Baptism: beginning of end?

I got my assignment back! 

Rural Mission...

Hmmm...I was a little...disappointed with this session.  I thought this could be a really useful topic to discuss as our church is going to partner with a rural church in the not so distant future, however, I felt that the majority of issues that we discussed were not unique to rural churches as all.  The majority of the issues are prevalent in my church and the majority of the churches that I know;

• resistance to change
• aging congregation
• lack of teenagers
• relying on minority to keep things going
• big jump from 'junior church' to the main church service

I do wonder if the decline has been faster within rural churches, however, I would question as to what issues they deal with that are unique to just them and despite asking the question was given no further information to change my view.  I think that a lot of churches are in dire need of something new and development to grow.

Bring on the revolution!!!

Fresh Expressions!!!

Wow- let me start by saying Michael Volland is absolutely fantastic, what an inspirational speaker!