Manvers Street Baptist Church / Thought

Manvers Street Baptist Church Bath BA1 1JW

Tel: 01225 461600

Fax: 01225 469123

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?
Having had the privilege of being the Chair of Somerset Churches Together for the last three years, I have been given fresh insights into the way in which the various English Christian Tribes relate and interact together. Amongst other things, I am seeing two very encouraging trends:

I see an increasing blurring of the distinctions between the mainline
Christian denominations.
Whether others think this is encouraging will depend upon their perspective!
However, the majority of church leaders today have to recognise the reality that most of their congregation will be made up of those whose primary commitment is to be a Christian disciple. Their commitment as a member of their respective denomination is secondary consideration for them. True, there is a negative side to this development-the trend may be a reflection of the fact that most people today have a very different perspective on the nature of "truth" (many struggle with the notion of absolute truth and, instead, put a focus on "this" is true for me"). However, there is a positive side
also-our denominational differences are no longer perceived barrier to those who, as yet, have no real faith in God. Another positive is that members of congregations are looking to see how they might grow in their faith in God rather that in their understanding of church protocols.

I see an increasing concern for churches to engage with the world
beyond the church.
Some churches are facing the harsh reality that it is either a time for growth or death is just around the corner. Desperation is not the best motivator for evangelism but at least-and I can only speak here as a Baptist-it is shaking some congregations out of their tree of complacency. I think the Anglicans have taken a splendid lead in encouraging any to consider "fresh expressions" of church to the point that the phrase is now a regular part of our language.

If my perspective holds more than a grain of truth, it seems we need to take some more responsibility in our ecumenical relationships. Majoring in the things which unite us can only add credibility tour united concern to raise the profile for Christianity in our country. For a Churches Together Group in a particular town to be seen as presenting a clear, united voice on social and faith issues often results in a strength which is greater than the sum of the parts. Majoring in the things which disunite us can only add bewilderment to a sceptical but spiritually open general public.

People, I find, are generally far more willing to consider Christian faith than they were even ten years ago. I am not advocating we should pretend that we are all the same. I think a rainbow of distinctive Christian expressions is hugely beneficial for everyone. However, the major challenge for our generation remains to
organise our Christian relationships around mission, rather than worship -are we ready for the challenge?
Revd. Nigel Coles, chair of Somerset Churches Together and Senior Regional Minister, Western Baptist Association.

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