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A MESSAGE FROM THE VICAR

The situation we have inherited is one where our society has been profoundly influenced by the establishment of Christendom over 1500 years ago.  But the situation is rapidly changing. Christianity plays little part in the life of 90 per cent of the population, and Christianity now 'competes'  in a market places of beliefs and alternative philosophies.  The way we have 'been' and 'done' Church will have to change.

John Finney in his book  'Finding Faith Today' sets out some challenging statistics.  He points out that 80 per cent of those who have come to faith in recent years attribute friendship with a church member as the single most important factor. Notice that - friendship with a church member.  It is not just a one on one relationship (though it is that), but also the way in which that relationship opens the door into a local community of people living the gospel.

We find little in the New Testament about teaching on evangelism.  That's because it was not a taught subject, but a natural outworking of a relationship with Jesus Christ that had changed their lives.  Building a community of faith where others see that Jesus makes a real difference was the key, and as we have to re-visit our current generation with the good news of  Jesus, we need to look at and think hard at how they did it.  This is the Church we are trying to build, where we are a living 'sign' of the power and love of God.