Church Without Walls Still Relevant
One of the issues that is facing the church today is how we can be more relevant. Too often the church is viewed a a museum rather than a movement. The "Church Without Walls Report " continues to be an important piece of literature to give the church direction as many of us try to understand its shape its future. Understanding 'shape' is essential. The content may be the same down through the centuries but the shape it takes will always need to be relevant to the culture and understanding of the generation,
I'm quite sure we need less of the kind of buildings we have and more creative spaces in which to engage with those who are seeking.
We need to continue to develop and explore new and different ways to communicate the message of the gospel. I'm convinced that the most effective way of faith sharing centres around building of Gospel Communities. Such communities exist not our of buildings but in relationship with each other.
Over the next few months I'm hoping to see a change in the way we do church in St Andrew's Bo'ness. We're going to explore different ways in which we can meet in small groups to learn how to become Gospel Communities. I know we've done this in the past many times, however on this occasion we're going to be asking " What are the marks of a Gospel Community?"
So I'm looking for a bit of discussion here. How about taking a moment and reflecting on the question and lets see what it is that marks out the Gospel Community? Why not check out the opening podcast on the home page of St Andrew's Parish Church Bo'ness. www.standonline.org.uk
Posted By: Helmut On: 1 Sep 2011 At: 8:16am
Albert, as much as you are right that the shape of the church has to change, and I am happy to be part of it, four posts and a roof, a belfry, and a flagpole will still have to serve as a landmark! We cannot always rely on modern means bringing us along all the time, let us not throw overboard the anchors without the chains attached!