In January, St James Clerkenwell played home to the first City to City UK DNA Download conference, with 45 churches and 13 UK cities represented.
The conference provided an opportunity to think about theological vision and ministry values that are needed to see the cities of the UK reached with the gospel. The Gospel: it renews hearts, changes lives, builds the church and impacts the world. The City: aim to equip churches for the challenges and opportunities that come from ministering in UK cities. The Movement: City to City UK is a movement of church-planting churches, working together from different tribes and networks.
Personal renewal is key
Neil Powell looked at ‘A Theological Discussion of the Gospel’, emphasising the essential need for churches to be gospel-centred, so every area and ministry is focussed, motivated and empowered by the gospel. Ken Lippold, highlighting the challenges that ministry brings to the pastor’s own heart, stressed the need for personal renewal. Only as the gospel is experienced in the church leader’s heart and life can churches move forward.
Ralph Cunnington discussed the issue of ‘Contextualisation’, drawing out the dangers of under- and over-contextualising in ministry. Attendees were further stimulated to think, with Jonathan Bell, about the importance of ‘Holistic Ministry’ and how to engage with the culture around.
Neil Macmillan talked through ‘Gospel Community’ and the essentials of doing mission and evangelism through community. Pete Nicholas, in ‘Gospel Preaching’, looked at how to anticipate objections to Scripture and then show how Christ is the resolution and climax of every text. The conference concluded by showing how a shared vision for our cities can see more accomplished together than can be done alone.
