Churches encouraged to try liberating approach to mission

Evangelical Alliance resource Square Mile can inspire holistic mission for the new term

13 July 2009

To prepare for the beginning of a new term, churches are being encouraged to adopt a more liberating and holistic approach to impacting their communities. The Evangelical Alliance is challenging churches to implement the Square Mile programme during the month of September for a fresh start to the academic year and to share testimonies and stories in order to inspire others in mission.

"Church leaders can often struggle to mobilise their congregation into outreach programmes that are time or energy intensive or have a high embarrassment or fear factor but Square Mile offers a fresh and freeing perspective", said Krish Kandiah, Executive Director of Churches in Mission.

He continued: "Firmly grounded in Biblical teaching, this material offers inspiring not guilt-inducing motivation to mission. After a well-earned summer rest, let us hit the ground running in September by releasing Christians up and down the country to go the extra mile for Jesus in the year ahead."

Churches that have already piloted the Square Mile resource have told of how it helped them grasp a biblical yet practical approach to mission and identify not only the needs within the square mile in which they are located, but also the outreach opportunities that church members are already engaged in.

Martyn Saunders, Vicar of All Saints Islington, said: "Square Mile certainly kickstarts a renewed vision for mission and social action in the community through the church members. We ran the programme initially with a small group of mums and the effect was a tangible increase of enthusiasm for reaching out to others. Our church has realised that the effects of focusing on whole-of-life spirituality are immediate and long-lasting."

The Square Mile resources use inspiring real life stories to look at a biblical, holistic approach to reaching out to neighbours and covers the four dimensions of Mercy - demonstrating God's compassion to the poor and needy; Influence - being salt and light in the public life of the community; Life Discipleship - living out our faith in our everyday life and Evangelism - faithful and relevant communication of the gospel.

The resources include Bible studies, expert theological reflection from Bishop Tom Wright, Elaine Storkey and Tim Keller, the inspiration from well-known practitioners such as Shane Claiborne, Jim Wallis, Mark Greene and J John, as well as powerful and moving stories from churches around the United Kingdom.

The Square Mile DVD, accompanying workbook and online resources (including powerpoint presentations and service outlines) function as a four-week course designed to be used individually, in small groups or as four themed services as a whole congregation. It can be ordered directly from www.eauk.org/squaremile or from a local Christian bookshop.