Easter

What makes this festival so special?

• Festivals
• Text

What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘Easter’? Bunnies? Hot cross buns? Gooey creme eggs? Easter is one of the most special times in the year for Christians – and very little of it has to do with chocolate! ‘Easter’ is a season […]

The Village

A modern parable

• Life
• Text

There once lived a rich man with a heart of gold. He had seen how more and more people were struggling to afford a home, and his heart broke to see the terrible problems this was causing them. But one bright morning it occurred to him that […]

Independent Church

What is life like in an Independent Church?

• Life
• Text

‘Independent’ really means ‘non-denominational’, because it doesn’t belong to some of the older denominations like the Anglican, Methodist or Baptist church. However, lots of churches belong to larger groups like New Frontiers International, or Vineyard. Independent churches might have their own building, but a lot […]

The Free Church of Scotland

What is worship like?

• Life
• Text

The Free Church of Scotland has around 100 congregations all over Scotland and approximately 12,500 people attend worship each week. The Church is “Presbyterian”, which means that decisions are made by a board of elders who are chosen from the congregation. It is Reformed, which means […]

Believer’s Blog

My life in the Orthodox Church

• Life
• Text

“I go to an Orthodox Church. When I come into the church I make the sign of the cross because I am entering the house of God. I then go and kiss the icons and light candles by them. Icons are pictures which stand for, […]

Believer’s Blog: Living in an Unjust World

'What do justice and mercy really look like?'

• Issues
• Text

In our guest blog, our friends from the International Justice Mission offer their thoughts on the world’s biggest problems – and how they are trying to solve them. “According to the United Nations, 4 billion people worldwide live outside the protection of the law. That means their […]

Art and the Christian Faith – Catherine Stephenson

What is the relationship between art and faith? Does one come out of the other?

• Life
• Video gallery

Can faith inspire art? How can art be a reflection of your faith? What inspires art? What is the relationship between art and worship? Christian artist, Catherine Stephenson, considers these and other questions surrounding her faith and her art.

Tearfund – Christian Charity

What is Tearfund's vision and purpose?

• People
• Video

Tearfund claims that it is passionate about ending poverty and according to their website they are ‘working through local churches to unlock people’s potential and helping them to discover that the answer to poverty is within themselves. When disasters strike, we respond quickly. We won’t […]

Big Issues – homelessness

What is a Christian response to homelessness?

• Issues
• Video

Homelessness is an increasing issue in the UK with an estimated 185,000 people a year now affected. But what should a Christian response be to this ever growing social issue? One Christian charity has decided to tackle the issue head on. This film looks at […]

Big Issues – Poverty

What should be the Christian response to poverty?

• Issues
• Video

Is it right that any family goes to bed hungry? For many people around the world this is a terrible reality. Yet is there anything that can be done to help and what is the Christian response to such poverty? Do Christians have a responsibility […]

Meet a Christian

What does it mean to be an evangelist?

• Life
• Video

Evangelism is at the very heart of the Christian faith. The English word evangelism comes from the Greek word euangelion and means good news or gospel. In this film Nathan and Guvna B talk about what it means for them to be an evangelist and […]

Big Questions: What is Church?

• Issues
• Video

The question ‘What is church?’ may not seem like a big question. After all, we see them in every town and city in the country. But the Bible only ever talks about one church – the Church. So which church is The Church? And is the […]

Christian Spirituality -Prayer as an act of worship

How and why do Christians pray?

• Life
• Text

Do you know anyone who prays? Some people pray regularly but sometimes prayer isn’t something people give much throught to at all. People pray in many different ways for lots of reasons. Christians see prayer as an important part of their relationship with God, after all […]

Christian Spirituality – Growing in a relationship with God

How does meditation play a part in Christian worship?

• Life
• Text

Life can be full of noise and distractions and many people like to practice meditation as an opportunity to unwind or reflect. Perhaps one might go to a meditation class or listen to a meditation CD. Some people practise yoga or pilates which include elements of meditation to help calm and […]

Christian Spirituality – Community Worship

Why do Christians worship together?

