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Andrew Lord interviews Andy Lord! - A conversation about being 'Spirit-led'

25th August, 2025


Have you ever wondered - what if there was another 'me' - like, another person, on the other side of the planet who is LIKE me, but not me...


Well this week I interviewed... the other me!


Andrew Lord - interviews Andrew Lord!


Well actually - he goes by 'Andy Lord' - and he's got credentials and titles that I don't - so it's the REVEREND DOCTOR Andy Lord!


But as if that wasn't enough - he also spends his days helping people to discover who God has called them to be, and how to live that out. Sure, he does it in the structural confines of the Anglican church, and I do it in the worlds of business and personal development - BUT we're both teaching and modelling 'live by the Spirit' - challenging people to learn to flow in that which God has called them to - AND, we both recognise that community is a key part of that process.


I mean, we're practically TWINS!



Dr. Andy Lord serves as the Vicar of All Saints Church Didcot and brings a wealth of experience from various churches, alongside a fascinating background in computers before his call to ministry. In our conversation, Dr. Andy Lord beautifully defined Christian faith as "walking with Jesus through all aspects of life, in conversation with the Bible and empowered by the Holy Spirit". He touched upon the simplicity of this faith, while also acknowledging the complex challenges that our faith-walk encounters as we address societal issues.


The Everyday Walk: Faith in Action


Many of us wonder what a life deeply rooted in faith truly looks like day-to-day. Dr. Andy Lord gave us a glimpse into his everyday, a mix of prayer, worship, meetings, and visits to care homes and hospitals. But it’s not just about the activities themselves; it’s about the

attitude he brings to them. "Walking with Jesus," he explained, is about approaching every interaction and discernment with a mindfulness, that whether in a meeting or with someone struggling, Jesus is there with us. Maintaining this mindfulness of presence is a lifelong practice. For Dr. Andy Lord, it often begins with a quiet pause at the start of each day to remember God's presence, even amidst tiredness or uncertainty. He also uses moments throughout the day – a walk, a drive – to refocus on God in creation and among people. This intentional practice, he shared, becomes easier with time, transforming into "just the way it is".


The Power of Community: Ecclesiology Unpacked


A recurring theme in our discussion was the vital role of community. Dr. Andy Lord stressed that walking in faith is not a solitary journey; we need others for support and affirmation. He shared the powerful example of meeting with other ministers to share experiences and pray, a practice that provides genuine affirmation and helps them carry each other through challenges. This resonated strongly, reminding me of the importance of accountability partners – people we grant permission to speak into our lives.


We delved into the academic term "ecclesiology," which Dr. Andy Lord simply defined as "the theology of church". At its core, the church is God, understood as the Trinity – Father, Son, and Spirit – implying a community built on equality, inclusiveness, leadership, and diverse roles. He highlighted how the Holy Spirit leads believers into the fullness of God, making the church a human community connected by the Spirit, even with its inherent flaws.

This concept of church, he explained, is intrinsically linked to mission. Local expressions of church are always connected globally, symbolizing the Spirit's role in connecting people across continents and backgrounds. His own faith journey was ignited by Christians actively making a difference in the world, leading him to ask about their motivation. All Saints Church Didcot, he shared, aims to create small communities that reach out to address issues like mental health, family life, and financial pressures, providing a space where people can truly realize Jesus is walking with them.



Lessons in Leadership


This podcast explores "gifts from the edge" – the wisdom gleaned from overcoming challenges. I asked Dr. Andy Lord about his biggest pain point in helping people live effective lives. He shared a profound challenge from early in his ministry: people expecting him, as a leader, to "do everything or to be everything, almost to be God for them". This was both impossible and spiritually uncomfortable.

This experience forced him to clarify his role: not to manage everything or be the sole conduit of God's word, but to help individuals recognize and utilize their

own spiritual gifts. He believes the Spirit pours out gifts "on everyone – to young and old, to men and women, to all sorts of varieties of people". He also discussed how traditional church structures can sometimes contribute to these misconceptions about leaders' roles, leading to unhealthy patterns where hierarchies can imply an authority not truly representative of the Spirit's gifting to all. The goal, he emphasized, is to coordinate and work

with the Spirit, rather than seeking control or status.


Writing as a Spiritual Practice


For Dr. Andy Lord, writing is a deeply spiritual practice – a way of journaling and processing complex ideas. He described it as a meditative process of pondering texts, images, scriptures, and church life stories. His books, such as "Spirit Shape Mission" and "Network Church," are born from this process, and he hopes they serve as helpful guides for others on their faith journeys and inspire growth within the church.


Next Steps for Your Journey


If you’re exploring faith or considering ministry, Dr. Andy Lord offered some simple yet profound advice:

  • Return to simplicity: Read a section of a gospel, ask Jesus to speak to you, and turn what stands out into a prayer.

  • Observe the world: Sit and ponder, noticing the needs, hopes, joys, and pains around you, and reflect on what particularly resonates as God's call.

  • Be honest: Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.

  • "Have a go!": Don't be afraid to try, even if it means failing. Most of us do.

  • Seek wisdom: Risk asking others for their thoughts on your life and potential next steps.

  • Slow down: As Dr. Andy Lord noted, slowing down is a key to connecting with God.


His blog, Immersed in God, is a fantastic resource where you can find his reflections, writings, and links to his books. I encourage you to check it out!


My personal challenge to you is this: After exploring Dr. Andy Lord's blog, set aside just 15 minutes in your day to simply be still. It sounds simple, but the profound impact of intentional quietness can be truly transformative.


Thank you for joining us on this wonderful adventure of faith. It was a true pleasure to connect with Dr. Andy Lord, and I hope our conversation inspires you to keep walking with Jesus, wherever your journey takes you.








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"The answers you need are never very far away - you just need to know the right questions to ask."

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