Genes and Sheep

Published 9th May 2009 by lucy moore

I was privileged to join Dave Male and many pioneer ministers at Ridley Hall recently, for a stimulating conference about Pioneer Ministry.
If nothing else, do have a think about your team of leaders in Messy Church: it may be that you are growing some people for whom lay or ordained pioneer ministry might be the next step.
I was struck by many thoughts on the conference, one of which was Bishop Graham Cray adding some warnings about potential dangers of Fresh Expressions, including the dangers of ‘cloning’.
The image of church as a body has been used before (um, can’t think where) by better persons than me, and it’s interesting to reflect whether we’re just cloning Messy Churches like Dolly-the-Sheeps, with exactly the same genetic make-up each time, or whether we are being brave enough to keep the essential DNA of mess, but stir different genes into the mixture to strengthen it against disease and to give it the best chance of longevity. What might those genes be? I guess it comes down to different local situations: local needs, demographics, giftings God’s given the local church, perhaps even how much we’re prepared to see visions and dream dreams.
And one other observation from the conference was how much Messy Church has become mainstream already. We need to watch it, or we’ll be establishment before we know it. Eeek.

You may also like

Under Pressure

26th Mar 2024
by Lucy Moore

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Mark 14:32-35 (NIV).

Read more

Being Strategic!

11th Mar 2024
by Lucy Moore

Last Friday, I made my way to Church House in London to celebrate the ‘end’ of my cohort’s Strategic Leaders Programme (GFSLP). It was, as Growing Faith Programmes Lead Stephen Beamond put it, a ‘tank-filling’ day!

Read more
by Lucy Moore

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. During Lent, traditionally I would give something up, but the last few years have involved me taking up something. This year I am making space to know God more in the everyday things.

Read more

Embracing Difference

7th Feb 2024
by Lucy Moore

Last Friday was Culture Day at my daughter’s secondary school in SE London. Digging into my German family history (how else did I get a name like Aike?),

Read more