Scattered and Gathered: Equipping Disciples for the Frontline

The local church can empower people to live faithfully and fruitfully for Christ in their Monday-to-Saturday lives by equipping and sustaining them for the opportunities and challenges that present themselves in the places where they are each day. Scattered and Gathered is a book that helps church leaders grow churches that help people know what it means to serve the purposes of God on their front lines. It provides a clear vision of what it means to be the people of God, guides in reflecting on the shape and culture of church life, and explores what that means for the leadership styles and expectations of those who have that responsibility.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2019
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

The local church plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to live faithfully and fruitfully for Christ in their daily lives, extending beyond Sunday services and midweek groups. To achieve this, it is essential to equip and sustain God's people with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the opportunities and challenges that arise in their everyday environments.

Being a disciple of Jesus involves a deep commitment to following him and living according to his teachings. Churches that foster the growth of these disciples typically prioritize the following characteristics:

- A clear understanding of the gospel and its implications for daily life
- A focus on the Bible as the ultimate authority in faith and practice
- An emphasis on prayer and spiritual growth
- A community of believers who support and encourage one another
- Opportunities for service and outreach to the local community
- Effective leadership that models Christ-like character and inspires discipleship

To develop these disciples, churches can implement various strategies and practices. Training events, resources, and tools provided by organizations like the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC) can be invaluable in helping churches address these challenges.

Scattered and Gathered, the follow-up book to Imagine Church (2012), is a resource designed specifically for church leaders to grow churches that equip individuals to serve the purposes of God on their front lines. Based on LICC's latest thinking and methods of supporting churches, this book offers practical guidance and insights for moving beyond good intentions and into effective practices that lead to the development of confident front-line-focused disciples.

Each chapter of Scattered and Gathered focuses on a different aspect of church life and ministry, providing church leaders with practical tools and strategies to implement in their congregations. Topics covered include understanding the local context, developing a culture of discipleship, and cultivating leadership that is focused on the mission of God.

The book is designed to be a resource that leaders can use with wider church leadership teams, small group leaders, and pastoral workers. It encourages local churches to keep the contexts of their church communities central to their mission planning and practice, ensuring that their ministry is relevant and effective in reaching the people they serve.

Scattered and Gathered offers a clear vision of what it means to be the people of God and provides guidance for reflecting on the shape and culture of church life. It then explores the implications of this understanding for the leadership styles and expectations of those who have the responsibility of shaping and leading the church.

By prioritizing the growth of disciples and equipping individuals to live faithfully and fruitfully for Christ in their daily lives, the local church can play a vital role in shaping the lives of its members and the broader community. Churches that embrace this calling and seek to develop effective practices will be well-positioned to make a positive impact on the world for generations to come.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 213 x 135 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783599929