• Life
• Text

Most people have experienced some form of community worship at some time. Whether that’s in a religious building, a prize giving ceremony, a school assembly with a thought for the day or even celebrating together at a football match. Worship means to show worth. Christians believe that […]

What is an evangelist?

Chip Kendall gives a quick summary of life as an evangelist.

• Life
• Video

The English word “evangelism” comes from the Greek word euaggelion. As a noun the word literally translated means: “gospel” or “good news.” In the verb form (euaggelizesthai), the meaning of the word changes to mean “announce” or “bring good news.” The Greek word appears fifty-five […]

Jesus

Who is Jesus?

• Jesus
• Video gallery

You could say that what Christians believe about Jesus Christ is the most important thing in the Christian faith. After all, he had a whole religion named after him! But who was he, and just why is he so special? Think about what you already […]

Work and worship – Can you connect with God through your job?

What is one Christians view of the caring profession?

• Life
• Video

As a Christian can your job be a form of worship? Can that job be a calling from God? What are the highs and lows of working as a nurse? Can your faith impact how you approach your job? Discover one Christian’s experience of being […]

Faith and the world of football

Can faith and football mix?

• Life
• Video

Linvoy Primus, a former professional footballer, began his professional career at Charlton Athletic. Linvoy then moved to Barnet and finally to Portsmouth. It was whilst at Portsmouth that Linvoy became a Christian. Watch the film to find out more about what Linvoy’s faith means to him and […]

Politics

Faith in Action

• Issues
• Video

Should Christians be involved in politics? Can a Christian be a politician and keep their integrity? How does a Christian’s faith affect their role as a Member of Parliament? Find out more when Gavin Shuker, MP, shares how his faith plays a part in the work […]

Women and the Church

How have attitudes changed?

• Issues
• Text

In Jesus’ day, the Romans occupied Israel. They treated women as inferior, so Jesus lived in a climate of hostility and prejudice against women. His attitude, treatment and teaching about women was therefore revolutionary for its time and won him enemies as well as friends. […]

Church in the Middle Ages

How did churches get their distinctive design?

• People
• Text

Going to church in the early Middle Ages was a bit like going to a football match today – people came to watch as supporters, not to join in. The priest offered mass (communion) for the people at the altar, taking the bread and wine […]

History of the Early Church

How did the Church begin?

• People
• Text

The early Christian Church began in Jerusalem and the surrounding area and grew out of the Jewish tradition. Jesus and his disciples were all Jews. The first Christians therefore did not meet in separate churches but continued to meet in the local Jewish synagogues. St […]

Church Tours

Come & see inside different types of church buildings

• Life
• Video gallery

Church buildings come in all shapes and sizes. Take a guided tour around a few church buildings belonging to different Christian denominations. What do they have in common? What makes them different? What do they have in common? What makes them different? Can you spot […]

Church Leaders

What is it like to lead a Christian community?

• Life
• Video gallery

The leaders of local churches are know by lots of different names: ‘Clergy’, ‘Vicar’, ‘Priest’, ‘Pastor’, ‘Minister’ and many other titles. The titles used generally depend on the denomination of the church and the responsibilities of the leader. Learn about the church leaders in different […]

The Independent Church

What is an Independent Church like?

• Life
• Video gallery

Woodlands Church is a thriving community based in the heart of Bristol. Woodlands is an Independent Evangelical Church. Learn more about what it’s like by watching the films here.

Church

What is church?

• Life
• Video gallery

Take a minute to think about church. What pictures do you imagine? You may think of a building you have seen in your community. It may be old or new. It may have a cross outside it to show it is a special place for […]

Emperor Constantine

How did Christianity become such an important religion in the Roman Empire?

