The Precarious Church: Redeeming the Body of Christ

The biggest threat facing churches today is not enough young people, too little mission and evangelism, unsustainable buildings, unappealing styles of worship, and not enough diversity. Martyn Percy argues that being a broken church is good news, as it is only through the cracks that the overwhelming abundance of God can shine through. This collection of essays and reflections considers what it means to be a precarious church, rooted in the Latin precatio, meaning prayer. It argues that the Church's vocation is not to be successful or even to survive but to be precarious, liminal, unpredictable and mysterious – a place of encounter with the holy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2023
Publisher: Canterbury Press Norwich

The biggest threat facing churches today is a complex and multifaceted issue that encompasses various factors. While there are many perspectives on the matter, one thing is certain: the church is facing a period of anxiety and concern about its future.

One of the primary concerns is the lack of young people attending church. This trend has been observed for several decades and is believed to be a result of a variety of factors, including changes in society, the rise of secularism, and the decline of traditional religious values.

Another challenge facing churches is the need for more mission and evangelism. Many churches have become focused on maintaining their existing membership and programs, rather than reaching out to new communities and sharing the gospel. This can lead to a lack of growth and vitality in the church.

Unsustainable buildings are also a concern for many churches. As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns become more pressing, churches are facing the challenge of maintaining their buildings while also being mindful of their impact on the environment.

Unappealing styles of worship are another issue that can contribute to the decline of church attendance. Many people are seeking worship experiences that are more engaging and relevant to their lives, and traditional church services may not be meeting these needs.

In addition to these challenges, there are also concerns about the lack of diversity in the church. Many churches have historically been dominated by a particular demographic or cultural group, and this can create barriers to inclusivity and understanding.

Despite these challenges, there is hope for the church. Many pastors and leaders are recognizing the need for change and are working to address these issues. There are also many examples of churches that are thriving and growing in spite of the challenges they face.

One of the most important messages in this book is that being a broken church is not a bad thing. In fact, it is through the cracks and imperfections of the church that the overwhelming abundance of God can shine through. The church is called to be a place of encounter with the holy, a place where people can come to know God and experience his love and grace.

The questions that should consume us as Christians are not how to remove the risks and alleviate our anxieties, but how to live in this age of uncertainty. Every age has had its uncertainties, and it is through faithfulness to each other and to God that we can navigate these challenges and thrive in our faith.

In conclusion, the biggest threat facing churches today is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and collaborative response. By recognizing the challenges we face and working together to address them, we can help to ensure that the church continues to be a vital and meaningful part of our society.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786225115