Everyone believes something " even an "unbeliever'. And according to church growth expert Dr Martin Robinson, knowing and understanding the "faith' of the non-Christian is essential to evangelism and church planting.
Dr Robinson is in Sydney next month to speak at a conference organised by Gospel Outreach Ministries in conjunction with the Rev Stuart Robinson (no relation), rector of St Paul's, Chatswood and General Synod's National Mission Facilitator. Entitled The Faith of the Unbeliever, the conference aims to assist Christian leaders in connecting with the people they are trying to reach.
"In evangelism you've got to understand where people are coming from," said conference organiser and director of Gospel Outreach Ministries, Greg Middleton. "You need to take the way they think into consideration. Different people will even understand the term "Christian' differently."
Much to the surprise of the organisers about two hundred people " both clergy and laity " are expected to attend the conference including men and women from a range of denominations and from almost every state in Australia. Originally expecting about 80 people, Stuart Robinson is delighted with the response.
Also on the agenda for discussion is a special focus on small churches. In a success-driven culture where size and numbers are key indicators of effectiveness, the small church can often be mistaken for a failed church. But as Greg Middleton points out there are advantages as well as challenges for the smaller church.
"It's easier to have a sense of community; in a small church you can get to know more people in the congregation," he explained. "Small churches can be very good at integrating newcomers and at reaching out to particular target groups. Being small doesn't mean you're not effective."
Dr Robinson has had a long association with ministry and church growth. The son of missionaries, he was born in India before returning to the United Kingdom. His father was involved in planting churches in both Scotland and England.
Martin Robinson followed his father into ministry in his late teens. He has written ten books on the subject and believes that planting “mission-shaped” churches are vital for the future of Christianity. Currently the national director for UK-based Together In Mission, Dr Robinson has planted churches, worked in parish ministry and been the director of Mission and Theology with the Bible Society (UK). His work involves consulting with churches and Christian organisations on effective methods of ministry and planting sustainable congregations.
The Faith of the Unbeliever conference is being held at St Paul’s, Chatswood in Sydney. There are limited places still available.
