Thursday 25th February 2010

Religion and Church: Local churches

God has a dream. From the foundation of the world God has longed to live amongst His people, caring for them, providing for them, guiding them and teaching them how to live according to His blueprint for life. So that we might know Him and enjoy Him forever.

Man however has his own dream, to rule and reign without God. To take that which God has given for the benefit of everyone and use it for his own means.

God has a mission – Missio Dei, to see the world that he has created return to his original dream. He invites us to partner with Him to bring His kingdom, justice, love and compassion to every place in society

A Key Scripture

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

UK Church Statistics

1 in 10 people attends church weekly , 1 in 7 attends once a month

UK is among Europe's least observant countries

66% of people have not been to church in the last year except for weddings and funerals

53% of the UK identify themselves as 'Christian' in 2007, 75% in 2001

The 20's and 30's are the least likely to attend church

40 % of the UK say they have no religion and 28.5 million people say they are closed to church

Source: Tearfund 2007 Survey, BBC.co.uk