The Churches of the West continue to decline, despite some encouraging exceptions. that decline can, under God, be reversed – but we need to realise what is happening.
Martin Robinson’s task is to help readers grasp the larger themes of our times. Decline is far from universal: in many parts of the world the church is growing strongly. He identifies certain key themes from the past century:
- The emergence of the world Church
- The harmful split between conservative and liberal
- The separation of the Church from contemporary culture
- The challenge of other faiths
- The rediscovery of spirituality
- The question of spiritual power
The fundamental point Robinson draws from his extensive review is that effective mission requires the development of a pan-evangelical coalition, capable of evangelicalism a culture as well as individuals within that culture. Christians need to cultivate a generous, inclusive spirit. Robinson calls for ‘a funeral of bigotry’: ‘beyond our stratagies, methods, ideas and creativity there lies the refreshing action of God, who works by the Holy Spirit to surprise, confound and challenge us.’