Has the Church lost sight of her original vocation of living out her mission by serving the world? There is a prevailing ecclesiology of fatalism which suggests that it has, and that there is nothing to do be done about. This book argues however, that the church still has a role in bearing witness fruitfully and creatively even within a context of crisis. Leading thinkers offer theoretical, contextual and practical responses to encourage a renewed love for the church and renewed energy to bear witness appropriately and creatively. Chapters include: Richard Bauckham – on New Testament perspectives on a church in crisis Alister McGrath – challenging the narrative of decline Rev Dr Carlton Turner – on BAME Presence and the Witness of Diversity and Inclusion Dr Susie Snyder – on attending to those on the margins

‘If you are concerned about what future there is for the Church of England, and puzzled by the words we are asked to use to describe it, this book will help you. A strong and necessary reminder that there is a theological vocabulary for our hope.’ -- The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster

Cathy Ross leads the pioneer training programme for Church Mission Society. She is the author of numerous books and co-editor of 'Missional Conversations' Humphrey Southern is Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon.