Simple/Organic/House/Missional Church in the UK and Ireland 2011
December 16, 2011 in Disciples, Mission, What is Church?
In 2011 Mission Britain sent out a survey to people involved in simple/organic/house/missional churches in the UK and Ireland. We wanted to see where things were at and what is happening on the ground through these forms of Churches. We have examined the statistics and put together a Report which you can download for free. Please feel free to pass this report onto people who you feel might be interested.
Click here to download and read a report into Simple/Organic/House/Missional Church in the UK and Ireland (2011)
The report was carried out by Mission Britain and Ireland
Well done and honest….. much the same on this side of the pond with some actively speaking against intentional discipleship and multiplication! Hard to believe but some of that kind of thing is getting a lot of traction. Justifying fruitlessness and disobedience. Difficult to understand that kind of attitude. Keep going for it!
Thanks Steve. Jesus said that His friends were those that obeyed His commandments didn’t He? (John 14) May God help us to train lots of people to be friends of Jesus!
I think you are being a little unfair, Steve! Before acting obediently one needs to know what has been commanded. Many, probably most, believers have been taught so much nonsense about what is required of them that they turn in the opposite direction and interpret ‘living by the Spirit’ as meaning the same as having no plan or pattern. I know this is true from many discussions as well as from personal experience. Been there; got the T-shirt! It took me nearly twenty years to overcome well-meant false teaching.
Many in simple churches have been hurt by institutional churchianity (both old and new forms) and need a time of healing. Many are also frightened of repeating the same mistakes that damaged them if they proactively disciple others. Many do not believe that they are ‘qualified’ or worthy to teach and lead others. Only when the Holy Spirit has brought them to a place of personal wellbeing and understanding will they be ready to step out as true disciples should. In UK and much of ‘the West’ we suffer from the belief that we have a ‘christian’ past. We don’t; our past is one of churchianity, not christianity. Those with no experience of this churchianity find it much easier to understand Jesus’ teaching because they start without false preconceptions. This is as true in UK as traditionally non-christian countries. I say this not as some form of excuse, but because recognising it may help us to help simple churches move forward.
Fascinating report, Peter and Ben. Well done!
Thanks for your comments John
Very inspiring, your report I believe hits the nail on the head. The problem is obedience starts with me. Am I trully being whole heartedly obedient? I am mentoring two others but what example am I giving?
Thanks for your comments Giles