The more I read about Wesley and his model for church growth, the more I realize just how wrong the Methodist Church and my own Circuit and District have it (oops, another black mark on my file!). Everything at the moment is about organisational change, getting into the right shape for mission, getting fit for mission, boundary changes, mapping a way forward, Circuit shape with less Ministers, etc. And has it done any good? Of course not, because the people haven't changed, and they have no vision for change except in structures!
In his book "A Model for making Disciples" Michael Henderson points out that Wesley's concern was only for holiness - his own and his those to whom he preached. He was right - structures don't save souls, bring hope or offer forgiveness. But a people striving toward perfection, looking to encourage one another to become better people and followers, helping those most in need (and poverty isn't just seen here in financial terms!), now they can change the world and, through God, bring all these things to those around us.
This way, that way, the other way? If we spent less time on structures (buildings and organisations) and more on seeking holiness for ourselves and other Christians, I am sure we would see things turning round and we wouldn't then need to worry about how we cope with decline - it might not even be as inevitable as we seem to be telling ourselves it will be!
(Sorry this is the first post in so long - I have been rebelling - just quietly as I am so very busy! That said, three modules down; this Wesley one to finish!)
