At a time when churches are reported to be in decline, the theme of growing churches is obviously of major importance for Christians.
‘Growing churches: reach, build, send’ was the title of a conference sponsored by the South East Gospel Partnership (in affiliation with Affinity) at St. Helen’s, Bishopsgate, London, on February 3.
Discouragement in seeking to spread the gospel was addressed first of all by Andy Gemmill of Beeston Evangelical Church, Nottingham, kicking off the day with an excellent exposition of the parable of the sower and accompanying parables in Mark 4. We learned that, despite discouraging appearances, with 75% of the seed ‘wasted’ and the slow progress of any growth, nevertheless God is in control and he will bring a great harvest through the whole ministry of Jesus.
The re-emergence of heavy shepherds
What would you think if you received a letter from your church leaders that read like this? ‘Are church members …