Developing Christian missional community in the C21st

The Uniting Church Since 1990 31% of UC’s have closed Lost 40% of attenders Average congregation size today is 35 Average of 3 children

What’s changed? Loss of faith in institutions – Religion, Politics, Banks Decline of clubs (Scouts, tennis, youth groups, kids) Sundays Different cultures and faiths Little Christian faith knowledge e.g. RE Religion to spirituality Where people meet

The future It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent or rich, but the most responsive to change. Many churches are learning and growing.

Light weight institutionally Not rules, rosters, obligations, forms, buildings, filling seats Time and energy not all about maintaining the inside, but about mission and simple shared life

Authentic Jesus not God. (The Jesus story and Jesus values) People walk the talk. Live out the Jesus life Visible love for each other and those in need

Community A place to belong not attend. To share life – meals, life experiences In different ways, places, times Participant not spectator

Experience of God Experiences of God, not about God. Not about rules, doctrine, but hearing the gospel for me and my life

Same treasure, different packaging Light weight – rules, obligations, maintenance Authentic – way of Jesus Community – sharing of life, times, places Experiences – of God.

‘Go out into the world and share the Good News’ Risen Jesus