How, then, can they call on the one in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Do please pray for the election of a new General Synod – a kind of parliament for the Church of England – happening at the moment. This week, reps from thousands of churches (including our own) are casting their votes.
The election comes at a time of deep trouble for our national denomination. Numbers are falling, both of regular members and of clergy.
What, then, is the answer? It might seem astoundingly superficial to try to answer this in a few words, but the verse from Paul quoted above goes a long way to doing so. We need more ministers, in local churches, who will faithfully preach the gospel. The implication of what Paul says is that there cannot be growth again without that, and – more important even than church growth – people cannot be saved without that.
For this to happen, faithful ministers need to be called, recruited, trained, sent and enabled to do this, and freed from a burgeoning burden of administration to give them the time for this vital work.
Where this happens, there is great growth. The great revival of the eighteenth century came about through the labours of many vicars in local parishes all over England preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. They weren’t liked – they experienced envy and rejection by many in the establishment – but new life came to millions.
Here in Cambridge, in the past quarter-century it is the churches who emphasise preaching the Bible which have grown, and which have been involved in ‘grafting’, in which churches send ministers and congregations move to serve local churches which were struggling, bringing new life and joy.
We also work with churches in disadvantaged areas of England to supply funds and people to serve. There have been several church plants, including in areas of new housing. We have seen many head out to be missionaries, clergy and others serving in local churches.
May these elections facilitate the multiplication of faithful ministers and ministries!
Please pray.
