Bob Jackson

This little book (just under 40 pages) is a sort of summary and study guide based on Bob Jackson's earlier books "The Road to Growth" (2005) and also "Hope for the Church" (2002) coming out of his research and work in the UK.

Jackson offers an interesting variation to the doom and gloom view many have of the current state of the English Church. Although there has been decline, there have also been reactions to the negatives which have begun to address it.

On the basis of statistical work done over the past few years, and his extensive work as a consultant, Jackson has distilled lessons learned into 8 areas (good practice, change, fresh expressions, diocesan policy and shared values, deploying the clergy, lay leadership and training, sound finances, and spiritual renewal). This material is presented in 8 short chapters in point form with a discussion question or 2 below each point, and the final part of the book gives guidelines for using the book in small groups – most likely a parish council, but he has in mind that it could be easily used by cell/small groups in the church as well.

My copy of work was one of those distributed to all members at the General Synod in Australia, where we heard Bob Jackson speak. This was part of the wider Australian Anglican Church's interest in the Fresh Expressions material coming out of the UK. In my opinion, we Australians are much more likely to find a high degree of resonance with this sort of material from the UK that with much that comes from the American equivalent, due, I suspect, to somewhat stronger cultural similarities both in our social setting and in our church mindset.

While not neglecting the idea that there are strong spiritual factors to be considered, this is a book primarily of practical ideas. As such, you will be disappointed if you look here for biblical principles carefully enunciated. Indeed, I believe that this English material is deliberately downplaying any theological distinctive is so that it is applicable across the broad range of English Anglican experience. To put it another way, the reader must supply their own theology. The common thread that this material addresses is that of declining churches, and the primary response is practical common sense. The answers are "not rocket science" (Introduction, iv), however, that's what makes this valuable - simple and straightforward ideas presented accessibly to those who are seeking to strengthen their churches.… (meer)

In some senses this is a very depressing book. This is because it unflinchingly describes the huge decline in the number of people involved with the Church of England over recent times. It's aim, however, is to enable people to face this decline, name it and take their heads out of the sand. Having done this, it points out the exceptions to the rules, bright spots of growth making patterns that suggest a way forward for the church, a way forward that could, by the grace of God, lead to overall growth. What we really cannot afford to do is to continue to be unaware of the scale of the problem.… (meer)