We had a very special time at the working together civic-church engagement consultation last month. It was so inspiring to be in a room with key leaders of unity movements who are strategically engaging with their civic authorities. In this context of a major economic crisis and the resulting withdrawal of local services, coupled with the changes to welfare payments, we are seeing rising levels of social need and yet great opportunities for the Church to arise and serve. 

Theresa Grant: CEO of Trafford Council addressed the consultation and said that in 3-4 years time we will not have local authorities as we know them; the whole shape of them will have to change. She said “As Churches you have a vital role to play in the future of the country and your localities. You have a position of trust and credibility that is going to be invaluable during the crisis over the coming two years.”

This opportunity to serve was picked up by Paul Barratt from the churches forum in Croydon when he related a talk their CEO of the council gave to them as he thanked them for speaking the truth, acting decisively to meet need and not judging those in need or those authorities when they fail to meet the need. “We feel you have come to serve us.”

This theme of service was underlined by Billy Kennedy one of the leaders of Southampton Christian Network who challenged us “to serve the city, not try and take it for Jesus”. To be “fathers and mothers of the city not just the Church, it's not our enemy it's our arena of service”. Engagement can only be started when we accept and take responsibility for our cities, the places God has put us in, was strongly underlined by both Dave Landrum (head of advocacy for the EA) and Lloyd Cooke (unity leader in Stoke).  

This activity and engagement can however only be sustained long term and driven forward when we do it from a base of relational unity. Individual churches can do some important service in their areas but to respond to the significant need at this moment we need to be as joined up as possible, pull our resources together and act as one Church in our towns and cities.  

The consultation was jammed packed with information, best practice and inspiration, and all of it has been captured on audio and is available on the Gather website.

Overall the consultation was a strong call to not only work for unity to reach individuals for Christ and see the Church grow, but to dream and work for the renewal of the place God has put us in. To pray and serve towards a kingdom vision of what your city or town could look like in 30 years time. This is taking the purpose for unity work to whole new level.
Every Blessing
Roger and Lesley

Click on the links below to hear podcasts of the talks from these inspirational people, or alternatively go to the resources section of the Gather website.