This poster was originally made to show the four principles underlying a church plant proposal in Bristol city centre. It can be adapted for any new structure or modern benefice being created in today’s church. The overriding thought behind these principles that recreating traditional church structures will not be enough for a church to grow in the modern world.
The successful modern Church of England benefice will need to be: ORGANIC ... to grow and flex within existing and new areas – geographically, physically, theologically and socially. Rigid strategies won’t cut it. Leaders will have to be creative and articulate, the people they lead will need to be patient and forgiving – and more involved!
NETWORKED ... it will need to work across churches of different styles, theology and history, and across parish boundaries. Networked churches will make the most of resources, limiting duplication to maximise effectiveness and sustainability. CAMPUS ... means the churches will draw together resources for teaching, mentoring, coaching and training, for the purpose of helping Christians deepen their disci-
pleship and witness. Lay ministers will work in a more flexible way with each person working to their strength. PLANTING ... is the obvious outcome of the first three. Sometimes offering help to other churches and at other times starting new ventures of different shapes and styles to meet particular needs and opportunities.
First published on Issuu SDecember 2012 and blogs dated December 17th 2012 - January 2nd 2013 in church growth, Church of England, church-creative reimagining • by Leighton Carr © •
www.theflipchart.com