What do we mean by a provocation? It’s something to get us thinking and questioning how we usually do things.
Each one is basically a conversation-starter, designed to provoke thoughts, ideas and a chat. Each gently questions a different relationship we might have as church: with each other, with the wider world, and with God. And each has a challenge to take it further, if you feel like that’s something you would like to do.
Some of these might really connect with you, some might not. Some might articulate ideas you’ve already had. Hopefully some might inspire you. Think of these seven provocations as a small box of matches that could spark conversations and maybe even something more substantial.
Put the kettle on. Pull up a chair with some friends. Talk one of these over with them. Does it resonate with you or challenge you – or maybe both? Does it have you asking questions? If so, then ask yourself the most important question of all: What are you going to do about it?
- Transformation happens through encounter with God and with others. We expect God to show up in our relationships and our rituals.
- Justice and evangelism are Gospel partners. We are holding evangelism and justice together in our mission.
- Sharing faith deepens faith. Nothing prepares us better for evangelism than actually doing evangelism.
- If we want things to be different, we'll have to do things differently. We are letting go of some things in order to focus on the most important things.
- To be the Church we need to get out of the building. We are building personal relationships in our wider community in order to learn and serve together.
- Starting new Christian communities is our new normal. Pioneering new places for new people – not just serving existing places for already committed people – is a strategic part of our mission.
- Responding to the Gospel must involve making more followers of Jesus Christ. We offer easily accessible pathways for people to develop a growing, inclusive, evangelistic, and justice-seeking faith in God.
This document is a work in progress; a way to encourage conversations. It is not a statement of belief.