Search results for: 'mark and'

What Is the True Mark of Christian Discipleship?

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, reflects on the Emmaus story and why sharing the good news of Jesus lies at the heart of authentic Christian ...
  • 11 Nov 2018

Rev Dr Mark Davidson's reflections on Remembrance Sunday

Rev Dr Mark Davidson, author of War Cries, is on our blog today for Remembrance ...

Terry Waite on prison reform and rehabilitation - part 1

Terry Waite is an Anglican humanitarian and author. In the 1980s, he worked as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy, travelling to the Middle East and negotiating the release of hostages, when he himself was taken as a hostage. Since his release from captivity he has worked extensively with prisoners and is a supporter of SPCK’s ...

Michael Cassidy - My Life and Times: Part 2

This is part 2/2 of this blog post. Part 1 can be found here. We are very committed, like SPCK, to reach people and disciple them by books and Christian literature.  ...

Mark Oakley on Greenbelt Festival and the Poet George Herbert

We catch up with Mark Oakley to find out more about his appearance at Greenbelt Festival. We also hear about his admiration for two great poets, one of which he reflects upon in his upcoming book, My Sour-Sweet ...

Church Communications and the 'four Ms'

What are church communications? and why is it important that churches adapt their communications to their own culture and context? In this extract from Mark Crosby's So Everyone Can Hear he explains the importance of the communication process and why the 'four Ms' provide the basis for the 'what' and 'why' of church ...

Black History Month and Extraordinary Saints

Black History Month allows us to take time to consider the individuals who have been relegated not just to the side-lines of history but forgotten through the ages. Sharon Prentis, Intercultural Mission Enabler and Dean of BAME Affairs for the Church of England in Birmingham tells us that whilst there has been a marked improvement in acknowledging ...

Rage and Hope Webinar 10th March 2021

Join the three past leaders of Christian Aid in conversation with current CEO Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, as they look back on the past 30 years of fighting poverty around the ...

SPCK Group and Wiley: New Distribution Announcement

SPCK Group is pleased to announce a consolidation in its distribution arrangements. ...

SPCK and Lexham Press announce UK partnership

SPCK is pleased to announce that it will become the sole sales and distribution partner for Lexham Press in the UK and the European Union (EU). Lexham Press titles will be available from Wiley Distribution Services from 15th January ...

Made to Rise Event - Exploring mental health and transformational faith

Register for our Made to Rise free event on September 22nd where we will discuss mental health and transformational faith with SPCK authors Pastor Mick Fleming, John-Paul Flintoff and ...

SPCK Group Wins Christian Book of the Year and Autobiography of the Year at the CRT Awards 2025

SPCK Group is celebrating a double win at the CRT Awards 2025. Read the full story behind our award-winning books, Discovering Christianity and The Girl from Montego ...

Miss, What Does Unprecedented Mean?

The pandemic has doubled if not tripled the workload and the angst for teachers. Some colleagues I know are physically in the classroom, teaching surprisingly-large numbers of pupils while streaming those lessons live to pupils at home. Fran Hill, author of Miss, What Does Incomprehensible Mean? tells us what teaching in a pandemic ...

Why the title 'Irrepressible'?

"These twelve principles mean a lot to me and have formed so much of my thinking over recent years. I hope they will give other people some practical handholds and a good dollop of hope". Cathy Madavan, speaker and author of Irrepressible: 12 principles for a courageous, resilient and fulfilling life tells us why she wrote the book, why ...

SPCK Authors at New Wine United 23 26-30 July

Join SPCK Authors Cathy Madavan, John McGinley, Malcolm MacDonald, Bishop Emma Ineson, and Paul Harcourt at New Wine United 23. ...

Bible Sales Surge Among Gen Z: SPCK's Role In The Growing Demand

Gen Z is driving a surge in Bible sales, seeking meaning, mental well-being, and faith through Scripture like never ...

A New Editor for Theology Journal

SPCK announces the appointment of George Pattison as the new editor of Theology journal, ushering in a new chapter for one of the world's leading platforms for accessible, peer-reviewed Christian ...