• People
• Text

In 312 CE Constantine was about to lead his army in a battle that would change the world. The soldiers of his enemy Maxentius faced him at the Milvian Bridge outside Rome. The winner would become the Roman Emperor. Constantine was a pagan who worshipped […]

The Roman Catholic Church

What is the Catholic Church?

• Life
• Video gallery

The Roman Catholic Church is one of the oldest branches of Christianity. Take a look at the films to learn more about life in the Roman Catholic Church.

Salvation Army

What is it like to be a member of the Salvation Army?

• Life
• Text

“The Salvation Army was started by William Booth in 1865. It was known as The East London Christian Mission. In 1878 the name ‘The Salvation Army’ was first used – a picture which caught people’s imagination. This Army never fights against people but against wrong […]

Music

How do Christians use music in worship?

• Life
• Video gallery

Music has always been important in worship – whether it’s with other people or by yourself. You’ll find a lot of singing in the Bible. It talks about angels singing constantly to God to praise him. The longest book in the Bible – the book […]

Giving

What do Christians think about giving?

• Life
• Video

A good test of how much something or someone means to you is how much you are willing to give for it. You may spend a huge amount of money or effort on a gift for a special person. You may spend all your time […]

Prayer

What is Christian prayer?

• Life
• Video gallery

What kind of picture do you have when you hear the word ‘prayer’? Have you ever prayed? What did you pray about? Why did you pray? For many Christians, prayer is just the name they give to speaking to God. It includes listening and thinking, […]

Worship

How do Christians worship?

• Life
• Video gallery

What would you say is the most important thing in your life? How do you show that to other people? For some people the most important thing might be a football team. They might go to see them play regularly. They might have posters of […]

The Orthodox Church

What does an Orthodox Church look like?

• Life
• Image gallery

  Here are some images from inside an Orthodox Church. You can discover some of the worship in the Orthodox Church by watching this film.

The Methodist Church

What is life like in a Methodist Church?

• Life
• Video gallery

Methodism is the name given to the group of churches that came out of the Christian revival of the 18th century, led by the Wesley brothers, John and Charles. At first, Methodists were known as troublemakers! Nowadays the church is just as ‘respectable’ as any […]

Worship in the Free Church of Scotland

One person's experience of life in the Free Church of Scotland

• Life
• Text

This is one person’s account of their own experiences in a Free Church of Scotland: “I am part of the Free Church of Scotland. This denomination is very strong in the Western Isles of Scotland, where many of the services are in Gaelic, the traditional […]

Outreach in the Church of Scotland

How does the Church of Scotland care for the community?

• Life
• Text

Parish churches are at the heart of Scotland’s communities. They often still exist in villages or deprived urban areas where shops, banks and other institutions have disappeared. The Church delivers and supports a range of social care programmes in these and other communities through its Social […]

Resurrection evidence

What happened to Jesus' body?

• Jesus
• Video

After Jesus was crucified, his body was placed in a cave and a large rock was rolled in front of the entrance. Roman guards were ordered to stand and keep watch over it to ensure that the body wasn’t stolen. However, after three days, Christians […]

The Baptist Church

What's life in a Baptist Church like?

• Life
• Video gallery

What makes a Baptist Church different from other Christian churches is partly found in the name. Unlike some other churches the Baptist Church does not baptise infants but instead once a person has made a commitment to the Christian faith then they will be baptised […]

Church of England Worship

How is the liturgy used in the Anglican Church?

• Life
• Text

At the heart of the Church of England lies worship. Christians believe that it is through encountering God within worship that we are changed to be more like Jesus. One form of worship that is encountered in church services is liturgical worship. Liturgy simply refers to […]

The Church of England

What is life like in the Anglican Church?

• Life
• Video gallery

The Church of England – also called the Anglican Church – has a long history. Its buildings which are used for worship on Sundays can date back hundreds of years. But despite its age, there is a lot of life and activity in the church […]

Churches Together

Do Christians from different churches ever meet together?

