It was a privilege to be among the few who joined the executive committee online on Monday for the annual meeting of Affinity chaired by Graham Nicholls.
Graham has now served as Director for approximately nine years. He shared highlights of his work, noting that he dedicates about one day a week (or more when needed) to Affinity while serving as a pastor of a local church during the remainder of his time. He expressed deep gratitude to the Advisory Council, trustees, and key supporters, including
- Joel Upton (for administration, creative input and organisational advancements). Joel will be laving his post soon.
- Adam May (for media and political connections).
- Fran Kirby (for social media and content support).
- Paul Yeulett (for chairing and leading the Theological Study Conference).
- Tom Brand (as chair of the Council and for his pastoral guidance and involvement).
Graham outlined a wide range of activities he undertakes, including
- Managing decisions for publications and planning events like the Theological Study Conference and mini-conferences.
- Attending member events, such as the Grace Baptist Assembly Association Day, EMW Ministers' Conference in Bala, and EFCC Prayer Conference.
- Recording podcasts with co-host Lizzie Harewood from the Association of Christian Teachers.
- Engaging in media appearances, including interviews on topics like Generation Z, immigration, the Pope, and the resignation of Justin Welby (with 14 interviews in 24 hours, reaching outlets like the Australian Broadcasting Company). These opportunities allow for gospel proclamation, modelling winsome apologetics, and potentially opening doors for local churches.
- Hosting partnerships meetings to connect agencies and share prayer needs.
- Leading monthly Council prayer meetings and termly in-person Social Issues group meetings.
- Campaigning on key issues, such as supporting marriage declarations, opposing the conversion therapy ban (including a seminar with the Christian Institute in Newcastle), resisting changes to abortion laws, and attending the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast.
- Contributing to Christian publications, engaging in debates (e.g., on concupiscence), speaking at conferences (e.g., London School of Theology on spiritual abuse), and supporting agencies like Release International (e.g., publicising Petr Jašek's story).
- Political engagement, including a planned meeting with the new faith minister.
In response to a question about changes over the past nine years, Graham noted a shift toward more online engagement (post-COVID), the launch of the podcast, evolved publications, and more efficient use of time (e.g., remote media interviews reducing travel).
Among other things, we also heard about the Theological Study Conference for 2027. The 2025 event drew many first-timers and fostered stimulating discussions. The next conference will be themed Kingdom: The Church in a Fractured World.
Speakers and topics include
- Michael Haykin: Salt and Light in a Time of Decay
- Matthew Mason: Speaking the Truth in Love
- Collin Hansen: The People of God in the Nations of the World
- Phil Swann: Authority and Accountability
- Kenneth Harrod: Lessons from the Persecuted Church
The venue: King's Park, Northampton
