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20% of the responses highlighted outreach and looking outward |
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15% of the responses highlighted keep streaming/online courses |
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“Online, regular Zoom opportunities for those who cannot attend church/bible-study and prayer groups etc.” “More prayer focussed, more outward looking meeting needs in our community.” “Be a church outside the building. Try new places. Go where people are.” “Actively encourage a diversity of voices and be prepared to do things differently in response to a growing diversity. Communion - Look at how this 'act of remembrance', this 'sacrament' could feature more richly in the Church's life. A common table, a place of remembrance, repentance and forgiveness, a looking forward to the return of Christ. A celebration of all that Jesus has done, is doing and will do. Prayer - rediscover the ancient paths.... contemplation, adoration, morning prayer, evening prayer.” |
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“Use some of the amazing resources that are already out there on the web ... not feel we have to reinvent the wheel for everything.” “More encouraging everyone to pray in a broader and more accessible way a much greater focus on each person working out their own walk with Jesus - perhaps a different approach to courses and online resources to support people. Growing a much wider sense of Loving our Neighbour and less centrally organised activity would reach more people and enable a greater sense of personal calling and encouragement.” “Develop and become more comfortable with the premise that 'we have left the building'! Even though, I hope that we can return to the physical building at some point soon, to accept God's challenge and opportunity to change our mindset...to be 'church' more locally, where we live and work without looking back!” “This is hard to vocalise - but I think to encourage authenticity and to go off-script sometimes. There are so many great things about the C of E, but praying more freely, and sharing more personal faith stories would be great.” |
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“In the past, Christians have so often been central at moments of social renewal – from the abolition of the slave trade to the civil rights struggle. As Tearfund, we have seen the crucial role that local churches often play as communities rebuild. The church can demonstrate that a different way forward is not only possible, but a better option for everyone. And together we can call on governments and businesses to reflect this in the ways that they reboot our economy and society.” Tearfund rebooted guide. “Six months ago, our country went into lockdown. Almost immediately, we saw both the best and the worst of human behaviour. For many, charity truly began at home, with family members caring for shielding relatives, and neighbours pulling together in new and different ways. But for some, it was abuse, rather than charity, that began at home. Far too often, those living with abuse do feel there is no one to help. I have learned how vital it is to spread the word about the help that is available. For any readers in that situation, please know that you are not alone.” Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. “Jesus doesn’t offer us an escape. He offers us something far better: “equipment.” He offers his apprentices a whole new way to bear the weight of our humanity: with ease. At his side. Like two oxen in a field, tied shoulder to shoulder. With Jesus doing all the heavy lifting. At his pace. Slow, unhurried, present to the moment, full of love and joy and peace. An easy life isn’t an option; an easy yoke is.” John Mark Comer. “In the reformation, power shifted away from the institutions to the people. This season might be another reformation in the life of the church.” Pete Hughes, KXC. “Rather than rushing to re-spin all the plates, let this be a chance to allow a few to stop spinning and to give space for more reflection and listening. It may be that in this time, where everything has changed, that we too have the chance to change and find transformation.” Fred Drummond, Church of Scotland and Evangelical Alliance. |
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This is covered by what has been set out above in terms of services, Zoom etc. But we do also need to radically rethink how we approach OUTREACH. There are opportunities to reach more people with the online offerings. And in rethinking outreach and evangelism we need to focus again on ‘loving our neighbour.’ This is likely to need a shift from a centralised to a more local neighbourhood approach. We all have the opportunity to be a more prayerful, loving and caring presence in our communities. If it’s true that the church has ‘left the building’ then we mustn’t simply retreat back to our building! And we want to encourage people to appreciate, care for and safeguard God’s creation in new ways. This crisis has highlighted that we live in a connected world and we have global responsibilities. We need to find the small steps we can all take to play our part. And finally, issues of abuse, justice and inequality have been dramatically and rightly highlighted in this season. The church must not simply stand in the side-lines but be ready not only to change but to be advocates of change. |
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This is what the Lord says: Jeremiah 6: 16 |
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