One Generation from Extinction

1. This post 'Four Reasons to think about Hell' is a timely reminder of why the vitality of the local church and its mission is so crucial. Thanks be again for an Archbish who is putting a rocket under the C of E to return to it's mission (as far as he is empowered or able to). Here's a question. Why, when we promote someone in the C of E, do we have to nearly always take them out of their day to day work in the local church thereby distancing them where it all happens?

2. My pal who has recently taken over a struggling and nearly closed church has 59 folk on his first Alpha Course.That's encouraged me.

3. As we were brainstorming reaching 18-30's it struck me that no one had said 'Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ'. I have really no other significant ideas other than that (apart from pray). As I have pondered since, it has struck me that we assume the gospel is being preached when perhaps too often it isn't.

4. I read this quote today:

'Strategy is about commitment. If what you are doing isn't irrevocable, then you don't have a strategy- because anyone can do it......I have always wanted to treat life like I was an invading army and there was no turning back' Troy Tyler

The Shaping of Things to Come, p 201

5. From 'One Generation from Extinction':

'For every 100 children in C of E churches in 1930 today there are nine.' p. 63

6. There is a helpful chapter in 'Our Secular Age' on Millennials. The recommendation is to 'Make space of Thomas':

Likewise churches interested in reaching millennials need to become skilled in that sort of patience that graciously makes space for the questioner,.......Questions and dialogue must be welcome.'. p 51