Risk more for the gospel, Mark Russell tells Rochester Diocese

20 February 2009

Last month Church Army Chief Executive Mark Russell challenged over 400 people at the Rochester Diocese Conference to uncover their 'one purpose' for the mission of God.

Mark outlined the need for the church to improve one aspect of its work above all others, namely 'evangelism'. In his words: "Our one purpose is to grow the church, or we will die." He then outlined six elements to that one purpose: going where Jesus would go; being rooted in integrity; courage; being rooted in love; expecting more from God, and taking more risks.

Russell concluded with the need for Christians to: "risk more… Risk is faith in action, and faith in action causes us to grow. Risk is what puts the works into faith. The kind of faith that will venture forth and act becomes exciting and alive. Venture becomes adventure. Be willing to take the risk."

The address followed hard on the heels of the two challenges Mark had set out for the Fresh Expressions movement, in his contribution as guest blogger on the Share website blog. He stressed the need to remember that fresh expressions of church "are the best way to engage the poor, those on the edges, those in marginalised groups" and should not be merely about existing congregations satisfying a need to try something different.

Speaking about the impact of Mark’s speech at the event, the Bishop of Rochester, Rt Revd Dr Michael Nazir-Ali said: "As ever, Mark was hugely stimulating and challenging in his address on one purpose. He reminded us of the need to be ourselves purposeful as we seek to fulfil God’s purposes for the world and for the church."

 For more on Mark Russell click here.