Introduction

Beneath all the anxieties about church decline and strategies to reverse that, this book speaks to a problem that has not been addressed – why is it that mainstream churches, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian have been particularly affected by the secular age? And how might they be renewed?

It argues that these churches need to focus less on restructuring and closures and instead recover a sense of authenticity – in the gospel they believe, in their vision of human flourishing, their diversity, their passion for justice and their unique ability to connect with local communities.

Perception and Roots

Too often mainline churches are perceived as worthy but also profoundly unexciting. This book explores the centuries-old roots of this perceived boredom, and how the church can more often become a place of inspiration and of encounter with God.

Resources for Renewal

“Finding Our Voice" calls on all kinds of resources that can help refresh the church’s self-expression - in engagement with the scriptures, with art, music and poetry, in searching for a better language that remains true to the church’s core identity and resonates with contemporary culture.