SPCK Group Celebrates 50 Years at Frankfurt Book Fair

SPCK Group celebrates 50 years at the Frankfurt Book Fair, honouring our enduring legacy of faith, innovation, and commitment to connecting readers ...

Dame Sarah Mullally Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury

SPCK celebrates Dame Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, and her inspiring Advent and Lent ...

10 SPCK Books That Defined 2024

Let's celebrate ten SPCK Books of 2024! A Year of Faith and ...
  • 17 Jan 2018

Five Questions about Paul with Tom Wright

Ahead of the release of Paul: The Biography, we sat down with Tom Wright and asked him some questions about his latest book - engaging with what he's really trying to do in this new study of the life of the Apostle ...
  • 10 Jun 2018

God’s Story – why it’s bigger than our personal narrative

‘So, what’s your story?’ I love asking that question.  We use stories to find meaning and purpose. The way we respond to that question reveals something of the story we are living with our lives. In a moment, we choose where our story begins and quickly edit the headlines into an ...
  • 8 Oct 2018

Christian publishing – in Italy, Lebanon, Burkina Faso

SPCK Editor Tony Collins is on our blog discussing international publishing.  It’s all too easy to assume that the twin focal points of Christian publishing, America and Britain, define what is happening worldwide in Christian books. Look a little closer, and you would be amazed at the diversity, energy, and enthusiasm of publishers and ...
  • 20 Jun 2018

6 Questions for Alan Mordue

Continuing on with Independent Bookshop Week, we chatted with our sales director Alan Mordue about unexpectedly successful books, sales conferences, and his favourite part of being a sales ...
  • 25 Jun 2018

5 Questions for Tim Stead

After the phenomenal success of his book Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality, Tim Stead follows up with See Love Be. We chatted to him about his new ...
  • 3 Jul 2018

When doodles become designs -- illustrations for Out of the Silence by Terry Waite

Terry Waite’s Out of the Silence was illustrated by his friend Jenny Coles. One simple drawing led to her drawing all of the pictures in his book. Here, she discusses how that evolved and what the process was ...
  • 6 Aug 2018

5 Questions for Rebecca Parkinson

Rebecca Parkinson is the editor for SPCK’s Assemblies website. This site gives instant access to high-quality school assemblies for teachers and others leading collective worship. It is used by millions of people each year.  Rebecca lives in Lancashire with her husband and their two children. Since graduating from Nottingham and ...
  • 10 Aug 2018

Living a Heroic Life

Summer is often the time we wish for throughout the year and, if especially if you have kids, can’t wait to get away for some rest and relaxation. How do you spend your summers? Do you use it to jet off to the beach? Maybe you spend time at home with family and a barbeque. Maybe you take your children on an adventure. Before the summer comes ...
  • 6 Sept 2018

National Read A Book Day

6 September is National Read A Book Day. Richard Harries, author of Haunted by Christ, blogs for us about the importance of reading and the effect that literature can have on our perspective, how we see ourselves and the ...
  • 21 Sept 2018

International Day of Peace - Sean Stillman finds peace on the road

For International Day of Peace, Sean Stillman ...
  • 21 Sept 2018

National Doodle Day - A Chat with Thea Baker

On National Doodle Day, we chat with Thea Baker, who illustrated The Shepherd Who Couldn’t Sing by Alan Barker, about her work as an ...
  • 5 Oct 2018

SPCK Assemblies are perfect for teachers on World Teachers' Day

SPCK Assemblies are a great resource for teachers to use with their students. We chatted with Rebecca Parkinson about the assemblies she's been working on. Happy ...
  • 12 Oct 2018

6 Questions for John Bowker

We chatted with John Bowker recently about his new book Religion Hurts, which publishes 18 ...
  • 8 Nov 2018

World Quality Day: what makes a good business?

SPCK Fundraising Assistant Catriona Brickel reflects on the values of SPCK as a company. On World Quality Day, she considers the core beliefs and principles of a good ...
  • 6 Dec 2018

A Very Brief History of SPCK’s Charitable Work

Our Fundraising Assistant Catriona Brickel reflects on the values that led to the creation of SPCK, and how those values are still what drive us today.    ...
  • 10 Dec 2018

You Didn’t Tell Me I Had To Do Something!

