The Parish Church of All Saints, Matlock Bank
Matlock, Derbyshire UK
So what sort of church do we want
to see by the year 2010?
"There is , of course, an issue
of motive and purpose
for spending money on buildings. It should not be done lightly,
for large sums of money are usually involved.
Is the real motive to make the existing congregation
more comfortable or is the motive missional
- to make the church more effective in attracting
newcomers and drawing all into the arms of God?"
[Bob Jackson - 'The Road to Growth', 2005 p71]
- A church which covers a broad and balanced
age range, which is open and welcoming, in which gifts are identified
and nurtured: where everyone feels at home and there is space to learn
and grow: a family that seeks to draw in others to share in the good news
of Jesus Christ: a church that serves the community and prays for its
needs.
- a church where the building is used
more during the week
- a church where changes to the entrance
area layout and appearance will enhance the welcoming experience
- a church where a Toddler service will
be a place for parents to gather and meet one another
- a church where Youth work can be enhanced
and developed through exploring the possibility of a Youth Worker
- a church which can develop further
its pastoral care and visiting of church members and those 'on the fringe'
- a church which can renew its faith
through prayer groups, Emmaus and study circles.
- a church which is increasingly financially
stable where regular income covers its outgoing expenditure and legacies
can be used creatively to further the church's mission
(Illustrations are taken from the stained
glass windows in the Church)