Are We
Brave
Enough?
5 Changes to Renew the Local Church and Transform the World
#5changes
5 Changes to Renew the Local Church and Transform the World
A Path to Church Unity and Transformation
With many churches locked into congregational models and brand building, this book asks Christians to consider doing five things that could change the landscape of local church communities — and help the Church become far more effective in changing the world. Written from personal experience of working with congregational and institutional church leaders, it champions the perseverance needed to see God’s kingdom come in a city.
The Heart of the Book
Whatever Christian expression you lead or belong to, or whatever gathering style you might prefer, what really matters is how much that expression relates to and connects with all the other expressions in your place.
Being consumed with our own group, denomination or network only serves to contain and constrain; it doesn’t help to grow and develop the kingdom of God across a city; in fact, it hinders and restricts growth.
Every movement needs vision and leadership, and someone needs to be at the sharp end; as part of that movement, good leaders are able to support and honour the bigger picture without feeling threatened or reduced.
For true unity to work, the leaders of all the individual church groups need to passionately celebrate unity on a regular basis with all their teams and members; it’s no good being part of the bigger picture if you don’t connect this with those you lead.
When we examine Church traditions and structures that many of us have known since childhood, they are found wanting. It is not that the Church we know is insincere or wrong, but rather that it has mislaid something along its journey.
The Book
This book looks at how church groups can either support or hinder the process of transformation, and offers practical suggestions for moving forward together:
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What People Are Saying
“When I first met Ian I was struck by three things, namely his love for Jesus, his passion for the Church and his commitment to his city! This engaging book reflects all of these key facets of Ian’s call and purpose. These are not the musings of a theorist but of a relentless activist as each page reflects the beat of the author’s heart. As you read you will discover that Ian is brave enough, but the question that must be answered is, are we?”
Dr John Andrews
Leader, Teacher, Motivator, Author
“I count Ian and Alyson as good friends and recognise them as a couple of gentle provokers. You will find this book is filled with a heart for unity, but also carries a fair amount of provocation to think beyond our own paradigms. To get the best from it I recommend we step back slightly and lay aside our defensive mechanisms. The provocation is for purpose, and that purpose lines up with the prayer of Jesus ‘that all of them may be one.’”
Stuart Bell
Senior Pastor, Alive Church, Lincoln and Leader of the Ground Level Network
“At the Evangelical Alliance we are passionate to see the great John 17 prayer of Jesus outworked in the united mission of God’s people. Are We Brave Enough? is written out of Ian’s personal experience, his calling to Doncaster and the lessons learned within One Heart One Voice, a unity movement committed to transforming their city.”
Steve Clifford
General Director of the Evangelical Alliance
“Ian and Alyson have served Doncaster over many years and the results are visible. I have been to several unity events organised by them over the last few years and it’s been fantastic to see the way they gather people together to serve the agenda of transformation in the town. The recent Movement Day in Doncaster attracted not only the Church but also senior civic leaders. There was a real sense of shared purpose. They are brave and have inspired others to follow.”
Debra Green OBE
Executive Director, Redeeming Our Communities [ROC]
“Ian’s visionary leadership is transforming his city. Upon meeting Ian, I was struck by his passion for the local church, his passion around the commissioning of empowered Christian leaders in service of their city, and for the unity of the body of Christ. This book is so timely as we move with God’s Spirit, calling us to surrender our silos and agendas for the advancement of His kingdom.”
Rev Ebony S Small
Consultant, Speaker, Director of Movement Day Expressions, USA
“Ian and Alyson’s love of Doncaster is evident the first time you meet them. As part of the Church in Doncaster, they have a huge desire to see the Church being and working as one, to affect each of the different aspects of the life of Doncaster. In this book, Ian sets out five points to help see this happen in Doncaster, but also in your place.”
David King
Director of Kingdom Voice Ltd, Ambassador for the GATHER network
Interactive Tool
Are you brave enough to lead change in your church? This 10-minute assessment, based on the five changes, will give you:
Listen
Hear the story behind the book in these broadcast conversations.
UCB Radio
The Sandra Godley afternoon show
BBC Radio Sheffield
With Sarah Major — religious issues, topical music and conversation
Trans World Radio: TWR UK
With James Fullard — Political Exchange, the latest from Westminster from a faith perspective
Premier Christian Radio
With John Pantry and Craig Wakeling — big name guests, great music and news from a Christian perspective
Are you ready to be brave enough to challenge the status quo? Practical steps for church leaders and Christians who want to see real change in their communities through unity and collaboration.
