Does England Need a “Future Church”?

Last week, the 20th National Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) was held in Sandown Park, Esher, the largest event of its kind in Europe. The theme “Future Church” initiated the interest of many church ministers and mission leaders in the wake of a changing religious face in the UK. Over 500 different Christian companies, charities and mission organisations gathered in exhibitions at the CRE and over 30,000 church leaders and other Christians visited the event.

Captain Philip Johanson CA, OBE, Chief Secretary of the Church Army delivered an impressive keynote address in responce to the theme. In his speech he attempted to provide many answers to front line missionaries across the UK and the world.

Johanson emphasised “indeed many people believe a spiritual dimension to life is very important”. However, whilst the church is supposed to provide a quench their spiritual thirst, fewer and fewer people have any real meaningful links with the church and its culture.

Concluding in eight points, Johanson gave a clear account for the pressing need to build 'new churches' during these times.

The most obvious sign of diminishing churches is the decrease in church attendants. Fewer people coming to church to hear basic Christian messages indicates the lack of influx of new members. Moreover, a Gallop poll stated that 50% of the English population did not know Good Friday was about remembering the death of Jesus Christ. Religious education in schools was also found not to have been promoted well by churches.

In the church, several problems have discouraged people’s faith. First of all, the mission strategy of people is too passive - the church tends to wait for young people to come back in faith. Second, although Sunday worship and many rituals in the church are observed, the education about the meaning behind them is often overlooked. Third, the usage of church buildings is being misunderstood as a place only used for holding religious ceremonies like weddings or funerals.

Fourth, Johanson addressed that the church is seen as religious but not spiritual. Quoting the viewpoint from John Drane from his book “Culture Change and Biblical Faith”, many people are on a spiritual quest in life but the church is the last place people are inclined to look. This is because Christianity is seen as part of the problem of creating the mess of the 20th century but not any answer to life.

Fifth, he said nowadays Christians have given the impression that they are not sure what they believe and many cannot even agree on it.

Johanson finally referred to the freedom of choice of people in this diversified world. He commented that it is illusory to think people will have a sense of loyalty to their local church unless the church is attractive.

Frankly and honestly, Johanson pleaded that the church needed to recognise the need for fresh expressions of church in a modern context. He challenged church ministers to stop being confined to their familiar mould of church. He brought forward the idea that a church should “live with variety so that everyone grows together in faith and in eagerness to learn about and spread the Good News.”

Lastly, Johanson highlighted the work of 'Kidz Klub' in inner city Liverpool; the 3:16 bus project in West Grimsby and Streetreach – a project engaging young people in Northern Ireland, as examples of the 'Church Army' pioneering new ministries that are making a difference on the cutting edge.