Mack Deptula is an Anglican priest in Fareham, England, writing on church planting, disciple-making, leadership and the story of Anglican mission.https://www.mackdeptula.com/en-gbhttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/reflection-the-questions-he-never-felt-allowed-to-ask/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/reflection-the-questions-he-never-felt-allowed-to-ask/After a midweek church gathering, a few of us stayed behind where people relax a little, cups in hand, slices of cake on napkins, familiar faces chatting about everyday life. I sat near an older man I’ll call “Peter” and his wife “Anne.” Peter had been around the church for decades. He was well known, and, if I’m honest, someone who resisted change. But that day, he grew unusually quiet. Then he said something I didn’t expect: “I’ve been in church for most of my life… but I’m not sure what I...Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/when-welsh-football-was-in-crisis/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/when-welsh-football-was-in-crisis/The Welsh Revival of 1904–1905 remains one of the most remarkable outpourings of religious fervour in modern history. Its stories are legendary: 100,000 converts in six months, empty pubs, and police forces forming singing quartets because crime had seemingly vanished. But perhaps no aspect of the revival vividly illustrates its total, culture-shaping power better than the so-called "Football Crisis." It was a period when the nation’s primary secular devotion, sport, was temporarily derailed...Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/anglicanism-in-poland-a-400-year-story-of-survival-and-mission/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/anglicanism-in-poland-a-400-year-story-of-survival-and-mission/Introduction In the centre of Warsaw stands the small baroque chapel of Res Sacra Miser. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, yet for nearly three decades it has also hosted Anglican worship. That quiet arrangement is more than a practical solution to a property problem. It reflects the character of Anglicanism in Poland: small, often reliant on the goodwill of others, yet quietly persistent. Many assume the Anglican Church in Poland is a recent development, an English-speaking chaplaincy...Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/what-i-mean-by-disciple-making-church-in-the-parish-context/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/what-i-mean-by-disciple-making-church-in-the-parish-context/I am deeply convinced that disciples are those who make disciples. Jesus did not gather followers simply so they could admire him, attend meetings, or enjoy spiritual experiences. His final command was clear: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). That instruction was not given to a select few. It defines the Church in every generation. In the Church of England, it finds its most grounded expression in the life of the parish. A disciple is someone who trusts in...Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/why-you-must-stop-writing-for-the-eye/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/why-you-must-stop-writing-for-the-eye/We have all been there. You’re sitting in a pew, a lecture hall, or a conference room. The speaker is clearly brilliant. The research is impeccable. The slides are professional. But ten minutes in, you feel a fog descending. Your eyes are open, but your brain has checked out. You find yourself wondering what’s for dinner or checking your phone under the table. Why does this happen? Usually, it isn’t a lack of interest in the subject matter. It is a fundamental mismatch between the speaker’s...Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/history-and-purpose-of-the-altar-call/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/history-and-purpose-of-the-altar-call/The altar call is a modern practice shaped by revival history. This article explores where it came from, what it was meant to do, and how it is often misunderstood or misused today, asking how churches can invite real response without replacing discipleship.Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/why-exegesis-still-matters-in-powerful-preaching/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/why-exegesis-still-matters-in-powerful-preaching/Introduction: Why this conversation matters now Recently, I listened to a speaker preaching from Scripture at a large Christian conference. The sermon was passionate, urgent, and clearly heartfelt. It carried real emotional weight, and many in the room were visibly moved. At the same time, as I listened, I found myself holding two reactions together. On the one hand, I recognised the hunger for renewal, courage, and spiritual seriousness that drove the message. On the other hand, I noticed...Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/a-reflection-on-october-2025/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/a-reflection-on-october-2025/When the World Feels Heavy The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV) The ache of another month October has been a heavy month for our world. Another month where headlines seemed soaked with sorrow: war still raging in Ukraine, fragile ceasefires flickering in Gaza, and nations trembling under the weight of division, inflation, and mistrust. It is hard not to feel the weariness of it all. Sometimes I sit down to read the news and...Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/copy-of-nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-3-the-holy-spirit-the-giver-of-life/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/copy-of-nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-3-the-holy-spirit-the-giver-of-life/The Nicene Creed reaches its third great movement with the confession of the Holy Spirit. Having spoken of the Father who creates and the Son who redeems, the Creed now turns to the Spirit who gives life, sanctifies, and sustains the Church. This section is shorter than the one about Christ, but it is no less important. Without the Spirit, the truths of the Creed would remain distant ideas. It is the Spirit who makes faith alive in our hearts, who unites us to Christ, and who empowers us to...Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/copy-of-nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-4-the-church-salvation-and-hope/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/copy-of-nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-4-the-church-salvation-and-hope/The Nicene Creed concludes by turning from the work of God to the people of God. After confessing faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we now declare what it means to belong to the community that bears God’s name. The Church is not an afterthought in the story of salvation. It is the visible expression of God’s plan to gather His people into one body through Christ and by the Spirit. When we say, “We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism...Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-1-the-father-the-creator/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-1-the-father-the-creator/Every Christian confession begins with God. Before we speak of redemption, resurrection, or the Church, we begin by declaring who God is. The Nicene Creed opens with these simple yet profound words: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. This opening line forms the foundation of everything that follows. It is not merely a statement about the existence of God but a declaration about His nature and His relationship with...Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-2-the-son-the-redeemer/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/nicene-creed-verse-by-verse-part-2-the-son-the-redeemer/The heart of the Nicene Creed beats strongest in its second section, which focuses on Jesus Christ. While the Creed begins by confessing faith in one God, it quickly moves to the one Lord who reveals God’s heart and accomplishes His saving work. The Church’s confession of Jesus is not a side note but the very center of Christian faith. Everything depends on who He is and what He has done. When early Christians declared these words, they were making a bold claim in a world filled with...Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/group-bible-study-the-five-love-languages-of-god/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/group-bible-study-the-five-love-languages-of-god/In this series, we explore the profound and multifaceted ways we can love God through the lens of the five love languages—Words of...Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/group-bible-study-multiplying-disciples-living-the-great-commission/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/group-bible-study-multiplying-disciples-living-the-great-commission/Discipleship is not just a process of learning, but one of multiplication—reproducing what we have learned in the lives of others, who in...Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/group-bible-study-the-creed-that-defines-us-a-journey-through-the-nicene-creed/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/group-bible-study-the-creed-that-defines-us-a-journey-through-the-nicene-creed/Introduction to the Bible Study Series: "The Nicene Creed: Foundations of Our Faith" Welcome to the Bible study series, "The Nicene...Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/2023-in-mack-s-life/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/2023-in-mack-s-life/What a year it was! Here is a little bit about my 2023 :) Ordination and Revitalizing Churches: 2023 marked the year of my ordination!...Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/growing-personal-leadership-group-bible-study-with-discussion-questions/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/growing-personal-leadership-group-bible-study-with-discussion-questions/Session 1: "Spiritual Foundations" Bible Readings: Colossians 4:2-6 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray...Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/what-are-the-5-marks-of-mission/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/what-are-the-5-marks-of-mission/The marks of mission are five statements of purpose that were developed by the Anglican Consultative Council to help guide the mission of...Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/books-about-the-church-planting-and-multiplication-in-the-uk-context/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/books-about-the-church-planting-and-multiplication-in-the-uk-context/Many books about church planting have been written through the years. Some have become classics by this point, some were almost prophetic...Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/how-to-organise-a-local-pilgrimage-or-a-walk/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/how-to-organise-a-local-pilgrimage-or-a-walk/An example of the Pilgrimage walk done recently by our church community. You can use it as a blueprint for your pilgrimage walk.Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/christian-men-recommended-youtube-channels/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/christian-men-recommended-youtube-channels/Here are the channels on Youtube that helped me grow as a Christian man. As with everything, sometimes on those channels, we will find...Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/small-group-study-the-apostles-creed/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/small-group-study-the-apostles-creed/Introduction The Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only...Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/3-ideas-for-church-podcasts/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/3-ideas-for-church-podcasts/So you came to the terms with reality, people in your church like podcasts. More people in your church listen to podcasts than connect...Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/building-trust-in-your-project-team/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/building-trust-in-your-project-team/If your team's assessment highlighted "Absence of Trust" as a key area for growth, you're addressing the foundational issue that...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/embracing-healthy-conflict-in-your-project-team/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/embracing-healthy-conflict-in-your-project-team/If your team's assessment highlighted "Fear of Conflict" as a significant area for growth, you've identified a common barrier to true...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/focusing-on-results-in-your-project-team/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/focusing-on-results-in-your-project-team/If your team's assessment highlighted "Inattention to Results" as a key area for growth, you've identified a critical challenge that can...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/fostering-true-commitment-in-your-project-team/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/fostering-true-commitment-in-your-project-team/If your team's assessment highlighted "Lack of Commitment" as a key area for growth, you're addressing a crucial link in the chain of...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/strengthening-accountability-in-your-project-team/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/strengthening-accountability-in-your-project-team/If your team's assessment highlighted "Avoidance of Accountability" as a key area for growth, you're not alone. This is a common...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-activator-the-igniter-of-momentum-and-collective-action/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-activator-the-igniter-of-momentum-and-collective-action/The Activator The Activator is the igniter of momentum and the orchestrator of collective action. They are the dynamic force that takes...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-assessor-the-architect-of-novel-solutions/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-assessor-the-architect-of-novel-solutions/The Assessor The Assessor is the architect of novel solutions, the individual who takes identified problems or opportunities and...