Many of you probably share my experience of having family and friends for whom the Christian story and the rhythms of church life feature very little in their lives. This is an illustration of how we are living in an age of ‘post-Christendom’. In the challenging times we’re living through as Christian communities, a writer from the Anabaptist minority tradition, Stuart Murray affirms it’s acceptable to be small, simple communities. Simple church, says Murray in his book, ‘Post-Christendom; Church and Mission in a strange new World’ might mean 3 things: friendship; eating together; and laughter – joyful confidence in the God who does surprising things with (us) unpromising people.
The church redevelopment plans are partly seeking a simpler, more sustainable community to run. Part of my sabbatical goal was to visit other communities of worship which included Beverley Minster, Selby Street Mission, Oasis Hub, Hull Chinese Christian Church, and Beverley Quakers. Another book I read during my sabbatical, ‘Mission in Marginal Places’ highlights the increasing social needs which have resulted from austerity politics – arguably one of the causes of the unrest seen this summer. Contributors to this book encourage churches to encounter God especially among people occupying social margins or surviving disadvantaged lives.
The Abbey on the Isle of Iona on Scotland’s west coast formed the highlight of my sabbatical. The combination of the amazingly beautiful white beaches and rugged landscape, with the Iona Abbey community’s solidarity with movements for social change feels a powerful combination. This Christian community emphasises the importance of trying out new ideas, to counteract the institutionalisation that churches can be subject to, like other organisations. One such idea being explored by the churches in the Beverley Mission Area is a ‘New Places for New People’ Christian gathering drawn from families with young children attached to the churches. The book, ‘Mission in Marginal Places’ suggests that ‘when we practice hospitality – which takes time and effort – as both givers and receivers, our worldview begins to change. Our understanding of centre and margins may shift’.
With Jesus at the centre, there’s indeed another way to live. As we give-away our self-importance, the person and character of Jesus can freely emerge.
Hopefully my reading on mission and evangelism and my visits to other congregations and Christian communities will help contribute to ways forward for Toll Gavel and the Beverley Mission Area. I’m so grateful to everyone in the Beverley Mission Area and to the Methodist Church for providing me with a sabbatical which happens once every 7 years. The idea strongly inspired me that as we follow in Christ’s foot-washing service especially in association with marginalised people (including children), the church experiences a deeper reality, which is that of carrying on Christ’s ministry through the Spirit.
Reverend Fran Rhys, Toll Gavel Church, Beverley
Toll Gavel United Church where faith, people and justice matter 