Evangelism

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Evangelism Church Growth in Urban Priority
Area Parishes (UPAs) a study for the Urban
Mission Ministry Committee
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Aims

• To examine the issues challenges
• associated with Mission Discipleship
• To share the learning which has been gained
• To promote good ideas and practices which
• are making a difference

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Study method adopted (1)

• Independent researcher used for the study
• UMMC selected the parishes invited them to
  take part
• in the study
• There were six parishes from across the Diocese
  involved
• In addition, three churches from other
  denominations
• agreed to participate

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Study method adopted (2)

• A small qualitative study,
• (we are not suggesting the results are
  representative of all parishes in UPAs)
• Framework of questions provided for the
  discussions
• Face to face discussions
• (survey available in advance to aid
  preparation)
• A summary report produced discussed with UMMC
  in December 2011

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The data from the study (1)

• The study was designed to highlight raise
  issues,
• in order to explore possible solutions
• There are some overlaps and common themes from
  the
• study, but also differences which reflect the
  variations in
• geography culture within the areas visited
• A number of the issues raised, in particular
  those
• associated with availability of resources are
  not
• exclusive to parishes/churches within UPAs

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The data from the study (2)

• The setting context of the churches
• The churches visited are in areas of high
  deprivation
• Characterised often by
• - Significant vandalism child related crime
• - Drug alcohol abuse, high levels of smoking
• - Lower than average levels of life expectancy
• - High benefits dependency culture
• - People feel isolated, trapped and a sense of
  being neglected
• However by contrast
• - in almost 60 of those involved, a strong sense
  of community,
• people who are proud to belong to their areas
  and display
• considerable loyalty
• Strong commitment to the rites of passage,
  christenings, funerals
• (and in some cases marriage)

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The data from the study (3)

• The joys of working in these churches are
• - seeing individuals come to faith in Christ
• - the transformations which are occurring
• - the growth in ability, gifts, confidence and
  faith
• The opportunities presented by being welcome in
  schools/colleges
• The challenges of working in these situations
  are
• - people who come to church, bring with them
  significant challenges in
• their situations which need to be dealt with
• - the demands placed on paid voluntary staff
  are huge
• - Buildings which are not necessarily suitable
  for
• 21st Century outreach activities
• - A sense that the ground is harder than it
  used to be
• - Church is seen as a really scary place to do,
• people dont want to stand out from their
  peers

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The data from the study (4) - Church Growth

• Growth is happening in all of the churches which
  took part in the study.
• Church plants are showing significant growth
  opportunities
• Even apparently flat statistics, are hiding the
  fact that the church has compensated for
  significant losses
• Growth is taking place from a range of sources,
  including those with no previous church
  connections
• It was acknowledged that growth is totally
  dependant on the work of the Holy Spirit.
  Supported, surrounded and underpinned by prayer
• Building relationships and friendships are key in
  terms of people coming to faith then growing as
  disciples
• Some churches are encouraging their leaders to
  live within the community that they are serving

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The data from the study (5) - Discipleship

• The levels of understanding which exist around
  Christs teaching on discipleship are mixed
• Even where there is a good understanding, there
  can be a considerable gap between the theory and
  practice
• Factors which are contributing to growth
  maturity as learners and disciples include
• -Being open to the work of the Holy Spirit
• -Allowing the Holy Spirit to equip and empower
  leaders and individuals
• -Use of small groups, with emphasis on
  accountability
• -Prayer triplets
• -Mens mentoring group
• -Encouraging authentic Christian living, Loving
  God loving ones neighbour
• -Underpinning this was a stress on real deep
  friendships
• There are encouraging signs evidence of changes
  of lifestyle, despite the challenges which people
  encounter in their areas
• There is a clear focus on reaching out to the
  communities where the churches are placed

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The data from the study (6)

• Resources methods being adopted
• There are a range of resources and programmes
  being
• used by these churches
• Often even well known processes need significant
  adaptation
• There is a clear intent to try to encourage
  individuals
• to identify and use their gifts
• However this does require considerable support
  nurture
• to encourage individuals to grow and recognize
  their gifts

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Some aspects to consider and explore

• Strong opposition to the gospel
• Significant numbers of people who have no contact
  with church and
• very limited knowledge of the Bible
• As building meaningful friendships is a major
  component supporting and
• underpinning growth are we prepared for this
  sacrificial giving of ourselves
• So then resources both clergy and lay stand out
  as a major challenge to be
• addressed
• Is it possible to ensure that attendance figures,
  include aspects such as
• Fresh Expressions, so we highlight growth is
  happening
• Creative ways to either reduce or help with the
  admin secretarial needs
• Grant funding applications, can deliver funds,
  but are complex and time consuming,
• need specialist expertise to increase
  possibility of successful outcomes

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