Encouraging one another to Talk Faith

The below is a letter published in the March 2024 issue of Reform, outlining and explaining Mersey Synod’s Talking Faith initiative.

Dear Friends at Reform,

The recent Theos report notes there is a desire in the URC ‘to recover a holistic understanding of mission which includes the kind of vibrant community outreach described in the first chapter, but also culturally appropriate and imaginative forms of faith-sharing/evangelisation’.

In Mersey Synod we’ve been trying to encourage one another to Talk Faith and be more courageous when it comes to responding to current day issues and the reasons to hold a belief that some see as little more than archaic superstition. We’ve not found a silver bullet for church growth but it is on our agenda.

I wonder what individuals, churches and Synods have seen that has helped churches to Talk Faith in a way that is authentic and culturally appropriate? I’ve often found that those who are most effective at faith sharing are not those who have attended a course or gained a qualification but are people who have a vibrant and lively faith. Faith sharing often comes from the most unexpected situations and people and it is a joy to hear stories of individuals who have courageously spoken of the faith they hold.

 I welcome the Theos report and its recommendations and pray that as a denomination we will step out in trust and be a people willing to share in word and deed the faith we hold.

 In Christ,

Geoff Felton

Learn more about Mersey Synod’s Talking Faith theme here: Talking Faith — URC Mersey (urcmerseysynod.org.uk)

Revd Geoff Felton