If mission and evangelism is understood in such wholistic ways, including pastoral and relational models in presenting the ministry of the word of God and the sacraments of the gospel, it must be offered on as broad a front as possible, through a multiplicity of points of access. These points of access for people are points of impact for the gospel. Of course, if we wish to see church growth today the first and most important requirement is for every individual Christian to be effective and prophetic right where they are in terms of holistic relational living, working and speaking, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is particularly crucial in a world in which institutional forms of religion are widely distrusted. In this context, we should not minimise the importance of spiritually significant persons (clergy and other publicly identifiable ministers), spiritually significant places (churches and chapels, etc.), and spiritually significant occasions (especially, but not exclusively Sunday worship, and every occasion that is significant for the values of the wider community, including national events of mourning or celebration). However, they are helpful adjuncts to the real work of evangelism which increasingly must be taken on board by way of individual responsibility. The strategic significance of the Church increasingly must become empowering and resourcing individuals for witness, and in this regard major investment in discipling and training and releasing people in ministry must become the focus of the Church, rather than restricting the work of ministry for privileged professionals inside the Church.
The Church must simultaneously take risks in exposing its gifts of grace all along (though not across) the boundary with an increasingly secular society. Deeply implicated in the structures of community and civil society, it needs to be perceived as welcoming the spiritual aspirations of individuals, couples and families, of communities, organisations, institutions and societies. Not condemning them for their shortcomings, but if anything erring on the side of charitable presumption, giving the benefit of the doubt, ‘not breaking the bruised reed or quenching the smouldering flax’. The Church vindicates its place in the nation when it is seen to be committed to the well-being of all, the common good, strengthening the bonds of family and community, and presenting a united witness to Christian truth. Forging connections, getting involved and making valuable contributions to society whilst remaining distinctively Christian are key essentials.
