Sam Hailes is the Publishing Director at Premier Christianity Magazine in England.
When did you trust Christ?
I was raised in a Christian family, and as a young child, I responded to the Gospel. Later, around the age of 10, I asked to be baptised. My parents were keen to ensure my faith was my own, and that I understood what it meant to follow Christ. I had a good church background where I was loved and disciplined in my teens.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
Experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit as a teenager, being given opportunities to serve at church, and co-leading a Christian Union at my university were all memorable experiences. I've also had to rely on God when tougher moments have come. Now, working in Christian media, I have learned to understand and appreciate all the different forms of church and denominational backgrounds. It means I'm always learning how other Christians view issues, and this has helped shape my faith.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Premier Christianity Magazine reports on the global church, but, as a British magazine, a lot of our coverage is centred on the UK. We also have a lot of interest from the USA. However, I am keen to report better on what God is doing in mainland Europe. I would like to attend the Forum to connect with other European leaders, better understand their contexts, and accurately report on the opportunities and challenges they face. I also want to grow my own learning and have time around other evangelical leaders whom I respect and can learn from. I preach regularly at my church but don't have an academic theological background, so I'm always keen to spend time learning from experts.
What is your ministry?
Premier exists to help people encounter God through media. We do this through magazines, radio stations, events, and more. Premier Christianity Magazine is the title I edit and serve as the Publishing Director for. We reach millions of Christian leaders worldwide through our popular website and tens of thousands in the UK through the print magazine. We aim to build understanding between Christians of different views.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
Co-leader of the Christian Union at Southampton Solent University, and elder at Christ Central Church, London (I also planted a church in Crystal Palace during this time).
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Our ministry reaches millions of people and has considerable influence. However, we are all fallible people in need of wisdom and understanding. By being at Forum, I believe I will be in an environment to receive much wisdom and insight from other Christian leaders, which will enable Premier Christianity to more accurately report on all that God is doing through His Church throughout the continent and beyond.
