For several years our church was home to a community of Persian Christians. We worshipped together, studied scripture, and grew to be best friends. Years later, and dispersed ‘round the UK, almost all of them are still living as Christians.

How is it that someone who had lived a life of privilege, very remote from ordinary people, could inspire such affection?

I can tell you that people whose presence I once resented have become good friends. That is what the gospel does!

A lot of churches own a building which lies empty for most of the week. This is madness, why not use your real estate to make friends with your community?