February 2009

Tearfund have just produced findings from a research project which demonstrates that the ‘Church is not in decline’ any more. See the press release: http://www.tearfund.org/News/Press+releases/Church+is+where+the+heart+is.htm

This is the second piece of encouraging news I’ve read this week. Even though church attendance is rare it seems that people are warm to the Church in general.

A recent poll reported that a huge number of people say that they WOULD accept an invitation to a service if it was offered.
We just need to make sure that the experience of the visit is so positive that they want to repeat it.

Making a real effort to get to know someone and being genuinely interested in their lives is the key. No-one likes to feel that they are being head-hunted for numbers. Activate has always encouraged relationship building first and foremost. We are called to introduce people to Jesus and not to get them onto a Pew. However, being part of a loving group who are living the Gospel and not simply talking it, is much more likely to attract people and encourage them to stay and belong.

Are you interested in learning more on reaching out to spiritual searchers? If so you might be interested in the following.

Eden People, a cross-church, all age Christian ministry uses ‘creative mission’ to make faith relevant and visible to those ‘out there’ and engages with those who are exploring spirituality – and meets them where they are.

Colin Brice, a leader from Eden People says “For more than 10 years we have been taking the Gospel outside Christian ‘safe areas’ into galleries, pubs, cafes, Mind, Body & Spirit exhibitions, psychic fairs and all sorts of music and spiritual festivals and gatherings. We take issues such as the environment, justice, spirituality and the creative arts as connection points for God to use. In these spaces we meet with many on personal spiritual journeys, enabling them to talk about, explore and experience expressions of the Christian faith”.

With the current growing interest in spirituality and alternative therapies, Eden People is helping to equip Christians for creative mission.

To do this, they are aware they need to present the Gospel in a relevant way by embracing new technology and mission tools such as short film, animation, new music genres and multi-sensory elements to bring Jesus to the forefront of people’s spiritual exploration.

This year Eden People are running an Apprenticeship Scheme aimed at those who are interested in learning more about using creative mission to reach out to spiritual searchers. It offers a 6 or 12 month hands-on training course at their base in Guildford. It aims to equip and encourage Christians to develop evangelism for today’s culture.

Also on offer are consultancy and training for small groups and churches. The sessions focus on:

– Festival ministry – music, green (eco), community & spiritual
– Mind, Body & Spirit or psychic fair ministry
– Context Consultancy (for where you/or your church is located)
– Massage Training
– General creative mission overview, preparation and outworking

For more details on Eden People training courses e-mail: edenpeople@matrixtrust.com

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. The first International Women’s Day was run in 1911 so in just a few years time 2011 sees the IWD Global Centenary. This year IWD will be celebrated on 9th March 2009 and the website lists events taking place in the UK and across the world- full details at www.internationalwomensday.com . Why not join an event near you?

While we are on the subject of weddings can I draw your attention to this website. It has lots of advertisers, special offers and speech suggestions.
I blog and answer questions on this site and am happy to give advice to people who want to marry in church. Sometimes a small worry can put people off and cause them to book a hotel wedding instead.

The national church has a stand at most big wedding shows but anyone could take this up locally and offer basic advice.