‘If a church is small and the greater percentage of those who attend have grey hair and are over 70 then close it down.’ That is a caricature, but it does represent the outlook of some Christians.
The Grace Baptist Partnership (GBP) is different. It takes the view that because every church belongs to Christ we need to do everything possible to refresh and revitalise churches before any idea of closure is contemplated. It was under the auspices of GBP that 150 leaders and others from 48 small churches gathered at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick for three days of consultation, teaching and fellowship on 24–26 August.
Death to life
A big feature of the conference was discussion with much sharing of news. One story which excited everyone present was that of Chola Mukanga and Wale Akinrogunde. In 2009 the Grace Baptist church at Thamesmead was staring at closure. Barry King, who heads up GBP, was on the point of agreeing, but felt he must get involved. He gave a year to the church. During that time the Lord began to work.
Chola, a civil servant who works in economics for the Department of Justice, was baptised and later became an elder alongside Pastor Derek Sewell. Also Wale recommitted his life to the Lord and just a year ago started studying part-time at London Theological Seminary (LTS). The church has grown and though they will miss them, Thamesmead are now sending these two out. Chola is to take up the pastorate at Bexleyheath and Wale to lead a church in Walthamstow while he continues his LTS studies. A church on the point of dying is now giving life to others!
GBP also has works going on in Germany, Poland and Austria.
‘Why not call it a day?’
At the conference Barry King preached, addressing the realities of life in a small church and resolving conflict in small churches. These were some of the most pertinent, moving and helpful sermons you could ever hear to encourage your church and its leaders – full of Christ and holy love. Ali MacLachlan, who is church planting with GBP in West Edinburgh, preached with passion and great humour on two questions: ‘Why not just call it a day?’ and ‘Why not just leave it to the pastor?’ Again here was inspiring exposition and application of God’s Word.
David Chapman talked with real insight about how Moses ended his ministry by endorsing and encouraging Joshua. John Benton sought to lift attendees’ eyes above their present sometimes problematic situations by focussing on the greatness of God, through unpacking two watchwords of the Protestant Reformation: ‘Glory to God Alone’ from Romans 11.33-36 and ‘Christ Alone’ from Colossians 1.19,20.
