The Thread, from Alpha

Latest Episodes:

Living as New Creation People with N.T. Wright Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

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.

LC25 Bonus Series: Nicky Gumbel, The Healing of the Nations Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

Clearing the Way for the Rising Generation with Shaila Visser May 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

Secularism is Having a Faith Crisis with Mark Sayers May 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

On the Ground with the Rising Generation with Jodie Lintern Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

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.

Setting your Spiritual Sails with Jon Tyson Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

Tom Holland: The centrality of Christianity in shaping the modern world. (Live from the Royal Albert Hall) Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

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.

Jennie Allen: Mental wellbeing, thriving in hardship, and playing our part together in God's unfolding story. Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

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

Maanda and Bev Tshifularo: Growing up in South Africa, lessons from business, and the challenges of political leadership. Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

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 Shutt: Navigating life with a disability, staying authentic, and embracing vulnerability. Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

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.

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