Gather - Unity for Mission Movements

Civic engagement consultation

14 January 2013

 Working Together

A consultation looking at how the Church can engage with civic authorities

20-21 March 2013 

The Life Centre, Manchester,

235 Washway Road, Sale, M33 4B

Our understanding of God's mission in this world seems to be ever increasing and expanding. Not only do we understand the need for personal renewal but also for the social, spiritual and cultural transformation of our towns and cities. We are called like Israel in exile to seek the peace and prosperity of the places God has called us to live and serve in. If God has a vision and hope for education, social services, health, business, regeneration, public safety and the environment what is the role of the Church in partnering with public, private and other third sector organisations? 

We are witnessing a fundamental shift in how civic society is seeing the role of the Church; from sometimes a hostile and suspicious outlook, the door is now open wide to churches and Christian organisations as we are increasingly being viewed as an important partner in the delivery of services, and appreciated for the large voluntary force we can mobilise, the buildings and staff we have, the local services we provide and the cost-effective way we do ministry. 

This open door is made even more possible when churches are working together as one group in an area. A number of unity movements are finding some very fruitful partnerships being developed with councils, police forces, health authorities, probation services, housing trusts and local strategic partnerships. Strong relationships are being formed with leaders of councils, city-wide mayors, chief superintendents and chief executives. With the current financial crisis and the resulting cuts to services and benefit changes, a strong group of churches who are working in unity for the sake of mission become a very attractive partner with which to build bridges. 

This consultation will begin to look at the opportunities that are being made available to us. We will hear from experienced practitioners and you will be able to tell your story to add to the learning.

• You will be able to hear from, and ask questions of, some senior civic leaders as to the do's and dont's of engaging with statuary authorities.
  
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• We will be looking at the development of the Church in a local area as a public leader in the civic square. How do we become a voice for good in the media and the political realm?
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• The consultation will also aim to highlight some of the possible dangers of civic engagement such as the silencing of the prophetic voice, or being distracted from our distinctive calling.
  
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• We will be praying for one another as we seek to encourage each other in the work of God to see the spiritual, social and cultural transformation of our cites and towns.
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• We will aim to compile and publish a list of guidelines for the UK Church to help the process of engagement over the next few years.
  
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Programme:
 
Wednesday, 20 March

12.30pm - Lunch and welcome

1.30 - Session 1

3pm - Afternoon tea and biscuits

3.30pm - Session 2

5pm - Group times/sharing

6pm - Evening meal

7.30pm Session 3 - to include worship

9.30pm make your way to your accommodation.

Thursday, 21 March

9.15am - Session 4

10.45 - Coffee break

11.15 - Session 5

12.45 - Lunch 

2pm - Close

To book your place please email admin@wegather.co.uk and ask for a booking form or cut and paste the info below, complete and post with your cq to the address given.

 Civic Engagement Consultation

Booking Form

20-21 March 2013

The Life Centre, Manchester, M33 4B

Name: 

 

Organisation:

 

Address:

 

 

Telephone:

 

Email:

 

Please book ......................place(s) at £45 each

(To include entrance to consultation, lunch, evening meal and refreshments on 20th and lunch and coffee on 21st) 

 

Accommodation can be found locally in Sale, Altrincham, and nearby Manchester Airport as well as central Manchester. 

 

Please return this booking form with your cheque made payable to The Evangelical Alliance to:

Gather

60 Swalecliff Ave

Manchester

M23 9DJ

 

For more information or enquiries please email: admin@wegather.co.uk

or phone Rev Roger Sutton on 07894728883

 

 

I enclose a cheque for £............................

 

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