Evangelism & Church Growth in Urban Priority Area Parishes (UPA’s) a study for the Urban Mission & Ministry Committee

To examine the issues & challenges associated with Mission & Discipleship To share the learning which has been gained To promote good ideas and practices which are making a difference Aims

Independent researcher used for the study UMMC selected the parishes & invited them to take part in the study There were six parishes from across the Diocese involved In addition, three churches from other denominations agreed to participate Study method adopted (1)

A small qualitative study, (we are not suggesting the results are representative of all parishes in UPA’s) Framework of questions provided for the discussions Face to face discussions (survey available in advance to aid preparation) A summary report produced & discussed with UMMC in December 2011 Study method adopted (2)

The study was designed to highlight & raise issues, in order to explore possible solutions There are some overlaps and common themes from the study, but also differences which reflect the variations in geography & culture within the areas visited A number of the issues raised, in particular those associated with availability of resources are not exclusive to parishes/churches within UPA’s The data from the study (1)

The setting & context of the churches The churches visited are in areas of high deprivation Characterised often by: - Significant vandalism & child related crime - Drug & alcohol abuse, high levels of smoking - Lower than average levels of life expectancy - High benefits dependency culture - People feel isolated, trapped and a sense of being neglected However by contrast: - in almost 60% of those involved, a strong sense of community, people who are proud to belong to their areas and display considerable loyalty -Strong commitment to the rites of passage, christenings, funerals (and in some cases marriage) The data from the study (2)

The joys of working in these churches are: - seeing individuals come to faith in Christ - the transformations which are occurring - the growth in ability, gifts, confidence and faith The opportunities presented by being welcome in schools/colleges The challenges of working in these situations are: - people who come to church, bring with them significant challenges in their situations which need to be dealt with - the demands placed on paid & voluntary staff are huge - Buildings which are not necessarily suitable for 21st Century outreach activities - A sense that the ‘ground is harder than it used to be’ - Church is seen as a really scary place to do, people don’t want to stand out from their peers Shape of congregations -Don’t always reflect the demographic mix of neighbourhoods -Gender mix varies from 50:50 to 80:20, W:M Sunday attendance figures alone don’t tell the full or true story The data from the study (3)

Growth is happening in all of the churches which took part in the study. Church plants are showing significant growth opportunities Even apparently flat statistics, are hiding the fact that the church has compensated for significant losses Growth is taking place from a range of sources, including those with no previous church connections It was acknowledged that growth is totally dependant on the work of the Holy Spirit. Supported, surrounded and underpinned by prayer Building relationships and friendships are key in terms of people coming to faith & then growing as disciples Some churches are encouraging their leaders to live within the community that they are serving The data from the study (4) - Church Growth

The levels of understanding which exist around Christ’s teaching on discipleship are mixed Even where there is a good understanding, there can be a considerable gap between the theory and practice Factors which are contributing to growth & maturity as learners and disciples include: -Being open to the work of the Holy Spirit -Allowing the Holy Spirit to equip and empower leaders and individuals -Use of small groups, with emphasis on accountability -Prayer triplets -Men’s mentoring group -Encouraging authentic Christian living, Loving God & loving ones neighbour -Underpinning this was a stress on real & deep friendships There are encouraging signs & evidence of changes of lifestyle, despite the challenges which people encounter in their areas There is a clear focus on reaching out to the communities where the churches are placed The data from the study (5) - Discipleship

Resources & methods being adopted There are a range of resources and programmes being used by these churches Often even well known processes need significant adaptation There is a clear intent to try to encourage individuals to identify and use their gifts However this does require considerable support & nurture to encourage individuals to grow and recognize their gifts The data from the study (6)

Strong opposition to the gospel Significant numbers of people who have no contact with church and very limited knowledge of the Bible As building meaningful friendships is a major component supporting and underpinning growth are we prepared for this sacrificial giving of ourselves So then resources both clergy and lay stand out as a major challenge to be addressed Is it possible to ensure that attendance figures, include aspects such as Fresh Expressions, so we highlight growth is happening Creative ways to either reduce or help with the admin & secretarial needs Grant & funding applications, can deliver funds, but are complex and time consuming, need specialist expertise to increase possibility of successful outcomes The teaching resources, do they need to be reviewed and significantly adapted Some aspects to consider and explore: