great is Thy Fa...