Church Army's Research Publication Advises 'Keep Church Simple'

Western society is becoming increasingly stressful and busy, and although people own more than in previous generations, there is never enough time - this is the view taken in the latest edition of the 'Encounters on the Edge' series of booklets from Church Army.

"In the midst of all the pressure, people are crying out for simplicity in all aspects of their lives. This includes church," George Lings, Director of Church Army's Research Unit has said.

In the latest edition of the Encounters on the Edge series, Lings asks: "How can we create ways of being church which are simpler yet keep essentials? What sort of meetings actually enable people to meet and grow as disciples of Christ? Can time for family, work and friends beyond the church circle be protected? How simple is it to keep it this simple?"

Seeking to answer these questions, Lings, who was out in Australia, met the Explorers Christian Church at Wentworth Falls, an area where many are economically stretched as well as time-poor due to having to commute to work. He asked: "How could church life be made simpler for them so that it would have a chance of working?"