A Church Worth Staying In

Thanks to Richard Sudworth

Here is a list of characteristics that would keep people in the church:

• churches that provide space for spiritual development rather than spoon-feeding their members
• churches that focus on God rather than the minister or the programmes
• churches that offer authentic community and friendship rather than institutional forms of belonging insipid forms of fellowship
• churches that engage creatively and senisitively with contemporary culture and social and ethical issues
• churches that equip their members for the world of work
• churches that treat adults as adults
• churches that allow room for dialogue as well as monologue
• churches that allow doubts, anger and lament as well as joyful certainty
• churches that are realistic about the rythms and pressures of modern life
• churches that have a holistic vision rather than a privatised spirituality

This is some great food for thought as I consider the path to take over the next couple of months. Prayer is appreciated!