What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • It is a justice issue, isn’t it?

    The question is this – is LGBT inclusion a justice issue or isn’t it?

    If we think it is a justice issue then we pray about it in church, right?

    Those two questions feel to me a little uncomfortable.

    We pray readily in churches up and down the land about justice issues – we pray about poverty, we pray for those who are down on their luck, we pray about homelessness. Increasingly (though still not that often) we pray about climate change.

    If we believe LGBT inclusion is a justice issue (rather than a tricky and embarrassing disagreement) then we’ll pray about it, won’t we? In intercessions. In church. At the mass.

    Won’t we?

    Here’s a notice announcing a special service which has been organised by Changing Attitude Scotland to do just that.

    lightbulb

    The celebrant will be the Rev Kirstin Freeman. Others are very welcome to copy this idea. Anyone can have a Eucharist for Change.

    But my question is really about regular weekly services.

    We will pray. Won’t we?

    ,

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

    Reply
    1. Kelvin Avatar
      Kelvin

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

      Reply
  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.

    Reply
  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.

    Reply
    1. Kelvin Avatar
      Kelvin

      Of course.

      Reply
  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?

    Reply
    1. Kelvin Avatar
      Kelvin

      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.

      Reply

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