• Who guessed the Pope would turn out to be Mrs Beamish?

    It has been wonderful seeing the enthusiasm of Roman Catholic friends for the refreshing breeze that Pope Francis has been bringing to their church over the last few months.

    Lots of Anglicans are hugely admiring of what he has managed to achieve.

    But what’s this coming from the Vatican now?

    No less than an injunction to calm it down during the Peace in the mass.

    A document has emerged which suggests several different ways in which to ensure that things don’t get over exuberant. As well as discouraging people from moving from their place, it also suggests:

    “changing the way in which the exchange of peace is made.” In particular it notes that “familiar and worldly gestures of greeting” should be substituted with “other, more appropriate gestures.”

    Well, there’s a whole load of other Anglicans are going to be impressed by this developement, I guess.

    But who guessed that the Pope would turn out to be Mrs Beamish?

     

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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