In this episode of The Word Shared, Tanya Stead sits down with Tobi Olujinmi to explore the enduring theme of joy in Christ — especially in seasons of suffering.

Drawing on her experience in the TV industry and her love of storytelling, Tobi reflects on how stories shape us, connect us, and even carry us through crisis. Together they talk about the power of Christian community, the importance of vulnerability in the church, and why hope is not naïve optimism but rooted confidence in God.

This is a conversation about honesty, endurance, and the deep joy that sustains us when life feels heavy. Tobi reminds us that suffering is real — but it is not final. Spring follows winter. Joy follows sorrow. And the joy of the Lord truly is our strength.

Listen in for encouragement, perspective, and a renewed vision of what it means to walk together in hope.

To learn more about the book, Light in the Valley of the Shadow of Death from Langham Light in the Valley of the Shadow of Death

To get a copy of the issue, What is Joy, where Tobi reads from: Issue 31 - Joy — Preach magazine - a resource for preachers and worship leaders, putting world events into a biblical context

*this episode is sponsored by Langham Publishing

In this interview Tanya Stead, editor of Preach magazine, chats with Kirsten Birkett, author of the new Hodder Bible Commentary: Proverbs.

Kirsten Birkett's commentary on Proverbs offers a fresh perspective on this timeless book of wisdom. By understanding the literary form, appreciating the interconnectedness of wisdom literature, and applying its principles thoughtfully, readers can unlock the profound insights that Proverbs has to offer. Whether for personal study or leadership guidance, Kirsten's work serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to grow in wisdom and understanding.

To get yourself a copy: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/kir...

To read this interview, and enjoy the other articles, in Preach magazine take out membership today: https://www.preachweb.org/membership

To learn more about the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust visit: https://lwpt.org.uk/

In this conversation, Charmaine Yip talks with theologian David Ford about his lifelong engagement with the Gospel of John, exploring its authorship, distinctive style, and the depth of meaning woven throughout its pages. David reflects on why John’s Gospel is so central to Christian theology, how it reveals the identity of Jesus, and how its “waves of meaning” invite us to deeper faith, worship and self-understanding.

David also introduces his new Advent resource, Meeting God in John (SPCK 2025), designed to guide individuals and groups through the Gospel during Lent and beyond, offering a way to read Scripture slowly, prayerfully and in community.

In this interview, you’ll discover:
- Why the Gospel of John is essential for Christian faith and theology
- What makes John’s Gospel different from the Synoptic Gospels
- How John reveals the identity of Jesus
- What David means by the “superabundance” of God’s love
- Why reading Scripture with others deepens understanding
- How John invites us to reflect on our own identity and desires
- How to engage with John’s Gospel during Lent and beyond

Explore More Resources

View our Bible Month resources — in-depth Bible teaching for churches and small groups
Discover David Ford’s new Advent resource, Meeting God in John — available now
Explore more Preach resources on our website — articles, workshops, webinars and preaching tools

Preach magazine is a resource of the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust, supporting those called to preach and lead worship.