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OUR MISSIONARY JOURNEY
Where have we come from?
In common with many other parts of the Country, the Christian Church in Lincolnshire has been consolidating its resources. The North Beltisloe Group was formed in 1997 by the amalgamation of two smaller groups of parishes centred on Ropsley and Ingoldsby. It took us a while to learn how to worship and work together. The breakthrough came in 2006 when Reverend Richard Ireson became our Rector.
He strengthened our lay ministry team and reinvigorated our Services through his energy, work ethic and the quality of his sermons. He formed a Group choir to lead singing. Through pastoral visits he brought mission back into the lives of many of our villagers. Those of us who have followed his lead have found new friends and dependable mutual support.Where are we now?
Most of the lay energy in our Churches is currently provided by the “silver generation”. These parishioners grew up in Churchgoing families and have varying denominational backgrounds. For them the Anglican Church is “the shop that is open”. Supporting their local Church is more important than their original denomination. These enthusiasts have differing attitudes to traditional Anglican liturgy. Some see it is a condition of their involvement; some feel excluded by it. Skilful ministry accommodates both these views.
Young families have very busy lives. Even for those with clear Christian sympathies regular Sunday worship is not always a top priority. These families will, however, support special services - in fact they expect them! Developing service formats which enthuse them, is a key challenge for our ministry team.
One of the lay ministers is attending this year’s Mission Shaped Ministry course (2010/2011) which focuses on New Expressions of Church and this should provide a good resource for further developments.Where would we like to go?
We should like Reverend Ireson’s successor to grow Christian mission throughout North Beltisloe. This will involve an appropriate blend of pastoral care, spiritual leadership and study groups. Our new leader will work with the Ministry Team to build on the foundations provided by our committed ecumenical “silver generation”, and bring the wider community and young families into our Christian fellowship.