The title of this book will be off-putting to many, and attractive to some. I wouldn’t usually pick up a book like this, because I would assume that if it’s ‘basic’ it can’t be that interesting. After all, I’ve been going to church for 27 years. But I decided to use it as a tool in helping a guy at church get a clearer understanding of the Gospel. I soon discovered that this is an exceptional book that everyone should read.

Although the title might be off-putting to many who, like me, assume they’re clear on the basics, behind the cover there lies a stimulating and compelling case that will provoke and excite you. This book is a must read for every Christian who (a) wants a clearer understanding of why they believe, and (b) wants to be better equipped to explain their faith to others.

Sadly, many Christians struggle to make anything approaching a reasonable case for Christianity when in conversation with an enquirer. It is not always easy to think on the spot and to find a line of argument that makes sense. If someone asked you, How do you know that Jesus is the Son of God? would you be able to respond articulately, concisely, and persuasively? This book will help. It gets right to the point.

This book is also the perfect resource to drop into the hands of someone investigating the Christian faith. They won’t be confused, and they may well be utterly compelled.

Stott wrote Basic Christianity back in the ’50s and the fact that it is still being printed is a testament to its enduring qualities. This is a true classic. Buy a copy for yourself, and several more for your friends.

I’m really excited about our next Alpha Course that starts on Monday 11 October with a launch party the week before on Monday 4 October.

Let’s hope and pray that God uses it to bless many people looking for meaning and purpose in life.

If you don’t feel excited about it yet, check out the promo video below and think about who you could invite to find out more about the most loved and hated person in history, Jesus Christ.

More info. about our Alpha Course is available by clicking here.

We have a couple of job opportunities at Westminster Chapel that have opened up, please do consider them and/or spread the word to any who might be interested. Thanks.

Caretaker (Part or Full-Time)

To provide practical support facilitating the smooth running of services, meetings, events and conferences at Westminster Chapel (WC), including: room set up/set down, serving as the fire safety officer, premises lock up/opening up, preparing the Auditorium for Sunday services and basic maintenance.

Must have the ability to physically perform the responsibilities of the job, including lifting a minimum of 50lbs on a regular basis and a hearty endorsement of WC’s Mission, Vision and Values and the biblical and theological orientation of its leadership. A combination of carpentry, decorating, plastering, electrical and plumbing knowledge, skills and qualifications preferred but not required.

Salary: £12,600-£18,000 (depending on hours worked) | Hours: 28-40 hrs per week (subject to skills and experience) | Closing date: EXTENDED to 3 October 2010 | Duration: 1 November 2010 (or later by agreement) – 31 October 2011 (with the possibility of extension or progression to an open ended employment contract)

Children and Families’ Director (Full-Time)

To oversee WC’s Children (age 0-10) and Families’ Ministry. He/she will be responsible for the development and implementation of an annual Children and Families’ Ministry Strategy. He/she will provide leadership and direction to volunteers and represent the interests and concerns of children and their families in WC and the local community to WC’s leadership. He/she will also be expected to support 1-2 other ministries, in line with his/her gifting and experience, such as Alpha, CityLifeGroups, Parenting, Marriage, and Mercy Ministries.

Must have proven experience of working with children, good organisation and administrative skills, a hearty endorsement of WC’s Mission, Vision and Values and the biblical and theological orientation of its leadership.

Salary: £22-28,000 (subject to qualifications and experience) | Closing date: 3 September 2010 | Start date: 1 November 2010 (or later by agreement)

Further information, detailed job descriptions and application forms for either job can be obtained by emailing office@westminsterchapel.org.uk.

Thanks to Thorpe14 for uploading this video on YouTube.

A study was undertaken by Stetzer and Dodson (Comeback Churches, 2007) of 324 “comeback churches” in America – churches that experienced 5 or more years of plateau and/or decline since 1995 and this decline was followed by significant growth over the past 2-5 years, including a membership to baptism (conversion) ratio of 35:1 or lower each year and at least a 10% increase in attendance each year. This approach overcomes the conversions-switchers problem (since it does not rely solely on measuring worship service attendance) although, it is subject to contextual restrictions, since only US churches were surveyed.

The main quality/comeback characteristics they identified were: leadership, three faith factors (renewed belief in Jesus and the mission of the church, renewed attitude for servanthood, and strategic prayer efforts), worship and preaching, intentional and strategic evangelism, connecting people to spiritual maturity, motivating and mobilizing people out of the pews (helping people discover their spiritual gifts), and connecting people through small groups.

Leadership

Proactive Leadership: “Comeback leaders took the initiative for change” (praying Matt 9:37-38 regularly and passionately and model evangelistic passion). pp.39-41

Sharing Ministry: “Comeback leaders shared the ministry…made choices about those in whom they invested their time and how they invested their time…[and] quickly gave away nonministry tasks.” pp.42-43

Intentional Planning: “Comeback leaders intentionally used their time and the time of others differently…[and] intentionally planned to spend more time doing “people stuff.”” pp.44-45

Vision: “Comeback leaders agreed that having a clear and compelling vision was foundational in the transformation of their churches.” p.45

Developing Leaders: “Comeback leaders multiplied themselves.” p.50

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