A bold vision for new church development was considered by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), as it met in Belfast this week for debate and discussion, with the church committing to establishing at least 10 newly constituted congregations and launching 10 more church planting projects in the next 10 years.
Presenting the Report of the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI), Council convener, Rev Ben Walker, highlighted how revolutionary the Gospel of Jesus Christ really is, and how the Council are seeking to enable and encourage the creation of Christ-centred, worshipping communities throughout Ireland.
Referencing Acts 17, Mr Walker noted that, “From West Belfast to Wexford, Carrigart to Cork, Galway to Greystones, this revolutionary message is being shared—in preaching, around tables, in conversations; through churches, chaplaincy, pioneers and projects. It may seem small or slow, but it’s profoundly significant. God is gathering his revolutionary people in places across this island. They may not seem much or many in the world’s eyes, but they having a kingdom impact.”
He also pointed out to the General Assembly, that the narrative of decline and shortages, was not the narrative of the Council for Mission in Ireland, “we’re delighting to see… that God’s Spirit is at work, through His people and His word, proclaiming Christ.”
Building on this theme, Rick Hill, Council for Mission in Ireland Secretary, highlighted the growth and development of projects and congregations in Balbriggan, Belfast, Wexford, Carrigart, and Kilkenny. These have shown positive developments and the Assembly was encouraged to pray for these works and those involved.
Speaking about the Council’s major report ‘Church Planting – The Next Decade’, or ‘10+10 in 10’ Mr Hill reminded the Assembly that PCI is a church-planting denomination. He pointed out that recent fruitfulness in Maynooth, County Kildare, and Donabate in County Dublin, have been examples of this, and commended CMI’s vision to see 10 newly constituted Congregations, plus 10 new church planting projects, in the next 10 years.
Mr Hill told the General Assembly, “Central to this vision is for the wider church to be bold, courageous and expectant…We are praying for this vision to impact towns and cities, stretching southerly and westerly to renew our witness across Ireland.”
In seconding the report, he encouraged the Assembly to fully own this vision, calling PCI to support the vision, prayerfully, practically and prophetically in the decade ahead, “This is an exciting missional moment for the church to declare and display the glory of Christ, as God continues to use His people to have a revolutionary kingdom impact across this island as we speak the truth, proclaim Christ and turn the world upside down – or indeed the right way up.”
Addressing the other two parts to the CMI report, ‘Mission as a minority’ and ‘Chaplaincy – a Ministry of Presence’, CMI Convener, Rev Ben Walker spoke of how the principles in the Mission as a Minority report, should challenge us to cross boundaries, examine our own assumptions and cultural baggage, and take a humble prayerful posture – expressing the gospel graciously and clearly. “Tá soiscéal Íosa do gach duine ar fud an oileáin seo. The gospel of Jesus is for everyone across this island,” he said.
On the role of chaplaincy - Ministry of Presence, Mr Walker highlighted that the report detailed the work of those within our denomination that have chosen to be chaplains, either in healthcare, prison, universities or military settings. Each chaplain’s ministry can be seen as “a ministry of presence” often in a setting akin to playing an away match. He encouraged the Church to continue its support, for the missional opportunities provided and offered by the work of our chaplains.
In closing the Convener, reiterated the Council’s thanks for the ongoing support via the United Appeal, pointing out that the value of our investment in God’s revolutionary mission creates in Christ a great hope for his Spirit to work among us and through us.
The Council for Mission in Ireland is one of the General Assembly's nine councils and commissions that carries out the work of the Church. The focus of the Council it to develop PCI’s strategic priorities in all-age mission across Ireland and to plan major church-wide initiatives at a General Assembly level.
It considers new church development looking at locations which might be suitable for church planting and oversees all aspects of the work of the Home and Irish Mission, including the Irish Mission Fund and the deployment and on-going support of deaconesses who serve in congregations, chaplaincies and communities.
The Council also oversees the delivery of a chaplaincy service in the forces, hospitals, hospices and prisons helping to bring a ministry of presence to those in need. Supporting mission and ministry in rural communities in four presbyteries, universities and colleges through chaplaincy services on campus, is also part of this Council’s work.
