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Asks how and where we meet together, and what impact spaces have on spiritual life Redefines a Christian community and develops a new view on what Church is Thorough research, rich thinking and coherent theology Spaces discussed include kitchens, gardens and corridors Addresses key questions about the discipleship of church members Accessible book for personal devotion or small group use, including questions for discussion
An exploration of Messy Church and its theological significance for the wider church. 'Messy Church Theology' brings together essays and case studies from a wide range of contributors examining the growth of Messy Church and discussing questions of sustainability, discipleship, all-age church, sacramental, interdenominational, ecumenical and international possibilities, and the future of Messy Church.
There has been substantial church growth in Britain between 1980 and 2010. This is the controversial conclusion from the international team of scholars, who have drawn on interdisciplinary studies and the latest research from across the UK. Such church growth is seen to be on a large scale, is multi-ethnic and can be found across a wide range of social and geographical contexts. It is happening inside mainline denominations but especially in specific regions such as London, in newer churches and amongst ethnic minorities. Church Growth in Britain provides a forceful critique of the notion of secularisation which dominates much of academia and the media - and which conditions the thinking of many churches and church leaders. This book demonstrates that, whilst decline is happening in some parts of the church, this needs to be balanced by recognition of the vitality of large swathes of the Christian church in Britain. Rebalancing the debate in this way requires wholesale change in our understanding of contemporary British Christianity.
How can we best approach the season between retiring and becoming dependent?Autumn is a time of gains and losses: fruit being harvested, and leaves falling. This book charts the experience of living through both realities, drawn from the author's own life and from the views of interviewees. Informed by historic and contemporary reading, it offers snapshots of later life, taken against a backdrop of ageism in society and church. George Lings reflects on the identity of the 'active elderly', and considers through a biblical lens the challenges and opportunities that this season brings.
This timely, multi-faceted book by a collection of leading thinkers and practitioners provides church leaders with the resources to re-imagine church and ministry in the twenty-first century. Looking at both traditional forms of church and fresh expressions, this wide-ranging book offers invaluable historical, psychological, sociological and theological perspectives on the parish system. Leading thinkers outline the challenges facing the Church, present suggestions for areas for development, and set out principles for future growth.
Using a mix of theological reflection, sociological analysis, case studies and personal experience, this book explores ways forward for mission in a rural context in both traditional and fresh expressions of church. It offers insights into issues facing rural England and explores the nature of mission with reference to the rural situation.
This recent classic by G.B. Caird explores a host of linguistic principles related to language usage and meaning and points to the way these principles ought to be applied to a reading of the English Bible.
Rewilding the Church explores afresh the compelling invitation of Jesus to ‘Follow me’ and the call to ‘throw off everything that hinders and entangles’. It poses provocative questions and issues a call to contribute to the great rewilding of the Church – and to be rewilded ourselves. The same human instincts that have disrupted our natural environment have also constrained and domesticated the Church and Rewilding the Church commends a rediscovery of the adventure of faith.
This book investigates the theological basis for church planting and creating fresh expressions of church. Based on extensive research, senior church growth authority George Lings argues that the church has a divine calling and capacity to reproduce, albeit in ways that are intentionally non-identical. Using the doctrine of the Trinity, as well as key passages throughout scripture, he shows how such reproduction fulfils the mission of God. The book also includes many practical examples drawn from church history, to help apply the message to congregations today.
An overview of recent developments in church planting. This detailed, practical and well-researched book describes the varied and exciting 'fresh expressions' of church being created. This edition includes a new foreward by the Rt Revd Graham Cray.