Publisher's Synopsis
At a time when traditional church institutions are eroding, how are Christians at the grassroots responding to the challenge of change? Is there new hope coming from the grassroots? How can local churches re-engage with their neighbourhoods in a plural society? What is effective Christian witness today? These are some of the questions behind Jeanne Hinton's down-to-earth account of a journey across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Starting from real human experiences and struggles, she meets congregations and Christian initiatives of every shape and their stories are vivid, touching, realistic and surprising. "Changing Churches" is an opportunity to meet some of the 40 Christian communities that took part in a three-year ecumenical learning experiment called "Building Bridges of Hope". Through encouragement and accompaniment they discovered that their gifts and vulnerabilities were very much part of God's purposes. That Jesus Christ lives with us in the everyday. That ordinary situations are the material of extraordinary possibilities. This book is a story of real encouragement for local churches. You do not have to be big, glamorous or special to see the Gospel of love come alive in everyday situations - but you do have to be prepared to persist. "Changing Churches" means long-term commitment, not quick-fix solutions.
