In many ways St Martin-in-the-Fields would like to be a 'normal' church, focused on congregational life, the cycle of the church year and being a good neighbour. But its location and history mean that it is far from being a normal church. The movement that was created to turn the blessings of St Martin's into blessings for church and society more broadly is called HeartEdge.
HeartEdge arose because significant numbers of delegations from the UK and overseas were coming to St Martin's to learn about the features of its life that are transferable and seeking to adapt and replicate them in their own contexts.
This recognition of its national and international vocation led St Martin's in February 2017 to launch a national movement that now has ecumenical and international dimensions.
It seeks the renewal of the church by catalysing kingdom communities. It aims to foster, not to impose; it sees the kingdom as God's gift to renew the church, rather than as a mission-field to be conformed to the church's image; and it sees churches as lively and dynamic communities, rather than defensive and narrow congregations.
Through HeartEdge communities mentor one another, offer consultancy days to one another, and meet in larger gatherings to exchange ideas, encouragement and challenge. It seeks not to create clones of St Martin's, but to become the international embodiment of those committed to the vision to be 'At the heart. On the edge.'
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A Future that's Bigger than the Past by Sam Wells
A Future that's Bigger than the Past sets out a vision for renewing the local church that is energizing, realistic and practical for small and large congregations alike.
In response to prevailing narratives of decline, it reimagines how the church can live its vocation of receiving God's abundance and sharing it far and wide. It recognises the surprising, exuberant and plentiful things that the Holy Spirit is doing in the world and calls the church to celebrate creation, enjoy culture and share in its flourishing.
With a rich theological foundation and borne out of the practical experience of growing local church communities, this ground-breaking book will help churches discover fresh ways to bless the communities they serve.
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| | FROM OUR ARCHIVE: CHURCH RENEWAL |
The Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Texas is excited about the future of the church. In this 2015, he spoke with colleagues at Faith & Leadership about what he sees happening and what he sees as possible.
Read more from Bishop Andrew Doyle » |
A denomi-network has all of the benefits of a denomination, while also the innovation-sparking possibilities of a network.
Read more from Dave Odom » |
The Episcopal bishop of Connecticut says his role is prodding, challenging, inviting and encouraging the faithful to ask the question, "What is God up to in the neighborhood?"
Read more from Bishop Ian Douglas » |
How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going: Leading in a Liminal Season by Susan Beaumont
How do you lead an organization stuck between an ending and a new beginning-when the old way of doing things no longer works but a way forward is not yet clear? Beaumont calls such in-between times liminal seasons-threshold times when the continuity of tradition disintegrates and uncertainty about the future fuels doubt and chaos. In a liminal season it simply is not helpful to pretend we understand what needs to happen next. But leaders can still lead.
How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going is a practical book of hope for tired and weary leaders who risk defining this era of ministry in terms of failure or loss. It helps leaders stand firm in a disoriented state, learning from their mistakes and leading despite the confusion. Packed with rich stories and real-world examples, Beaumont guides the reader through practices that connect the soul of the leader with the soul of the institution.
Learn more and order the book » |
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