Sean Stillman, author of God’s Biker, shares his thoughts for Human Rights ...
  • 7 Dec 2018

Is my gift enough?

SPCK’s Fundraising Assistant Catriona Brickel blogs about generosity. It benefits everyone ...
  • 18 Dec 2018

Ruth Clemence's thoughts for International Migrants' Day

Blogger Ruth Clemence shares a review of They Called Us ...
  • 21 Dec 2018

Q&A with Janet Morley

Janet Morley, author of Haphazard by Starlight, is on our blog today chatting writing and Christmas ...
  • 2 Jan 2019

Building resilience: boundaries not barriers

How can we become more resilient? Justine Allain Chapman considers the importance of establishing and maintaining healthy ...
  • 4 Jan 2019

Jonathan Sandys: The Man Who Could Call Churchill ‘Great-Grandpapa’

Jonathan Sandys, co-author of God and Churchill, passed away of chronic lung disease on 29 December 2018.  His co-author Wallace Henley had some very kind words to ...
  • 17 Jan 2019

Do love. Don't judge.

We ran a poll on Twitter asking what our readers wanted to see more of on our blog. The overwhelming majority asked for content based around our memoirs and biographies. Sean Stillman, author of God’s Biker, was the perfect person to ask to ...
  • 28 Jan 2019

Ruining the Moment

James Cary, author of The Sacred Art of Joking, blogs for us during Storytelling ...
  • 5 Feb 2019

Brave New Year

Andrew Adam, author of Thomas Cochrane and the Dragon Throne, blogs for us about the Chinese New ...
  • 13 Feb 2019

Struggling to find space? Follow Jesus into the desert.

The desert is a vast and beautiful. The colours of the sky and the sand and the piercing blue against the reds and the yellow, are intense. A few years ago, on an 8 days retreat in the Egyptian desert, three days of which were solitary and fasting, I was struck by the space and sheer beauty of the desert. It was a struggle to get away, with four ...

How can Christians make a difference?

Today, we're reflecting on an extract from Rowan Williams' Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian life.  How can Christians make a difference and how can we work together for the 'common good' in society? ...

Leading - The Millennial Way

Enjoy an excerpt and photos of the book launch from Simon Barrington's and Rachel Luetchford's new book Leading - The Millennial Way! Get your copy ...

Natural Holy Places: Britain's Top 10

Nick Mayhew-Smith, author of The Naked Hermit, rounds up a five-year journey into the wild sacred spaces of Britain with a top 10 list of the most enchanting holy ...

Mindfulness, Spirituality & Mental Health Awareness Week

Tim Stead, former Vicar, mindfulness teacher and author of See, Love, Be – Mindfulness and the spiritual life writes for Mental Health Awareness ...

Working with Richard Rohr

In his decades as a globally recognized teacher and Franciscan priest, Richard Rohr has helped millions understand and engage with matters of faith and spirituality. Alison Barr, Commissioning Editor and Publisher at SPCK tells us what it's like working with such an internationally renowned ...

Converting to Orthodoxy

Martin Dudley was a prominent Anglican priest at St Bartholomew's in the heart of the City of London. In March 2018 he was received into the Orthodox Church. Martin's upcoming book Being Orthodox is an accessible guide for those who seek to become or live as Orthodox Christians. In this blog post you will find out when and why he made the move to ...

Christian Summer Festivals

Three of the top Christian Summer Festivals to look out for this Summer, many of which are featuring SPCK authors. Find out more in the following blog ...

New for September 2019

6 New books for September 2019. From autobiographies to anthologies there's something for everyone, so grab a hot drink and embrace the benefits of hygge with a new read for Autumn ...

New for October 2019

With a chill in the air it's evident that Autumn has arrived so why not snuggle up with a new book this month. October sees the release of a great selection of books. New publications include The Very Brief History of John Henry Newman and the third children's book by Paul Kerensa, Joe's Bros and the Bus that Goes. Learn more about new books for ...