• Life
• Text

There have always been different ideas around in the Christian Church. The Bible teaches that some things are really important – and on others we can agree to differ. Churches are united in central beliefs – for example, those in the Nicene Creed – and […]

Churches Together

How do churches work together in their communities?

• Life
• Video gallery

Why did Jesus pray that his followers  ‘may be one?’ (John 17:21). What is the importance of unity for the church? How do different Churches in our communities meet and work together in? How do they celebrate their faith and share their commitment to loving […]

The Nicene Creed

What do all Christians believe?

• Life
• Text

In AD325, the Emperor Constantine called together 120 bishops from across the Roman Empire, to agree on a statement of what all Christians believe (The Creed). The Nicene Creed is named after the place where they met. Christian churches are united by this one statement […]

Not just Sunday…

What happens in churches during the week?

• Life
• Video

Church is about more than what happens in the sanctuary on a Sunday morning. Jesus taught that his followers should love their neighbour and the local church provides a place for many Christians to serve the people in their communities during the week. Try to […]

Worship in church

What happens inside a typical church?

• Life
• Timeline

The Church in the Bible

How does the Bible describe the Church?

• Life
• Text

  The Bible used a lot of word-pictures to help early Christians understand what the Church is designed to be. Church is a body – Jesus’ body, with Jesus himself as the Head (Ephesians 1: 22-23). Bodies are made of different parts – hands, feet, […]

The Early Church

What were the very first churches like?

• Life
• Text

When the Bible talks about church, it isn’t really talking about a building. ‘Church’ is the name given to people who follow Jesus, who meet together to worship God and learn to do what God asks them to. It is the people in the building […]

Life after death

What do Christians believe happens next?

• Life
• Video gallery

Whatever people believe about life after death, a funeral can help them to cope with the loss of someone they love. Surrounded by family and friends, they can share happy memories and comfort each other. For Christians, funerals give an opportunity to gain encouragement and […]

Marriage

What is Christian marriage all about?

• Life
• Video gallery

A couple’s wedding day is often called ‘the big day’. But it represents the beginning of something much, much bigger – life together as a married couple. The Bible talks about marriage as a man and a woman becoming like one person. What this means […]

Weddings

What happens at a Christian marriage ceremony?

• Life
• Timeline

Dedication

What happens in a dedication service?

• Life
• Video

Some churches believe that being baptised is something people should decide to do when they are old enough. But they still think that welcoming children into the church is important. In these churches, you might find a ‘dedication’ or ‘thanksgiving’ service. Infant dedication is a […]

Rites of Passage

How do Christians celebrate big life changes?

• Life
• Video

What are the big ‘milestones’ you’ve experienced in your life? Maybe you can remember the first day you went to school. Maybe it was a time you moved to a new place to live. Maybe you’ve even moved country. Life is full of these big […]

What is a Christian?

• Life
• Text

Perhaps the clue to what a Christian is can be found in the name. The word ‘Christian’ is actually a nickname – it literally means ‘little Christ’. It was a nickname given to men and women in the first century who went about talking about […]

Jesus and the Christian faith

Why do Christians worship him?

• Jesus
• Text

Jesus spent 3 years meeting and teaching people. When he died he left a devoted group of a few hundred followers. Today, 2 billion people worldwide call themselves Christians. What makes Jesus so central to Christians’ lives today? For many, he is seen in the […]

Jesus today

Why do people choose to follow Jesus in the 21st century?

• Jesus
• Video gallery

It’s easy to think of Jesus as somebody who lives in history books. But Jesus is really important to Christians– not just as somebody who said and did amazing things 2000 years ago but as somebody who is a friend to them today. Most Christians […]

Jesus’ teaching

What did Jesus teach people?

• Jesus
• Video gallery

Jesus was known as Rabbi or teacher as he taught people a lot about how they should live and the decisions they should make. But what exactly did Jesus teach about: revenge? worry? prayer? giving? These films show Jesus’ core teaching on these important issues.