WADE STREET CHURCH – The Recent Story
URC Church Growth Conference: Friday 5th July 2013
Background. Wade Street Church is a city centre church in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Opened 1812 – with many ups and downs since then. Slow but steady growth since mid-1980s. Became LEP with Baptists in 1995. Premises redeveloped in 2006. Used by church groups and community groups every day.
External considerations
- Lichfield has been growing as a city for a number of years.
- This church is probably the only church of its kind in the city, so we do tend to attract people from a particular theological and liturgical background.
- The position of the church helps – at the heart of the city
- Lichfield’s population is mainly professional, so there is plenty of expertise to call on, as well as people who may not be time rich, but are resources rich.
- All of the churches in Lichfield are fairly healthy.
Top Tip No. 1: KNOW YOUR CONTEXT
Conscious decisions
- Biblical preaching & confidence in the Gospel.
- Equipping people for daily life as followers of Jesus.
- A warm welcome and a can-do attitude.
- Building good networks – linked to long ministries.
- Going to where people are.
- Giving upwhat doesn’t work.
- Thinking strategically.
- Releasing gifts in people – and trusting them.
Top Tip No. 2: Trust your members to get on with stuff that is their passion and expertise.
- Fun!
- Moving people from contacts to disciples.
- Wanting to do the very best for God.
Top Tip No. 3: Play to your strengths
The key is vision. “It is compounded of a deep dissatisfaction with what it and a clear grasp of what could be” (John Stott). But follow the vision – don’t keep looking for a new one.
Top Tip No.4:Vision is necessary – and you need to stick with it
DON’T FORGET WHY YOU’RE DOING IT!
Keep focussed on Jesus.
Keep reminding people of God’s grace
Keep offering glimpses of the Kingdom.
Keep making disciples.