Aquachurch

The Threat of Shipwreck

The Church in the West is heading for shipwreck

Number of Christians in Global South is growingNumber of Christians in North/West is in declineThe culture is becoming less tolerant and more anti-Christian (eg way of marking Christmas)

The Church of Scotland is heading for shipwreck

Losing equivalent of one congregation a weekAverage age is increasing – can it last beyond 2030?

Priestfield Parish Churchis heading for shipwreck

‘Raw’ numbers – falling

Average age increasing – fewer ‘active’ people

In time, knock-on effect on finance

Preparing for Shipwreck – Acts 27

Sometimes you can see shipwreck coming – prepare

• work as a team

• strengthen the body with food

• throw unnecessary things overboard

Looking at the trends and looking ahead to the future, anyone who EXPECTS

Priestfield not to face shipwreck is foolish

BUT...

...Christ is King

What can happen when Christ is King?

Storm on Galilee – Mark 4

Disciples – we are going to be wrecked; Jesus, do you not care?

Christ the King can calm the storm

Are there signs of the‘Priestfield storm’ becoming calm?

Signs of Christ the King at work

...the Gift Day

...the little shoots of growth

...ideas for serving (5 Dec)

...continuing to build links with the community

Shipwreck may be ‘expected’ but it’s not inevitable because Christ is King

Be cognisant of the danger of shipwreck – it’s wild out there!

Be prepared for the eventuality of shipwreck – we can survive it!

Pray that Christ the King will calm the storm around us – he rules

Look and work for signs that Christ the King is active in the world around us – he is!