#Church Life & Community, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action
Despite our fast-paced, all-action world, it is a sad fact that approximately 30% of adults are ashamed to admit to feeling lonely. Loneliness tends to be associated with the elderly, living alone or in care. However, it can strike at any time and at any age.
It can also be an unseen and frequently overlooked issue for some church members.
The question arises: Is our church leadership pastorally aware of this and taking steps to actively support those in our membership and in our wider community whose lives are blighted by loneliness?
The Methodist Church has actively promoted Loneliness Awareness week, which commenced on 17 June, emphasising the part churches can play in being a lifeline for those suffering in this way.
So, a few things to consider when taking loneliness awareness seriously and establishing practical pastoral support:
This is perhaps another aspect of church life which, as administrators, we might overlook and perhaps regard as the responsibility of those with pastoral oversight.
However, irrespective of our role and responsibilities in the church, we are all part of one community fellowship and therefore should be aware of those around us who might be struggling with loneliness.
#Faith & Theology in Action, #Opinion, #Information Only
Writing in The Guardian recently, author Matthew Hall explained how people around him responded when he ‘came out’ as a practising Christian. To his surprise, the overall reaction was one of curiosity rather than hostility.
This story posed a question. Are we known among our non-Christian friends and work colleagues as accountants, administrators, or trustees of the local church, rather than as practising committed Christians?
At one level, this may appear to be splitting hairs. It is right and good to be known for what we do, rather than what we say. However, the issue surely is why we have taken on these responsibilities within our local church. What is the motivation?
Most, if not all, ACAT Training Courses begin by referencing 1 Cor. 12:28, the ‘gift of administration.’ God’s calling to those in the church to exercise this particular gift as a demonstration of their faith.
The ACAT Introductory Guide for New Church Treasurers spells out clearly the importance of the spiritual dimension which underpins the work we do.
So, back to the question. How are we known and perceived by our friends, family or colleagues at work?
#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Encouraged Action
Safeguarding-related issues are never far from the media headlines. Ensuring the safety of children, young people, and adults at risk who are valued church members or who simply participate in activities held in our premises is of paramount importance. It’s fundamental to our faith and practice.
One aspect of the details emerging from the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson was the report that in 2023, it was alleged “Donaldson had sought a private conversation and wished to repent “before the Lord”, but the minister declined to meet him.“
The question which arises from this for all those in positions of responsibility in our churches is how we would respond in similar circumstances?
The lesson from the Donaldson trial is that no safeguarding issue, however it is communicated and to whom, should be ignored. It may involve hard and difficult choices which cannot and should not be avoided.
#Church Life & Community, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action.
Local newspapers have always been willing to include church items, and it is probably true that churches have not taken advantage of this to the extent that perhaps they should.
The criticism sometimes levelled at churches in this respect is that we tend to undersell ourselves to the media. We are often happy to send in notices about fetes and festival services, but rarely offer the richer stories we could tell, whether about changed lives or our views on the social and economic issues facing our communities.
However, according to Peter Crumpler in an article in Christian Today, the decline of local newspapers in recent years appears to be reversing with the opening of a significant number of new independent local media outlets across the UK and USA.
Enterprising journalists are seeking to bridge the gap left by the decline of traditional newspapers, mainly using technological platforms.
This trend appears to be borne out by independent research.
Is this an initiative which our local churches are missing out on? If we are indeed living in an age of spiritual curiosity and awakening, should we not be maximising the opportunity which this presents?
Here’s the question: Do those in our villages, towns and cities really know how our churches view the social and economic challenges we face and the answers we offer? Are they aware of the open doors of welcome which certainly should be there for them?
This is an opportunity not to be missed. May I respectfully suggest that members raise the issue at the next meeting of the trustees/church governing body?
#Faith & Theology in Action, #News, #Information Only
An article in The Times, 24 June, by Rhys Blakely, Science Editor, under the headline, ‘Opium of the masses? Study suggests Marx was right about religion’, stated that attending a religious service appears to activate the same biological mechanism as morphine, heroin and opiate pain pills.
A study of congregations in Britain and Brazil found that worship significantly increased their ability to withstand pain, an indication, the researchers argue, that the body’s natural mu-opioid system had been activated.
The research studied people at religious events in Britain and Brazil across different faith traditions.
This is certainly an encouragement for us to give greater priority to prayers for healing in our worship services.
#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Information Only
The Charity Commission has taken the following actions recently: opened a statutory inquiry into St Andrew’s Healthcare and appointed interim managers to Barnabas Fund, also known as Barnabas Aid.
In summary, the issues which have given rise to the inquiry and appointment of interim managers are as follows;
The above issues are all worth reflecting on, prompting the question: How well are the churches we are involved with meeting the standards of statutory governance required?
