British weekly The Spectator published an article last week focusing on politics.Inside England’s Fastest Growing – and Shrinking – Churches“.
As in Sweden, many churches are exploding: at the current rate of decline, traditional churches in Wales, Scotland and England will gradually close over the coming decades, starting in the 2030s. English Anglicans, like English Catholics, are expected to celebrate their last service in the 2060s.
But there is A dramatic contrast. In recent decades, thousands of new churches, of various kinds, have sprung up across the country. In London, church attendance on Sundays today is ten percent higher than it was 40 years ago. Large congregations thrive: Elim Pentecostal Church in London has grown from 50,000 to 75,000 members in 25 years!
Growth is due to migration, with Christians from other continents bringing a living faith with them, but that is far from the full explanation. More importantly, growing congregations are nurtured DisciplesWho can transmit faith to others: “Successful churches teach people how to transmit faith to others and how to be a Christian.”
Another aspect researchers highlight is that of clarity. Thriving churches are “very clear in their beliefs—especially about the urgency of accepting Christ because one’s eternal destiny is at stake.”
David Goodhue, a leading researcher on church growth, says that the important question is not whether churches are formal or informal in their services but about the liturgy. Growth is determined by another point: “Churches with culturally adapted messages are declining, while churches with the full Christian faith, including a clear belief in the supernatural, are growing.”
None of this is news. It is well known internationally and in Sweden and has been confirmed many times. The only question is, what do theologians, priests, pastors and community leaders want to do with knowledge?
Stefan Löfvens wings The words “we didn’t see it coming” have become an expression of well-intentioned naiveté that doesn’t want to see clearly what’s happening right in front of one’s eyes. The same challenge, looking at reality, applies to the congregation in Great Britain and Sweden.
It is the message of Christ, not the message of culture, it is the future of the church. Word and Spirit should set our agenda.
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