​“You don’t have to read the whole library today. Just take the first step.”

​Starting your journey with the Bible can feel like walking into a massive library without a map. At COPE Ministry, we want to make it simple. If you’ve just made a decision for Christ, or you’re just curious about where to start, follow this 7-day roadmap to build your foundation.

​Day 1: Meet the Person of Jesus

​Read: John Chapter 1

Discover the “Word” who became flesh to walk alongside you from the very beginning. Jesus isn’t just a historical figure; He is God’s love in person.

​Day 2: Find Your Peace

​Listen: Psalm 23

Use our David Suchet audio player to hear God’s personal promise of comfort, protection, and provision. Let the words wash over you today.

​Day 3: See the Story Come to Life

​Watch: “The Baptism of Jesus”

Head to our Cinema Library and watch the opening scenes of the Gospel of Luke. Seeing the ministry of Jesus visually can help the scriptures stick in your heart.

​Day 4: Remember You are Never Too Far Gone

​Read: Luke Chapter 15

The story of the Prodigal Son is our anthem here at COPE. It is the ultimate proof that no matter where you’ve been, the Father is always waiting for you to come home.

​Day 5: Get Practical Wisdom

​Read: Proverbs Chapter 3

Faith isn’t just a feeling; it’s a way of living. Discover how to trust God’s direction even when your own path feels uncertain or confusing.

​Day 6: Live the Two Commandments

​Focus: Matthew 22:37–40

Today’s challenge is simple but powerful: Focus entirely on Jesus’ summary of the whole Bible—Love God with everything you’ve got, and show love to one person near you.

​Day 7: Experience the Power of the Church

​Read: Acts Chapter 2

The Christian life isn’t meant to be lived alone. See how the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary people—just like us—to change the world together.

​Day 8: What’s Next?

​Congratulations on completing your first week!

​You’ve officially built a daily habit. Now that you’ve seen the “Big Picture,” you are ready to dive into the 5-Minute New Testament Challenge. This plan will take you through one chapter a day, Monday to Friday, keeping your growth steady and manageable.

​👉 [https://copeministry.com/reading-plan-mon-fri-new-testament]

5 Minute Challenge Study Plan

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Our Public Witness: The Street Preacher’s Charter

​Our Public Witness: The Street Preacher’s Charter

​At COPE Ministry, we are dedicated to the public proclamation of the Gospel in Wakefield and across West Yorkshire. We believe the message of Jesus Christ is for everyone, and we are committed to sharing it with clarity, compassion, and legal integrity.

​To ensure our ministry honors God and respects our neighbors, we strictly adhere to the Street Preachers’ Charter, a national standard supported by The Christian Institute. This document outlines both our rights and our responsibilities as we serve our local community.

​1. Our Legal Foundation

​We operate under the protection of UK law, specifically Articles 9 and 10 of the Human Rights Act, which guarantee:

• ​Freedom of Religion: The right to manifest our faith in public through teaching and practice.
• ​Freedom of Expression: The right to share ideas and information, even if they are contentious or unpopular.
• ​Protection from Arbitrary Arrest: Police intervention is only permitted when “necessary and proportionate” to prevent crime or protect public safety. The law is clear: simply causing “offense” is not a crime.

​2. Our Code of Conduct

​Being a witness for Christ means being “winsome” and responsible. The COPE Ministry team commits to the following standards:

• ​Respect for Public Space: We do not block shop doorways or impede the “public highway.” We ensure there is always room for pedestrians to pass freely.
• ​Respect for Private Property: We recognize that shopping centers and certain precincts are private land and seek appropriate permissions where required.
• ​Volume and Amplification: We use amplification responsibly. Our goal is to be heard by those nearby, not to cause a nuisance to local business owners or residents.
• ​Focus on the Gospel: We prioritize the message of salvation in Christ. We avoid aggressive arguments and focus on the biblical truth of the Gospel.
• ​Documentation: For the protection of both the public and our preachers, we often record our outreach. This ensures an objective record exists in the event of a complaint.

​3. Our Relationship with Authority

​We believe in “giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17). We aim to:

• ​Foster positive relationships with the Wakefield Council and the West Yorkshire Police.
• ​Be polite and cooperative during any police interaction.
• ​Operate with transparency as an accountable local ministry.

​4. Why We Preach

​We believe that the High Street is the modern “marketplace of ideas.” Our presence is a reminder that God’s love and truth are available to all. We invite you to engage with us, ask questions, and hear the life-changing message of the Bible.

​Summary: The Street Preacher’s Charter (2025 Edition)

​Extracted from The Christian Institute summary

​Your Legal Rights

• ​Freedom of Expression: Right to express views aloud, including contentious speech, provided it doesn’t provoke violence.
• ​Religious Literature: A specific legal right exists to distribute free religious literature (Bibles/tracts) even where other leafleting is restricted.
• ​Lawful Criticism: Discussion or criticism of religions, beliefs, and social practices is permitted under the law.

​Core Responsibilities

• ​Public Order: Avoid “threatening or abusive” words.
• ​Obstruction: Do not block highways; place display boards near existing obstructions like lampposts.
• ​Safe Access Zones: Respect the 150m “safe access zones” around sensitive locations.
• ​Litter: Preachers are responsible for clearing any discarded leaflets in the immediate area.

​Best Practices

​Cooperation: Always be friendly with police; providing your name and address can prevent unnecessary arrests.

​Recording: We recommend filming outreach to provide a factual record.

​Insurance: It is advised to carry public liability insurance.

Cooperation: Always be friendly with police; providing your name and address can prevent unnecessary arrests.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the 2025 Charter and does not constitute legal advice. For the full document, visit Christian.org.uk.

​📜 How Did We Get the Bible? Understanding the “Canon”

​Have you ever wondered why the Bible has 66 books? Why not 60? Why not 100? If the Bible is our “Roadmap to a Better Life,” we need to know we can trust the map.

​At COPE Ministry Wakefield, we believe that “Nobody is too far gone,” and a big part of that belief comes from the solid foundation of the Biblical Canon.

​What does “Canon” actually mean?

​The word “Canon” comes from the Greek word kanon, which literally means a “measuring reed” or a standard.

​Think of it like a ruler. In the early days of the Church, there were many writings circulating—some were good, some were fake, and some were just confusing. The “Canon” is the official list of books that “measured up” to the standard of being divinely inspired by God.

​3 Tests of a Holy Book

​The early Church didn’t just pick their favorite stories out of a hat. To make it into your Bible, a book usually had to pass three major tests:

1. ​Apostolic Origin: Was it written by an Apostle (like Peter or John) or someone closely connected to them (like Luke, who traveled with Paul)?
2. ​Universal Acceptance: Was the book being used and soul-strengthened by Christian communities all over the world, from Rome to Jerusalem?
3. ​Consistency (The Rule of Faith): Did the message match what Jesus actually taught? If a book contradicted the Gospel, it didn’t make the cut.

​The Council of Nicaea & The Big Myth

​You might have heard people say that a group of men at the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) just “voted” on which books to keep to control people.

​That is actually a myth! The Council of Nicaea was focused on the nature of Jesus (His divinity). By the time that council met, the Church had already been using the four Gospels and Paul’s letters as “Scripture” for over 200 years. The Canon wasn’t “invented” by a committee; it was recognized by the global family of believers over centuries of prayer and study.

​Why the Canon Matters for YOUR Recovery

​Understanding the Canon isn’t just for historians; it’s for anyone looking for a fresh start.

• ​It provides a Solid Foundation: In a world where “truth” seems to change every day, the Canon is an anchor. It’s a finished work.
• ​It’s a Complete Guide: From the “Original Honesty Sessions” in the Psalms to the “5-Minute Challenge” in the New Testament, these 66 books contain everything you need for life and godliness.

Finding Hope: A Simple Guide to the Plan of Salvation

​Life is full of questions, but the most significant ones often revolve around our purpose and our relationship with the Divine. If you have been searching for peace, direction, or a fresh start, the Bible offers a clear path toward restoration.

​Based on the foundational teachings of the New Testament, here is a step-by-step look at God’s plan for your life.

​Understanding God’s Immense Love

​Everything begins with the fact that you are deeply loved. God does not distance Himself from us; rather, He actively seeks a relationship with us.

• ​John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
• ​Romans 5:8: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

​Acknowledging Our Need for Grace

​To move forward, we must first be honest about where we stand. The Bible teaches that “sin” is simply falling short of the perfect standard of God’s goodness. No one is perfect, and we all share the same need for a Savior.

• ​Romans 3:10: “As it is written: There is no-one righteous, not even one.”
• ​Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

​God’s Remedy: The Gift of Life

​While the consequence of our mistakes is a spiritual separation from God, He provided a solution through Jesus Christ. This is not something we earn through good works; it is a gift offered freely to anyone who asks.

• ​Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
• ​1 Corinthians 15:3-4: This passage reminds us of the core of the faith: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

​How to Respond to God’s Invitation

​Faith is not just an idea; it is a response. Jesus describes Himself as standing at the door of our hearts, waiting for us to invite Him in.

• ​Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
• ​1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

​Making Your Personal Commitment

​If you feel a tug on your heart today, you can choose to begin a new journey. Making a commitment is a personal decision to trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You can express this through a simple, sincere prayer:

​”I confess to God that I am a sinner. I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross. I believe that God raised him from the dead. I now repent of my sins. I receive him as my Saviour. I confess him as Lord.”

​The Security of God’s Promises

​Once you have made this decision, you can rest in the assurance of God’s word. He promises that those who come to Him will never be cast out.

• ​Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
• ​John 10:27-28: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand.”

​

Your Next Steps

Becoming a Christian is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth. We encourage you to:

• ​Seek a local church: Find a community that teaches the Bible faithfully.
• ​Read the Word: Start with the Gospel of John to learn more about the life of Jesus.
• ​Pray: Keep the conversation with God going daily.

​📖 [Explore Your Biblical Roadmap: A Book-by-Book Guide to the Bible]

Discover how the story fits together, listen to the audio Bible, and find the perfect place to start your journey.

The 1937 Parker Pulpit Bible Joins the Trenches

At COPE Ministry, our core belief is that “Nobody is too far gone.” While we usually apply this to the people we serve—the forgotten, the addicted, and the broken—sometimes a physical object carries a story of restoration that mirrors our own mission in Wakefield.

We are humbled to announce a significant new tool for our street outreach: a 1937 edition of Dr. Joseph Parker’s “The Pulpit Bible.”

A Heavyweight History: The Joseph Parker Bible

This isn’t your average pocket Bible. Weighing approximately 3.5kg (7.7 lbs), this massive 1937 hardcover was published nearly 90 years ago by Hodder & Stoughton (London) and Galloway & Porter (Cambridge).

The “Parker Bible” holds a legendary status in Christian history. Dr. Joseph Parker was one of the 19th century’s most influential preachers, famous for his “incisive comments” that made the Word of God feel urgent and alive. This specific 1937 re-issue was funded by a layman, C.H. Wilkinson, who believed so deeply in Parker’s work that he personally financed the printing so that “the searcher after truth… shall seek and find.”

The Wilkinson Legacy: A Memorial Becomes a Lifeline

Inside the front cover, a poignant dedication reads:

“The Gift of the Late Charles H. Wilkinson, Cambridge, 1937.”

For nearly a century, this Bible likely stood as a silent memorial in a quiet chapel or library. However, in February 2026, its journey took a “radical encounter.” Acquired from a vintage bookroom and brought to the heart of West Yorkshire, this Bible has been “recommissioned” for the front lines.

We believe that just as this book was preserved through the decades, the lives we encounter during our Wakefield outreach are being preserved for a greater, divine purpose.

Why Take a “Pulpit Bible” to the Streets of Wakefield?

Traditionally, a Pulpit Bible stays safe and dry behind church doors. At COPE Ministry, we do things differently. We use our NO F.E.A.R. framework to take the light into the shadows:

• F – Faith-Driven: Relying on the Holy Spirit to move hearts.
• E – Evangelism: Carrying the Good News to the broken, just as Dr. Parker did in the 1800s.
• A – Action on the Streets: Moving the Word from the pews to the pavement.
• R – Redemption through Jesus: Proving that no one is “too far gone.”

By carrying this “Voice from the Trenches” into areas of addiction and homelessness, we are making a bold statement: The weight and authority of the Gospel belong where the pain is greatest.

A Stewardship Vow for Faith-Based Recovery

Our founder, Fin Dalton, understands restoration personally. After a 33-year battle with addiction, he was rebuilt by faith. To him, this Bible is more than an antique; it is a physical reminder that Hope is a Person (Jesus Christ).

As we carry this 1937 treasure into the communities of Wakefield, we do so with a clear prayer: May these pages be a light in the darkness of addiction and a compass for the lost. May it shatter chains and bring forth a harvest of redemption.

What was once a memorial for one is now a lifeline for many.

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Support COPE Ministry

Are you looking for faith-based addiction recovery in Wakefield? Or do you want to support our “boots-on-the-ground” outreach? Support Us

A Meaningful Saturday in Leeds with C.O.P.E. Ministry

“If you feed a man a meal, you sustain him for a day; but if you feed him with the Gospel, he can be saved for eternity.”

This core belief drives everything we do at C.O.P.E. (Christian Outreach Program Evangelism) Ministry. While we are always honored to fill hungry stomachs, our ultimate goal is to see hearts transformed forever through the power of Jesus Christ.

This past Saturday, January 10th, the C.O.P.E. team headed to Leeds for our scheduled second-Saturday outreach. But before we hit the streets, the team gathered for some essential “fuel.”

Our New Year’s diets took a bit of a hit this morning, but as Matthew 4:4 reminds us, “Man cannot live on bread alone.” A hearty full English breakfast provided the physical energy we needed to face the cold and prepare for a day of spiritual work. It was a wonderful time of fellowship for the team—Matthew Boutle, Richard Ward, Adele Dalton, and myself—strengthening our bonds before we began our mission.

A Quiet but Meaningful Day in Leeds 🕊️

Sometimes, the most powerful moves of the Spirit happen in the quiet moments.Today’s outreach in Leeds was a little quieter than usual in terms of foot traffic. However, we know that God is in every conversation and every encounter. The smaller crowds actually provided a beautiful opportunity: it gave our team the precious time to listen more deeply, pray more fervently, and connect personally with the individuals we did meet.

The Impact of the Day:Physical Nourishment: We were honored to provide hot food and drinks to those braving the winter chill. 🍔☕

Seeds Planted: We shared the Gospel and the hope of the Cross with several individuals. We believe with all our hearts that the seeds sown today will grow for eternity. ✝️

Heartfelt Prayer: We stood in the gap for those struggling with addiction and loneliness, speaking peace and the love of God over their lives. 🙏

We may have fed fewer people today than on other Saturdays, but we stand by our mission: if even one soul is touched, the day is a victory for the Kingdom.

How You Can Join Us in Prayer

Our work doesn’t end when we leave the city center. We invite you to continue praying for the individuals we encountered in Leeds:

For Hearts to Be Open: That the message of the Gospel would take root.

For Freedom: We pray specifically for those struggling with addiction in the city.

For the Seeds to Grow: That the words shared and the kindness shown would linger in their hearts throughout the week.

For Every Practical Need: That God would provide for their daily struggles.

Thank you for your continued support, your help, and most importantly, your prayers. Together, we are sharing the light of Christ in the places it is needed most.

🌟Stay updated with our missions and find resources at

COPE Blog

#COPEStreetMinistry #Leeds #Wakefield #FaithInAction #KingdomWork #StreetMinistry #ShareTheGospel #GreatCommission #Hope #JesusSaves

The Amazing Story of Saul, AKA The Apostle Paul

If you think you’ve made too many mistakes for God to use you, I’ve got two stories for you tonight.

One is about a man named Saul from 2,000 years ago, and the other is about a man who stood where you are for 33 years of addiction. Neither of us was “too far gone.”

Today, I’m here to talk to you about the Apostle Paul, a person whose life shows that anyone can change completely.

The Man He Used to Be

First, you need to know who he used to be. Originally, he was the biggest enemy of the first Christians. He believed the followers of Jesus were wrong and needed to be stopped.He actively pursued them, had people arrested, and even stood by when the first Christian, Stephen, was executed. Saul was a religious persecutor, determined to stamp out the new faith.

The Moment Everything Changed

But then came the moment everything changed. While he was traveling to Damascus to arrest more Christians, the resurrected Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light.This event completely flipped his life. Suddenly, the man who hunted Christians became the man who would spend his life telling others about Jesus. He changed his name from Saul to Paul and became Jesus’s main messenger to the rest of the world.

A Legacy of Transformation

To understand how much he did, consider this: of the 27 books in the New Testament, Paul wrote 13 of them. That means nearly half of the books we read to understand our faith today came from a man who started out trying to destroy it.Paul’s new life wasn’t easy. He faced shipwrecks, beatings, and was thrown in jail many times. Yet, even when he was near the end of his life, locked up and knowing he was about to be executed, he never lost his hope. In one of his last letters, he summed up his confidence perfectly:

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” — 2 Timothy 4:18

Think about that. Paul knew he wasn’t going to be saved from death, but he knew he’d be saved by death. The Lord who changed him from a bully into a believer would take him safely to heaven.

Paul’s story is a simple but massive message: No matter what mistakes you’ve made or how bad your past is, you can still be rescued and used for good.

Two thousand years later, God is still performing miracles and changing lives. I was a drug addict for 33 years. After giving my life wholeheartedly to Jesus Christ, I am now clean from drugs and dedicated to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour.

That’s why Paul’s story is so important: it shows the world that transformation is always possible.

A Promise for Your Journey

I can’t promise you all your problems will disappear overnight. You have a hard road ahead of you, but I can tell you, you will have peace and a purpose. You will not only survive; you will thrive and grow if you trust in Jesus.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

Why I Have “No Hope” in Jesus Christ

We talk about “hope” a lot in faith circles. We hope for better days, we hope for healing, and we hope that God is listening.But recently, I was asked to give a three-minute talk on the “hope” I found in Christ, and I hit a wall.

Every time I sat down to prepare, my mind went blank. I struggled for two months trying to find the words, until I realized something that changed my entire perspective.

I told my wife, “I have no hope.

“Now, before you close this tab, let me explain. From Hoping to Knowing

Before I came to Christ, I truly had no hope. I was drifting. But since I’ve gone “all in” with God, the word “hope” doesn’t quite fit anymore.

Hope implies a level of uncertainty—like “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.” But when it comes to Jesus, I don’t have to “hope” He’s there. I have a rock solid knowledge that He has me in every single way.

He is behind me, beside me, and before me. I don’t have to worry about whether He will show up, because I know He already has.What Happens When You Go “All In”In the video below, I share a bit of my story and the “lightbulb moment” I had while preparing for this talk.

The promise God made to me is the same one He makes to you:

He will never forsake you.

He will never let you down.

He will never let you stumble.

When you stop holding back and start giving every decision and every part of your being to Him, “hope” is replaced by a deep, unshakeable confidence.Watch the full short here:

Let’s Connect

Whether you’ve been in church your whole life or you’re just starting to look for answers, I want to encourage you to go “all in.”

You’ll find that you don’t need to live on “hope” alone when you have the absolute certainty of His presence.

What’s one area of your life where you’re ready to move from “hoping” to “knowing”?