Developing Churches that are Missional
We believe that it is essential that every rural church should have a clear sense of being called to share in God's mission. But that does not mean that there is a "one size fits all" approach. Each church is a unique mix of unique people, each with their own personality, experience, gifts and abilities. Each rural community is also unique.
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Barry Osborne
A heart for rural churches
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You may have read elsewhere on this website that our approach is very much like bespoke tailoring. We work with local churches to help them discover how their people and other resources match the needs and opportunities for mission in their own location. It should be a comfortable fit and should be individually tailored.
Another useful image for our ministry is that of teaching someone to ride a bike. Often children take to it very quickly. If you have not learned when you are older it takes a little longer. But the basic principles are the same:
- Demonstrating how to do it might prove helpful but sooner or later the learner has to get on the bike themselves
- Advice is needed as to where to look, keeping your balance, which part of your feet should go on the pedals for best results, how to make adjustments to fit your size, awareness of other road users, etc.
- Assistance is usually needed. At first this might be a hand on the handlebar and another behind the saddle. That soon gives way to just a hand behind the saddle. Then as confidence grows with experience the teacher gets left behind as the learner gains proficiency.
That pretty much describes how we work with village and country town churches (only we don't use bikes!).
We also work with church leaders to teach some of the principles and processes we use so that theycan apply them themselves.
One of the best events is to take as many of your congregation away for a day or a weekend and invite Barry Osborne to lead the event. We will put together a flexible programme either to help your church get started on the process of becoming more missional or to help you develop specific appropriate strategies.
Barry is also available to assist in outreach programmes. An experienced evangelist, Barry has a gentle approach and is sensitive to the issues of evangelising "in your own back yard". Barry's gifts in singing and story telling can be particularly useful. But he will come to help; not to do it all himself!
If you want to know more, please complete the form below.
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