• Inspirational Conversations: How to change the world

    Last week I had some inspirational conversations on Sunday with David Kenvyn, who is the verger at St Mary’s and one of the servers.

    David was talking about his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement.

    Now, lots of people in the UK can rightly think of themselves as part of that struggle, but David has been stuck right into it all his life. Indeed, he had first hand memories of Nelson Mandela and Trevor Huddleston.

    I found the whole conversation hugely inspiring and made me think a lot about the amazing gifts that people have to offer around the altar in St Mary’s.

    If you want a bit of inspiration, take a look at the videos.

    Forum conversation with David Kenvyn, talking about his involvement with the Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa.

    Forum conversation with David Kenvyn, discussing setting up libraries and sending books to South Africa.

7 responses to “75 questions for people who want to help churches to grow”

  1. Richard Ashby Avatar
    Richard Ashby

    Kevin, that’s very interesting set of questions. Can I shamelessly steal some for something I am working on in Chichester? Thanks

    1. Kelvin Avatar

      Feel free to share – please give a link to the website where appropriate.

  2. Alan McCulloch Avatar
    Alan McCulloch

    Very thought provoking set of questions applicable in large part to many walks of life as well as the Church.

  3. Richard Haggis Avatar
    Richard Haggis

    I should like to share it with my Baptist masters in Oxford if that would be OK. We’re in process of deciding who we are, before starting to look for a new minister to work with and lead us.

    1. Kelvin Avatar
  4. Markus Dünzkofer Avatar
    Markus Dünzkofer

    76. What role does Jesus play in your preaching/formation/proclamation?
    77. Can you wrap your reasons for going to your church into a joyful and inviting “elevator speach” (a speech taking the amount of time you need to ride a lift/elevator)?
    78. Do you know what your neighbourhood is looking for, what its needs and desires as much as its joys and hopes are?
    79. What would you miss if your church would close? Would you neighbourhood miss you?
    80. How does your church get its “hands dirty” with creating a just society and preserving creation?
    81. Do you undergird all you do with prayer and worship?
    82. Do you willingly and joyfully give of your time, talent, and treasure to your church?
    83. What role does discussing your own resources play in the formation of your church? (Stewardship)
    84. Do you share details you spiritual and church life joyfully with friends and neighbours?
    85. Do you share the concerns and worries of your friends and family with the responsible people in your congregation?
    86. Are there church events happening outside your buildings?
    87. Are children neither seen, nor heard; seen, but not heard; or seen and heard?
    88. Do you pray for growth?
    89. Do you pray for your city and neighbourhood?
    90. What role does the cross play in your identity and formation?

    1. Kelvin Avatar

      It seems to me that people can help churches grow with the most varied theological presumptions. I’m not convinced that any particular one leads inevitably to growth.

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