"Let us dream of a church...
without the answers but asking the right questions...
unafraid of change, able to recognise God's hands in the revolutions...
a ministering community rather than a community gathered round a minister...
so salty and yeasty that it really would be missed if no longer around...
so deeply rooted in gospel and tradition that, like a living tree, it can swing in the wind and constantly surprise us with new blossoms..."
- From sermons and addresses by Bishop Wes Frensdorff
In this book Martyn and Fay reflect honestly and movingly on the questions their South Wales parish has asked, the journey of discovery they have shared together, and the new blossoms with which God has surprised them.
Inspirational Ministry Development Bishop Wes Frensdorff dreamt of a church in which "the Spirit is not a party symbol but wind and fire in everyone, gracing the church with a kaleidoscope of gifts and constant renewal of all”. This is a story of fire catching through faithfulness to God’s call to live and proclaim the gospel, in this generation, in one particular place. It is told thoughtfully and openly, not as a blue-print, but as an encouragement to other churches and parishes, wherever they are, to step out on their own journey of discovery together with God.
The journey described has gone deep into the heart of what it is to be Christian and to be church. Martyn and Fay have grappled with how to lead in ways that will grow confidence, discipleship and commitment. They share here their experience of prayerfully and patiently working to build a collaborative local church culture based on: listening to discern God’s call; discovering shared vision to guide action; growing trust, mutual respect and accountability; learning to meet and take decisions in ways that foster openness, participation and collaboration. Through it all they have worshipped together, prayed together, cried and celebrated together, and grown as Christians and churches in their calling to be living signs and agents of God’s kingdom.
This is not just a local story: the questions they have asked, the issues they have faced, the encouragements they have seen, are being asked, faced and seen across denominations and internationally today.
It has been a privilege and inspiration to be a companion on this unfolding journey with these faithful people, and I commend their story to you.
Caroline Pascoe
Ministry Development Officer, Llandaff Diocese, Church in Wales.
The Feast of The Transfiguration, 2009