What can we learn from our animal friends? Meet Danny, the Irish Setter

All over the world, everywhere, humans and animals form great bonds that give them both another kind of gift of life. This is one of the reasons why Joan Chittister wrote the book, Two Dogs and a Parrot. For World Animal Day we're sharing an extract from the book where we meet Danny, the unruly Irish ...

How true friendship breaks down the stigma of mental illness

Thursday 10th October is World Mental Health Day, a day to help raise awareness and encourage open conversation. This year's theme is suicide prevention. Rachael Newman was aged just six when she had her first suicidal thought. In her book Learning to Breathe she shares her journey into and out of the darkness of depression. In this extract from ...

Why storytelling is a vital skill for everyone in ministry

Paula Gooder and Bob Hartman tell us about their latest book The Tell-It-Together Gospel: Mark, and why storytelling is a vital skill for everyone in ...

New for November 2019

With the clocks going back an hour and the weather getting a lot colder there's no matter time to treat yourself to a new book or two to see you through the Winter months. November sees the publication of a great selection of books. New books include the biography on cricketer and bishop David Sheppard and Rupert Shortt's rebuttal on Richard ...

How many of Sister Wendy's favourite paintings have you seen?

How many of Sister Wendy's favourite paintings have you seen in real life? Many paintings from the recently published Sister Wendy's 100 Best-loved Paintings are hanging up inside the National Gallery. We decided to visit the gallery to see how many we could ...
  • 19 Nov 2019

5 light-hearted books to read this Christmas

How will you be spending the Christmas holidays? Many of us will be unwinding by spending time with family and friends. These lighthearted books are perfect for sharing with the whole family. Many of these books are also included in our Christmas promotion, helping you to save the ...

Christmas gifts that children will love

With Christmas fast approaching we've handpicked some of our favourite children's books to help you find that perfect gift. Don't forget to check out our Christmas store where we have a great selection of resources to help you prepare for the season ahead, as well as books for personal and group devotion, and gift ideas for those you ...

What can I buy an Ordinand this Christmas?

Whether it's a book that celebrates the tradition of ordained pastoral ministry or a resource to help them communicate church in our ever-changing digital culture, there's sure to be a thoughtful and meaningful gift in our hand-picked selection of Christmas gifts for those training in ministry. Make sure you place your order before 19th December ...

The Evangelist as a Companion

Today on the Feast Day of John, Apostle and Evangelist, we are sharing an extract from Anglican Evangelists: Identifying and Training a New Generation. In this extract editor Martyn Snow writes about his own experiences of his vocation to ministry and how to be a 'true evangelist' we must accompany people on their own journey rather than ...

New Year, New You

Happy New Year! It's the start of a new year and a new decade and many of us will looking at the year ahead with the motivation to become better versions of ourselves. Whether you want to make sure that this year you take more time out to reflect and meditate, or you want to grow your faith in 2020, let us help you on this journey with these ...

10 individuals who risked their lives in the Holocaust

'When the Nazis started to destroy the European Jews, the millions of non-Jews in Europe had to decide their stance: would they help the Nazis, help the Jews, or do nothing. A very small percentage resisted or helped. The great majority did nothing. More than 16,000 rescuers have been recognized officially by Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, yet no one ...

The Tudor Reformation

What do think of when you hear the term Reformation? Most would think of the process by which parts of Catholic Europe became Protestant. Professor Alec Ryrie writes that we shouldn't be distracted by this and instead tells us that the English Reformation was more of a political event rather than a religious one. Find out more in this extract ...

Digital Platforms for Churches During Coronavirus

How do you meet and connect with your church in place of gathered environments, small groups and pastoral conversations? Mark Crosby, author of So Everyone Can Hear explains the many digital platforms that are available and when best to use ...

SPCK Authors at Spring Harvest Home

From 13th to 17th April Spring Harvest will be delivered direct to your living room via a free online conference on YouTube. Many SPCK authors are taking part in Spring Harvest Home and you will be able to find out more about them in this blog post. You will also find here the latest edition of SPCK Today which is a special Spring Harvest edition. ...

Mindful Walking

With many of you going out for daily exercise, how many times would you say that you were mindful of your surroundings? Graham User writes that he has two approaches to walking, one that focuses on the amount of steps and time it takes him, and the other to pay attention to his surroundings such as patterns in the sky, birdsong or sounds of ...

Oh God, help - an extract from Godbothering

Why bother with God? Do you know what matters in life? What are the limits of kindness? Why doesn’t God intervene? What are you worth? For twenty years, bestselling novelist Rhidian Brook has pondered such questions on Radio 4's Thought for the Day. 100 of his thoughts have been recently published in his book Godbothering. We're sharing ...

Q&A with David Wilbourne, Author of Just John

David Wilbourne has been a 'John Habgood observer' for 37 years. Just John: The Authorized Biography of John Habgood has been a long time in the making, as we learn in this Q&A with David it took four years to complete just one chapter. Find out in this first part of our Q&A what it was like to write this biography and whether David, ...

Publishing in a Pandemic - How is Ready to Rise helping to empower readers during this time

Jo Saxton's book Ready to Rise is hitting the shelves and virtual shelves at an unprecedented time of global crisis. Naturally, Jo didn't have a global pandemic in mind when she put pen to paper, but readers have told her that they feel this book is empowering them for this moment. We catch up with Jo in this Q&A and find out her ...

SPCK’s chance to win £1,000

Here at SPCK we are encouraging supporters, authors and partners to nominate us for a chance to win £1,000 as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical's “Movement for Good” awards. It’s quick and easy to nominate SPCK online. Nominations are open from Wednesday 6 May to Sunday 24 May and you can vote for SPCK online at ...

SPCK wins £1,000 Movement for Good award

Thank you to those of you who nominated SPCK for a Movement for Good award. We're delighted to announce that SPCK's Diffusion prison literacy project has won the £1000 Movement for Good award! Find out more in the following press ...

The Medical Clergyman

Who do you go to when you’ve got a fever or broken limb? Your local vicar probably wouldn’t be the first person you would think of. Before the year 1858, medicine could be practised by a wide variety of people. A scientifically minded clergyman was one of them. In this extract from Caves, Coprolites, and Catastrophes, historian Allan ...

Our first response needs to be silence - a reflection from Fr Laurence Freeman

'The pandemic has reminded us of our inherent solidarity as a human family. It has also exposed the forces at work – like bad government, greedy money-makers and the obscene gulf between rich and poor - that demand correction or punishment'.  Fr Laurence Freeman reflects on the effects of Covid-19. This reflection was originally ...

First day back, so teacher training.

'First day back, so teacher training. Classes arrive tomorrow. A tedious day, but we could wear jeans, drink our coffee hot and go to the toilet when we chose'.  A familiar scene for many who work in education. In this extract from Miss, What Does Incomprehensible Mean? We learn what the first two days of term are like for ...

The Legend of St George, an extract for All Saints' Day

On All Saints' Day we remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown. Little is known about St George, patron saint of England. With the story of his slaying of a dragon recorded 1,000 years after his death, Catherine Pepinster explains here how he '...grew in popularity as he was invoked by Christians caught up in battles.' This is an ...

What to buy your minister this Christmas

In this blog post you will find a selection of gift ideas for vicars, pastors, and those training in ministry. Whether they are expanding their church’s online presence, are involved with the Living in Love and Faith developments, or looking for ways that their church can be fully inclusive, these books will nourish leaders and help them to ...

We're launching a new imprint!

Launching in July 2021, Form will publish books that help busy readers to cultivate spiritual rhythms and practices in everyday ...

SPCK Group Press Release 21 April 2021

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) and the AFD Group today announce it has been agreed that SPCK will acquire from AFD the publishing business of Lion ...

What would the Ascension look like in a sitcom?

It’s a strange thing to consider, but what would the Ascension look like if it was portrayed in a ...

What makes all-age worship so difficult?

