Church Growth

Resourcing Renewal – shaping churches for the emerging future. by Martyn Atkins, 2007. Paperback 267 pages.

This is an important book by the President of the Methodist Conference (who paid a short visit to Bailgate in January 2008). Having been Principal of Cliff College, Martyn Atkins has now been appointed to the new post of General Secretary of the Methodist Church.

He explains that there is a pervasive dissatisfaction within traditional churches with a gradual realisation that they no longer appeal to those outside and are unable to even attract, engage or keep their children or grandchildren. One of the problems is that we are now in state of post-Christendom – Christianity is no longer central in our country's thinking and the church has been marginalised and no longer considered relevant. The gap between church and the surrounding communities and wider culture grows even greater and yet most churches are not facing up to it. In terms of church life this often results in a kind of siege mentality in which the life of the local church – often as it is fondly remembered, rather than as it actually is – provides haven and security for its established members, who sustain its life for as long as possible. Key members of many local churches quietly confide that they no longer feel they know what it's all about – the money-raising for the survival of a questionable status quo; the general level of apathy about things they consider really important; the annual round of meetings and religious routine. They sense that 'there has to be more than this' and so they pray and wait.

This is the diagnosis with which few would disagree. What about the prescription? Martyn Atkins suggests a 'mixed economy' consisting of both revitalized traditional churches and fresh expressions of church. He feels that the best way of renewing and energizing established congregations is to prayerfully think again about the missionary nature of the church as taught in Scripture and accordingly to adapt to attract those it wishes to serve. Unless outreach is central to a church's thinking, it will not survive. It is a harsh irony that sheer investment in the local church over many years makes church folk susceptible to automatically assuming that the routine life and ministry of the church is seeking God's Kingdom, and that simply keeping 'the show on the road' sharing in the mission of God. And it is because this temptation is so common and so debilitating to renewal that the missionary nature of the Church requires to be rehearsed and reviewed over and over again.

Does size matter? Do we need larger or smaller congregations? Larger churches are often successful because they are well resourced. They are able to provide quality worship, attractive spirituality, good leadership, consistent preaching, wide participation, appropriate environments, effective Sunday schools, pastoral care and opportunities for Christian growth and discipleship. They tend to use their resources well, investing in projects and ministries that are outward-facing, mission-focused and community-sensitive. Most are openly committed to making more disciples of Jesus, and engage in innovative ways of encountering people in evangelism and witness. Their premises are tasteful, pleasant, and inviting with cafés, book-rooms and prayer chapels. On the other hand, small home groups have advantages in terms of fellowship and opportunity to invite friends, neighbours, family and colleagues. Perhaps both are needed.

Reading this book prompts one to consider how this could be applied to our situation – in Lincoln, at Bailgate. We all need to think and pray about this. However, it seems clear that whatever changes are made, any renewal will be temporary unless priority is given to outreach.

What would Jesus say about your Church? by Richard Mayhue, 2002 Paperback 198 pages

Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has a definite blueprint for His Church. We can learn a lot of what he commends and what he condemns in His Churches from His letters to the 7 early churches in what is now Turkey which we find in the first two chapters of the book of Revelation. Paul Mayhue examines the letters to each of these churches, as well as Paul's letters to the churches in Thessalonica, Philippi and Corinth, and the account of the Churches in Jerusalem and Antioch that we find in Acts. From all this, 38 commendable features and 23 condemnable features are identified so that we can assess our own church. Can you imagine Christ writing a letter directly to Bailgate? His thinking about the Church has not changed. What would He say about us in the light of what He wrote to these first century churches? This book helps us make that assessment – if we have the courage!

How to give away your faith by Paul Little, 1971. Paperback 143 pages

Although a little dated and written primarily for American college students, this book is full of helpful and practical observations and advice on sharing our faith. Sharing our faith is a daunting prospect for many British Christians but a vital one. Without effective preparation and forethought we will flounder. In Peter's first letter we are told to be 'ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you'. A number of practical, basic principles are offered. For instance, we must have social contact with non-Christians; if we don't know any non-Christians, how can we introduce them to Jesus? Also, we must be prepared for the sort of questions non-Christians might ask. This experienced student evangelist list 7 basic questions which, in his experience, are asked again and again. They may not all be the ones the people we meet ask but his answers are very helpful and should prompt us to consider and prepare answers for questions which we are more likely to be asked. Predictably, the questions include Is Christ the only way to God?, Why do the innocent suffer? What about the heathen? and Isn't the Bible full of errors? We might consider such questions as Why do you go to church? and Why are you a Christian? Outreach is one area in which Bailgate is not very effective. This little book is highly recommended.

Biblical Strategies for Witness by Peter Masters, 1994. Paperback 154 pages

For many of us, witnessing to others about our faith is daunting and we're not even sure how to go about it. This book is full of encouragement, establishing the fact that God really does use human instruments. It presents Jesus' own methods for challenging different types of unconverted people. As we read this book it may surprise us to see just how much detailed and practical guidance is stored in the Gospels and the Book of Acts for all who engage in personal witness and preaching.