Church Growth Holiday Forum 2014: Session 2

Hope for the future

Book of the day…Hope for the Church

Bob Jackson

Church House Publishing 2002

Hope for the future

• ‘Growth is not only possible, it also the natural condition of the Church and it is already widespread.’

• Bob Jackson (p27)

Hope for the future

‘The New Testament sees growth in the numbers following Christ as both natural and desirable. This is because the work of growing the kingdom is, at root, God’s own job.’

Hope for the futureSome aspects of the Missio Dei

• Mission is a first step for God• This first step involves self-giving• The church echoes divine self-

giving when it gives itself in mission

• Mission as a first step for the church is a response to grace

• Michael Moynagh, Church for Every Context, p132

At the core of missio Dei is the idea of sending… it is the Son and the Spirit who are sent, and the church in their wake.

Hope for the futureFor a full explanation of the development of missio Dei theology see David Bosch’s book: Transforming Mission

Hope for the future

Mission possible?The task is not easy. And the URC has no great track record of being nimble on its feet. But it must be possible because the grower, the builder, the driving force behind the church is Jesus Christ himself and he will never desert us.Bob Jackson, page 30

Hope for the future

This is what the kingdom of God is like…

Mark 4: 26-29

Hope for the future

Discussion

A common ingredient strongly associated with growth in churches of any size, place or context:

Involvement of all people (lay and ordained)

David Goodhew, From Anecdote to Evidence, 2014

The priesthood of all believers is key part of our tradition – should be a real strength for church growth.

Clicks and bricks

Internet presence and buildings – both have a part to play but more important is attitude

Clicks and bricks

In what ways have your church been using new technologies?

Hope for the future

Do we believe growth is possible?

Will we be intentional in growing the church?

A common ingredient strongly associated with growth in churches of any size, place or context:

Being intentional in prioritising growth

David Goodhew, From Anecdote to Evidence, 2014

Questions?

Perseus cluster of galaxies – 250 million light years away

Keeping it in perspective…

Hope for the future

• But remember that all growth is by God’s grace

• Underpinned by prayer• In God’s hands