Moving on in … Mission Shaped Church Some of the working group

Changing Times Sunday has changed How we relate to others has changed – neighbour and network Culture is now diverse and church is not central in the mixture Christian faith is less known Spirituality is in, Religion is despised Often today we have to start at the beginning

We believe in … God who created and loves the world Mission is discovering what He is already doing Jesus who went beyond the expected We go in the same way, to where people are Jesus who set aside his power and status We follow his example to go and give up our preferences Jesus who died and then was raised What may the church have to die to ? God sending his Spirit The Spirit disturbs and guides The Church has four marks – O H C A But it can appear in many ways

Learning to be a “both-and” Church We don’t stop all we are doing Existing ways, done well, can reach the nearest 40% AND Creating new ways to connect with the furthest away 60% A “Mixed Economy” Church is traditional and fresh expressions all facing outwards Anglicans and Methodists are working together on this agenda Specific groups now exist to help churches learn how we can learn to do this.

How do we start ? Build in mission-centred values In co-operation with the Spirit Listen, pray, form vision – what calling emerges Prune a little – how do we travel light Form a team – to learn the context & grow together Feed your imagination – go visit other e.g.s Explore partnerships – and obtain permissions Form community – serving, speaking worshipping Allow growth to maturity – aim to raise further “adult” churches

Help ? ! www.freshexpressions.org.uk www.encountersontheedge.org.uk