Campaign lowdown

The context for this challenge Read what theologian Jane Williams has to say about church unity. Shaftesbury works alongside local congregations in over 40 community projects. Our community workers have noticed a major weakness that hinders our churches social and community work. Despite having plenty of enthusiasm and compassion, many churches run similar or overlapping projects which duplicate each others' work. This wastes energy and resources and we fail to see real change.Read more about the context of Challenging Church in our campaign report. In 1 Corinthians 12 we read: "You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts - limbs, organs, cells - but no matter how many parts you can name, you're still one body. It's exactly the same with Christ." (The Message)

What is the challenge?

In order to be able to challenge the inequalities around us, local churches need to face a challenge: "Are we guilty of putting our own agendas ahead of our mission to see our neighbourhoods transformed?" If we want to see God transforming our neighbourhoods, the church must start to pray, plan and work together, as the body it is designed to be.

Let us help you take up the challenge

Shaftesbury wants to help and support you as you take up this challenge.

Get inspired: to find out more about our vision and the background to the campaign, read the Challenging Church report. Encouraging stories of churches that have already begun to tackle the challenge can also be found in this report, and in the many of the story booklets in the resources section.

Get equipped: the resources section of this website has a wide selection of practical tools to help you and your church get more involved in community work and build relationships with neighbouring churches. We can supply you with regular email updates and provide online support through our "Get Concrete" e-mentoring service.

Get networking: Shaftesbury works in partnership with numerous other organisations and individuals who share our vision for church and community work. We are keen to share learning and to grow this network. To get involved come along to one of our Challenging Church events, share your story or get in touch.

Get in touch: if you have any queries or would like more information, please email communityinfo@shaftesburysoc.org.uk or call 0845 0707889.

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