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-facilitator-the-enabler-of-progress-and-support/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-facilitator-the-enabler-of-progress-and-support/The Facilitator The Facilitator is the enabler of progress and the orchestrator of support. They are the individuals who ensure that...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-finisher-the-anchor-of-completion-and-accountability/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-finisher-the-anchor-of-completion-and-accountability/The Finisher The Finisher is the anchor of completion and the guardian of accountability. They are the individuals who possess an...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-inquirer-the-catalyst-of-clarity-and-possibility/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-inquirer-the-catalyst-of-clarity-and-possibility/The Inquirer The Inquirer is truly the foundational strength, acting as the catalyst for clarity and the scout for possibility. At their...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-reviewer-the-architect-of-sound-judgment-and-refinement/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-reviewer-the-architect-of-sound-judgment-and-refinement/The Reviewer The Reviewer is the architect of sound judgment and refinement, serving as the critical filter that ensures ideas and plans...Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/biola-university-theology-degree/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/biola-university-theology-degree/The Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola University) is a private evangelical Christian university in La Mirada, California. Founded in 190Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/lectures-by-william-lane-craig/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/lectures-by-william-lane-craig/Series of lectures by dr. William Lane Craig, an analytic philosopher, Christian theologian, Christian apologist, and author.Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/here-i-am/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/here-i-am/Here I Am is a call to see the gospel transform cities and communitiesFri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the4points-course/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the4points-course/These four sessions cover the basics of Christianity and help to prompt questions and discussions over what it means to follow Jesus.Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/24-7-prayer-resources/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/24-7-prayer-resources/A range of courses and resources for individuals and groups on prayer and connecting to God.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/getting-started-as-a-small-group-leader/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/getting-started-as-a-small-group-leader/A course that intrduces leading and hosting a Small Goup ministry.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/how-to-hear-god-s-voice-in-scripture/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/how-to-hear-god-s-voice-in-scripture/A course for those who seak God in scripture for every day life.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/open-network-small-group-study-resources/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/open-network-small-group-study-resources/Over 200 different study resources including video, audio and text studies.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/talking-jesus-course/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/talking-jesus-course/This course will inspire you to share the Good News and will give you practical tools to do so.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-alpha-course/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-alpha-course/Course which introduces the basics of the Christian faith.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-bible-course/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-bible-course/The Bible Course helps you see how the books of the Bible are part of one big story.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-mariage-course/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-mariage-course/Course for couples who wants to invest in their relationship, and married life.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-prayer-course/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-prayer-course/Course is equips and inspires you to go deeper in prayer, as individuals and as a community.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-gregory-centre-for-church-multiplication/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/the-gregory-centre-for-church-multiplication/The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication (CCX) supports leaders, church teams and diocese across London, England and beyond as they...Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/christian-courses/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/christian-courses/Why? After a year of going to church, singing worship songs and going to small groups, the moment came when I needed to pray. I felt...Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/__clc/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/__clc/CLC Christian bookshops in Leicester had one of the biggest impacts on my life. There, I discovered a huge amount of amazing books, but I...Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/st-johns-leicester/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/st-johns-leicester/A church in Clarendon Park Leicester. A missional community, full of people with passion and love for God. At age 30 (never too late) I...Wed, 01 May 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/football-group/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/football-group/Over four years ago, my friend, who used to run a football group with guys from church, asked me if I can take care of it. And this is...Wed, 30 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/book-aid/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/book-aid/In the 1980s a desperate plea came from Africa and other countries where economic crises and foreign currency restrictions had reduced...Sat, 01 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/church-community-cinema/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/church-community-cinema/We are living in digital times when movies are a massive part of our everyday life. Unfortunately, in mainstream media, there are very...Wed, 14 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.mackdeptula.com/post/keepfit-class/https://www.mackdeptula.com/post/keepfit-class/Background All my life I loved the sport. In all shapes, at all times and in all places. About ten years ago, I earned my certificate as...Tue, 21 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT