So America has chosen its next president. The people wanted change and Obama embodies change. Interestingly in March this year George W Bush said "Let me start off by saying that in 2000 I said, 'Vote for me. I'm an agent of change.' In 2004, I said, 'I'm not interested in change—I want to continue as president.' Every candidate has got to say 'change.' That's what the American people expect."

I suggest Obama owes a debt of gratitude to the TV series 24 where Dennis Haysbert played David Palmer, America's first black president. Haysbert was eminently presidential in the role and he himself believes that his portrayal allowed America to become comfortable with the idea.

I'm fascinated by the fact that it doesn't matter how intellectually convinced people are about something, so often it is seeing for themselves that starts the revolution. That's what discipleship is all about - not just being taught but seeing what it looks like.