In this adapted extract from Worship for Everyone, Nick and Becky Drake address the challenges of all-age worship, and suggest practical steps to help overcome ...

Festival of Preaching 2021

The Festival of Preaching aims to inspire, nurture and celebrate all who are called to proclaim the gospel today. This year's event is taking place both in London, and online. We're delighted that many SPCK authors and contributors are taking part in the event. These include: - Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and ...

The Launch of Form

Find out how to attend the online launch of Form in the following blog ...

SPCK Group Press Release 9 November 2021

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) and the York Courses Limited today announce SPCK's acquisition of the publishing rights to York Courses. ...

SPCK Group Press Release 13 January 2022

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) today announces the appointment of two new Key Account Managers. ...

SPCK Authors at Spring Harvest 2022

Spring Harvest at Minehead starts next week and we're thrilled that many of our talented SPCK authors are participating at events throughout the week. To celebrate we're offering 20% off books from authors speaking at Spring Harvest. ...

CRT Awards 2022

Find out in this blog post which books from the SPCK Group have been shortlisted for the 2022 CRT ...

God In Number 10 - Book Launch

Tonight is the book launch of our timely release, God in Number 10 by Mark Vickers, which sheds new light on the relevance of the personal beliefs, approaches and faith - or lack of it - of those leading the country from Number ...

Remembrance Sunday

To mark Remembrance Day, taking place this Sunday, we've created a free Remembrance Day Service to use at home or at ...

Coronation Sale: Enjoy 20% OFF the entire website!

Celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III this Saturday, the 6th of May, with 20% OFF our entire website until May ...

SPCK January New Releases

Explore our fantastic six new titles out this ...

The Best Self-Help Books to Brighten Your January

Looking for best self-care books to support your mental health? Here, we round up our top ten books about mental health, anxiety, depression, stress, and personal growth. ...

Discover our March New Releases

Discover our new releases this March! From My Big Story Bible by bestselling author Tom Wright to Lauren Windle's insightful and entertaining Notes on Feminism, there's a book everyone can ...

17 Books We Can't Wait To Read This Summer!

Explore seventeen wonderful books that we can't wait to read this ...

Guest Post: SPCK Author Natalie Collins

SPCK Author Natalie Collins writes about the importance of ending men's violence against women on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against ...

Discover Our Latest Releases: Inspiring Reads for March 2025

Discover our newest releases, featuring inspiring stories, insightful theology, and fresh Bible editions designed to deepen faith and spark ...

Stories She’ll Love: Meaningful Books to Gift This Mother’s Day

Celebrate Mother’s Day with meaningful, faith-filled books for every woman who’s shaped your story — from mums and mentors to daughters and ...

SPCK Wins Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards 2025

SPCK has been recognised for publishing excellence, winning Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year and the Virtusales Metadata Award at the 2025 Independent Publishing ...

SPCK Shortlisted in Three Categories at the CRT Awards 2025!

SPCK Publishing is honoured to be shortlisted in three categories at the CRT Awards 2025, celebrating Discovering Christianity by Rowan Williams and The Girl from Montego Bay by Rose ...

Witney Book Launch: Rachael Newham & Rachel Bearn Share Their Inspiring New Books

Join SPCK authors Rachael Newham and Rachel Bearn in Witney on 27th September for an evening of inspiration, faith, and the launch of their new books Beloved is Where We Begin and A Year to Slow ...

New SPCK Books to Grow Your Faith in 2025

Discover SPCK’s new Christian books for 2025: devotionals, Bible guides, and spiritual formation titles to inspire growth, prayer, and purpose in the year ...

UK Bible Sales Are Up 134% Since 2019

Discover why more people, especially younger readers, are returning to the Bible and how Scripture continues to speak into everyday ...

SPCK Group to Lead Sales & Distribution for Baylor University Press

From July 2026, SPCK will represent Baylor University Press's academic and non-academic titles across Europe, South Africa, the Far East, Australasia, and ...

Stories of the Saints: Inspiring Saints Every Child Should Know

Discover inspiring saint stories for children as Margaret McAllister shares the remarkable lives of Christian heroes featured in Stories of the ...