Why subscribe?
As a minister, chaplain, and broadcaster from Aotearoa New Zealand, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with many people across various platforms. Whether it’s through my radio appearances, social media, interviews, or opinion pieces for mainstream media, much of my work is widely accessible. And while all of that remains freely available, this exists as a space for something more personal.
Making most of what I do here only available to financial supporters means this space is away from the public noise. Here I share thoughts and reflections on faith, cultural engagement, media, and spirituality. I hope to offer content that helps your own pilgrimage through life in some way.
I know a paid subscription is a bit of an ask in this day and age of information overload, noise, and a million and one subscription services on offer, not to mention that there is loads of quality free content out there from people much smarter and deeper than myself. Because of that, I don’t take the ask lightly and have no problem with you deciding it’s not for you. But here’s why I would like you to consider it, and why I think it’s worth it.
I don’t say it explicitly but I’m writing for everyday people who lead busy lives, who want to have their mind and imagination gently directed towards spirituality and the deeper things of life, but don’t have time to read whole books on the subject. They’re people who might come from diverse views, but don’t mind hearing from someone whose lens is thoroughly Christian. It’s not the deepest spiritual stuff on Substack so isn’t too mind bending, but what I put out there is aimed to turn your imagination and mind towards deeper things each week, even if just for a moment. In a world of noise and information, hopefully it’s a chance to ponder such things as we all seek to grow and learn through the path of life. Essentially, I do the reading and constant thinking about this stuff, then send some of it your way.
Only allowing financial supporters to see most of it, keeps the trolls out. Covid broke my love of social media as I navigated trying to be a reasonable public Christian voice in a tumultuous environment. I really saw how social media had shaped an instinct of criticism, and the confidence of complete strangers to offer thoughtless and highly personal cuts. It made me second guess everything I wrote. I still navigate that in my public work, but this provides a space where I can share thoughts about life and faith, and sometimes personal stuff, with a community that is ‘invested’ quite literally. That creates a very different vibe. This is an invitation into that safer, more private space.
This is a very real and needed part of my income. My hope is to build this as a viable income source alongside my other paid work of media chaplaincy, radio, and podcasting. Honestly, it’s needed. So there’s a very real element where that oft used line of ‘I can’t do this without you’ is true. When I refer to paid subscribers as financial supporters, I really mean it - it is very real support. Allow me to be very clear, this is not a grift - I make no promises akin to what you’ll hear from televangelists. There is no heavenly reward, healing, or wealth coming your way in return for your subscription…. just my measly writings.
Don’t do it if it would create any real financial pressure for you.
When there’s so much good free content out there, and many subscriptions to choose from, I’m extremely grateful when anyone chooses to become a financial supporter. If you do decide to take that step, thank you!
Thank you for being part of this community. I hope you find something here that captures your attention and causes further contemplation.
Enjoy!
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Pricing
There are 3 ways to give your support and get a subscription.
I’ve set the pricing according to the cost of a flat white at my favourite Hamilton cafe. If you pay monthly it costs only the price of one flat white per month. You can be more generous with your support if you want by paying the annual subscription which is the equivalent of two flat whites each month. If you want to step up further you can pay ‘The Patrons’ amount at the cost of one flat white per week.
Everyone who joins one of these three options gets the same content, it’s simply a question of what level of support you’re comfortable with and able to sign up for. It’s all deeply appreciated.
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