The discussion kicks off with rebranding the church, advocating for viewing it as a community beyond physical buildings. They dive into how the Church of England wants to modernize its language to better connect with contemporary society. The speakers reflect on the church’s historical influence on global Christianity, especially amid declining attendance. They also address the evolving Christian identity, highlighting the tension between traditional doctrines and current social issues, and the urgent need for a revitalized community of faith.
The essence of the church transcends traditional activities and centers on the community of its people, emphasizing their role in faith.
The decline of identity and conviction within the Church of England raises critical questions about the future of Christian belief and community.
Deep dives
The Identity and Mission of the Church
Christians are reminded that the essence of the church goes beyond traditional activities like Sunday services and teachings, emphasizing that the church is fundamentally comprised of its people. The upcoming 2025 Colson Center National Conference aims to explore and recover this identity and the mission entrusted to the church by God. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with world-class speakers and draw encouragement from the stories of individuals who have displayed courageous faith throughout history. This gathering seeks to inspire participants to understand their role within the church and to galvanize them toward Christ-like living.
The Shift in Church Identity and Conviction
Recent trends, such as the Church of England considering dropping the term 'church' from its name, highlight a broader issue of identity and doctrinal conviction within the church community. While some congregations have chosen names that reflect contemporary outreach efforts, this raises questions about the implications of distancing from traditional identifiers on overall church identity. Despite historical contributions to re-evangelization and social action, the increasing number of self-professed Christians declining in England signals a crisis of faith and conviction. The conference will address how re-establishing a firm identity in Christ is essential for authentic resurgence in Christian belief and practice.
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Rebranding the Church: Identity and Mission in Modern Times