Time for Change?
Last month Tony Blair announced that he was stepping down as leader of the
Labour party and prime minister - so at the end of this month it will be all
change at the top. The Conservative party, under the leadership of David
Cameron, also seems to be undergoing something of an revamp.
I love to discuss politics, and I once stood as a candidate for the city council, but this column is not the place for a party political broadcast. Nonetheless, it is interesting to note the way in which the parties seem to need to keep constantly changing and adapting in order for them to be electable. I'm sure the politicians would argue that the principles remain the same, but the way in which they are best applied to our current situation needs to be constantly under review.
I guess, in a similar sort of way, I would want to say that this should also be true of the church. God's character never changes - divine principles like love and justice are not limited to a particular period of history. The teaching of Jesus, for example "love your enemy", also remains as radical and challenging as it was 2,000 years ago. The church community, however, continually needs to be reviewing how it communicates these truths. I believe in a creative God who enables us, if we are willing, to constantly think of new ways of 'being and doing church'.
Do people reject Christianity because they don't believe in God and because they disagree with the teaching of Jesus? Some do - but in my experience many others, when they really hear what Jesus had to say, agree with him, but reject Christianity because they think the church is irrelevant or out of date.
So what would a church that was relevant to today's world look like? How can we remain true to the challenging life of Jesus, whilst making sure people aren't put off by a church that belongs to a different century? I'd be interested to know what YOU think - perhaps you'll contact me on simon.goddard@lodechapel.org.uk (or on 01223 812881) with some of your own ideas, or with your thoughts on these suggestions:
Church should help people to think about and take action on the issues that face the world today like poverty and climate change.
Church should encourage people to use their own creative ways of responding to God by writing songs or poems, painting, sculpting etc. instead of just singing.
Church should perhaps meet at a more convenient time and place, perhaps around a meal table in someone's home, so that there can be more discussion and participation.
Lode Chapel recently started a monthly Sunday Club which uses craft activities and video and seeks to be a bit more relevant, particularly if you have children. We've also started midweek small groups which meet in people's homes - but we know we've still got a long way to go. I'd love to hear your suggestions, so please do get in touch.