Seeing with new eyes

A missional re-engagement with society

Christmas 10% of adults think its religious meaning is the most important thing. Children’s Society, NOP survey of 1000 people,2010 4% for year olds 13% year olds 20% of 60+ year olds

Four questions about the Christmas story. 12% adults got all four correct yr old = 7% = 18% Com Res for Theos, survey of 1000 adults, Dec 2010

The average age of an Church of England member is % of those in the pews are pensioners Research and statistics of the Archbishops Council January 2010

82% of people see religion as a cause of division and tension ICM Poll for Guardian, 2006

9% monthly 26% De Churched 65% Non Churched This section of the population is older and decreasing over time Church attendance 2005

“ this majority (66%) presents a major challenge to churches. Most of them are unreceptive and closed to attending church; churchgoing is simply not on their agenda.” simply not on their agenda.”

How have we defined a ‘searcher’? ► Someone who has had cause to reconsider their core values, or think about the big issues like ‘the meaning of life’, in the last year 2000 interviews with a nationally representative sample of UK adults, conducted 24-27th April 09

Are People Searching and why? ► 73% of people are searching ► All ages, male and female, all but the lowest of social grades ► 70% of people are searching because of either the credit crunch, concern about personal finances or job insecurity

Are people considering prayer, the church or the Bible? ► YES … a third of those who say they are Christian at all ► And, the research shows that it is the most helpful thing to do (after turning to family and friends) ► NO … if they do not belong to any religion ► These do not even feature on the ‘spiritual search map’ ► It is not that they are being considered but people haven’t got round to it yet, or that they have been tried and reject

For those without a religion, where do they look? (after family and friends) ► Reflective time alone ► Under 35s, Social grade C1, female ► Voluntary or community work ► Under 45s (part ), Social grade ABC1 ► Artistic or musical hobby ► Under 45, Social Grade ABC1 (very C1)

‘ It is becoming clear that many of the people for whom Christ has died are unlikely to be drawn to our existing churches however spiritually alive, hospitable and attractive they are.’ Bishop Graham Cray

‘ as culture has become incessantly more spiritual and adamantly less religious we are convinced that the primary meeting place with our unchurched friends is now outside the church building. Worship must finally become more life than event. Sally Morgenthaler

A re-imagination of what church is (and could become)

‘We are seeing what corporate forms of life actually happen when people meet Jesus.’ Rowan Williams

‘The illiterate of the 21 st century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.’ Alvin Toffler

‘ rediscover roots in the person of Jesus and to reshape Christian community in the light of his radical understanding of discipleship and the Kingdom of God.’ John Drane

A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing cultures established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church.

This is not new but fresh

It matters……..

Questions for discussion? How do you feel about this ? What are you hoping to gain from this intensive?

1. Context is king

‘ I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.’ 1 Corinthians 9;16f

2. Church is multi level

‘listening to the space opened up by Jesus.’

Culture based communities Postmodern/Gen X emergent churches New monastic orders House church/simple church Cyberchurch Alt worship/new liturgical Pub/café churches –Third Spaces Contemplative Prayer Social enterprises/new communities Churchless Christians Andrew Jones 10 types of emerging church

church viewed as a verb importance of leadership

church viewed as a verb importance of leadership recovery of church as domestic

3. Church/Community is central

“An unchurchy mission is as much a monstrosity as an unmissionary church.” Leslie Newbigin The Household of God

“To live in one place no longer means to live together and living together no longer means to live in the same place.” Ulrich Beck

4. Discipleship not attendance is the measure

5. There is NO one size fits all model of church

The seed and soil

Questions for discussion? Which of these points struck you? Why? What might it mean for your context?

Some dangers

We have too many churches

Beware of the default position

The danger of domestication

Change of language does not necessarily mean a change of mindset

“Faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.” Philip Yancey