In January, St James Clerkenwell played home to the first City to City UK DNA Download conference, with 45 churches and 13 UK cities represented.
The conference provided an opportunity to think about theological vision and ministry values that are needed to see the cities of the UK reached with the gospel. The Gospel: it renews hearts, changes lives, builds the church and impacts the world. The City: aim to equip churches for the challenges and opportunities that come from ministering in UK cities. The Movement: City to City UK is a movement of church-planting churches, working together from different tribes and networks.
Personal renewal is key
Neil Powell looked at ‘A Theological Discussion of the Gospel’, emphasising the essential need for churches to be gospel-centred, so every area and ministry is focussed, motivated and empowered by the gospel. Ken Lippold, highlighting the challenges that ministry brings to the pastor’s own heart, stressed the need for personal renewal. Only as the gospel is experienced in the church leader’s heart and life can churches move forward.
