In a report to the annual Methodist Conference, taking place this
week in Southport, the Methodist General Secretary, the Rev Dr Martyn Dr
Atkins spoke of tough decisions ahead and his belief that the Church
must change to fulfil its calling in contemporary society.
“As disciples of Jesus we are called to become the Church God wants us to be,” said Dr Atkins.
“This will involve making some tough decisions" he said. "We don’t
have all the resources we would like to have but God has not given up on
us. We must work hard to become a Church that demonstrates our faith
through a commitment to justice and serving our local, national and
international communities.”
The report, entitled ‘Contemporary Methodism: A discipleship movement
shaped for mission’ addresses issues from church buildings to
evangelism and the nature of local ministry.
On property, Dr Atkins said: “We unquestionably have too many church
buildings: too many in the wrong places, too many unfit to sustain our
life as a discipleship movement shaped for mission today. We too readily
associate the sustaining of the life of our chapels with the work of
God’s kingdom – these often overlap but they’re not the same thing"
He continued: "A more sacrificial, strategic approach is needed. Our
churches must not exist simply to perpetuate the status quo, but to
provide a place where people can come to faith and be nurtured in their
journey with Christ.”
The Conference has commended the report to the whole Church for
study, response and action. Working groups will now address some of the
issues raised in the report and will bring recommendations to a future
meeting of the Methodist Conference.