What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Prayer for Flight MH17

    It would appear from news report that are still breaking that there is a very strong likelihood that the Malaysian plane which has crashed in the Ukraine has been brought down deliberately by someone as yet unknown but connected with the conflict that rages in that part of the world.

    It is one of those moments where the world looks on with horror at something utterly terrible.

    I find myself struggling to know how to pray in circumstances like this but prayer must be found somehow. How to form a prayer for Flight MH17? Something prompts me to think of St Adamnan of Iona – one of those saints whom more people should know about. He is most famous for writing a biography of St Columba but should be far better known for his Law of the Innocents. It was one of the first attempts to lessen the savagery of warfare by getting those fighting to commit to leave the innocent untouched by conflict. Adamnan’s witness shines like a beacon from the Celtic lands. A product of what we now know are Ireland and Scotland, his influence is with us today and his message is entwined with modern diplomacy, concepts of human rights and the work of all who strive for peace.

    So Adamnan of Iona, prompt our prayers….

    Eternal God
    for all those killed this day,
    for those killed in warfare,
    for those who work for peace,
    for those killed on flight MH17,
    for those who work for justice,
    for those who are innocent who are killed in the conflicts of others,
    for diplomats, peacemakers, politicians and opinion formers in all places of danger.
    Lord in your mercy,
    Hear our prayer.

    , ,

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Posts

  • 2009-02-01 Kelvin Holdsworth

    Here is the sermon from this morning. (Note that I've been having technical problems for the last week or two and getting the sermons off one of the two video cameras has not been succesful). I want, this morning, simply to say a couple of things about the feast day which we are celebrating this…

  • Dolls – National Theatre of Scotland

    To the Tramway last night for Dolls a production from the National Theatre of Scotland. It is perhaps singularly appropriate that a production adapted for the stage from a film turns into such a mixed media event as this. Not so much a play as a ballet with a few words. Not so much a…

  • The Love for Three Oranges – RSAMD

    The Love for Three Oranges is the strangest of works. Surreal in fact. So what could be more natural than a staging which took is visual reference points from surreal and pop art. Dali, Magritte, Duchamp and Warhol were all referenced in this wittily directed production. Indeed, it was a very visual production in which…