Setting your Spiritual Sails

Welcome to The Thread! In our first episode, Stephen Foster talks with Jon Tyson, who shares his own leadership journey - from dropping out of school at 14 to leading a community of people at Church of the City New York and seeking renewal and revival in the Western church today. 

In this conversation, Stephen and Jon discuss a God-centred approach to leadership, how our hunger attracts the presence of God, and some practical guidance for Christian leaders today on praying Kingdom prayers, living in reliance on the Holy Spirit and what to do when resistance gets in the way. 

On the Ground with the Rising Generation

In our second episode of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Jodie Lintern, student outreach pastor at St Aldates Church in Oxford. Driven by her own radical coming to faith, Jodie shares wisdom from the front row of working with the rising generation in the church today.  

From the importance of authenticity, to creating a culture of feedback and the value of proximity over perfection, this conversation offers practical and hope-filled insights on what God is doing in young people today. 

Secularism is Having a Faith Crisis

In this episode of The Thread, Stephen talks with Mark Sayers on how the Church is uniquely placed to navigate today's 'grey zone' of transition and uncertainty with a steadfast hope and the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

In this conversation, Stephen and Mark look at the opportunities that are awakening as secularism faces a moment of doubt, discussing the historic pattern of crisis preceding renewal and how suffering is a well-worn track in the path of a leader. 

Clearing the Way for the Rising Generation

In episode 4 of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada and Global Senior Vice-President of Alpha International. Shaila shares learnings from her own remarkable journey in leadership.  

In this conversation, Shaila and Stephen discuss what it looks like to live a truly surrendered life, why breadth of leadership requires spiritual depth, and how to clear the way for the rising generation. 

Living as New Creation People

In this episode of The Thread, Stephen Foster speaks with New Testament Scholar, thinker and theologian, N.T. Wright. 

This conversation centres on the resurrection of Jesus, looking at both the historical evidence supporting its truth and the significance it marks for God’s new creation on earth. Talking about being identified in Christ, the role of the Church today and the importance of imagination in the life of a follower of Christ, we hope you this episode. 

Protecting the Hope in your Spirit

In this episode, Stephen is joined by Keithen Schwahn, who is Pastor of Young People at Church of the City New York.  

In this conversation, Stephen and Keithen dive into what is rising in young people today – from boldness to a spiritual openness and a hunger for truth. Keithen shares from his own journey about the importance of protecting the hope in your own spirit, building on truth and how to become a person of intercession and be set on fire with a contending heart of prayer. 

Authentic Disciple Making

In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from a theology dissertation on the Spice Girls to grassroots youth ministry in Blackburn. She explores the spiritual hunger of today’s teens, the most irreligious generation in history, yet simultaneously marked by a powerful spiritual hunger, and how the church can meet them with authenticity, hope, and the transformative presence of Jesus. 

Building on the Prayers of Generations

In this episode, Stephen is joined by Alpha’s Global Youth Director, Dan Blythe. Dan works alongside young people and youth leaders globally to inspire, innovate and support the mission of Alpha to bring the gospel to young people around the world. In this conversation, Dan shares his own journey into faith at a young age, the values and priorities of the ‘now’ generation and his own tips for fighting fear, dismantling pride and living out the ‘new thing’ that God has for your life. 

Being a Disciple-Making Disciple

In this episode of The Thread, Stephen sits down with Abel Cheah, Vicar of HTBB Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to explore topics like the hunger, not for more leadership content, but for authentic examples of leadership, the raising up of new leaders, and what it takes to be a disciple-making disciple 

Spiritual Inheritance

Jacintha Tagal leads HTBB Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with her husband, Abel Cheah. In this episode, she shares with Stephen how her father’s headhunting Lun Bawang tribe in East Malaysia received the gospel and experienced the miraculous. She and Stephen discuss revival, spiritual inheritance, ministry, grief, and doing succession well. 

Going to God for Creativity

Content Warning: This episode contains several mentions of topics associated with warfare.  

In this episode of The Thread, Stephen sits down with Director of the Chinese Alpha Film Series, the Alpha Youth Series and the upcoming new Alpha Series, and the CEO of SignalFlare Productions, Steve Chao. Steve shares incredible insights into leading with faith in creative spaces and how his background investigative journalism in war zones across the globe shaped his passion for storytelling. 

Faith in a shaking World

In this episode, Stephen Foster talks with Nicky Gumbel about faith and leadership in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty. Nicky reflects on a growing spiritual hunger and openness he’s seeing, including in his own Alpha group. They discuss leading like Jesus, the challenges of leadership today, and the importance of unity and learning from the global church. 

Extraordinary Days with Archie Coates, Al Gordon and Pete Hughes: Spiritual Hunger, Openness and the Call to be Ready 

Stephen Foster is joined by church leaders Archie Coates, Al Gordon, and Pete Hughes. Together they reflect on a growing spiritual openness across society and a renewed hunger for God within the church. They discuss the surge of people exploring faith, stories of healing and encounter, and what this moment calls for in terms of prayer, invitation, and relational leadership – especially in raising up the next generation. 

Against the Current with Louise Perry: Sex, Truth and the Return to Faith 

Author and journalist, Louise Perry, joins Stephen Foster to examine why the sexual revolution has failed many women and families. Drawing on data, lived experience, and her own journey from atheism to faith, she reflects on marriage, dating, power, and why ancient wisdom may speak more clearly to modern confusion than today’s promises of liberation. 

The Science of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: Leadership, Meaning and the Cost of Success 

Join Stephen Foster and Arthur Brooks, Professor at Harvard University and New York Times bestselling author, live from Leadership Conference 2025 as they discuss the science of happiness for leaders and the importance of reckoning with idols. Arthur shares fascinating findings on neurochemistry, covering the concepts of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning; the emotional cost of leadership; and insights on impulse control, dopamine, addiction, and truth-telling.   

Faith Across Borders with Miles Toulmin, Shaila Visser & Patricia Lau: Stories of Growth, Renewal & The Next Generation 

Stephen Foster speaks with Miles Toulmin, CEO of Alpha International; Shaila Visser, Global Vice President and National Director of Alpha Canada; and Patricia Lau, Executive Director of Alpha Hong Kong about Alpha’s impact around the world. From church planting in Malaysia to student-led Alpha in schools, they explore a global surge in faith, innovative outreach, and how even children as young as 10 are actively sharing their faith. 

The Open Generation, Going Viral, and Returning to First Love

Stephen Foster is joined by Xenia James and Jesse Fellingham, two hosts of the Alpha Youth Series and The Way UK. They share their personal journeys to faith, the story behind their street interviews with thousands of young people, and what they’re discovering about Gen Z’s openness to spirituality and Christianity. They also reflect on the pressures of online momentum, the importance of slowing down to prioritise time with God and tend to one’s own internal world, and the role of church community while working to reach a new generation.