Mixed Ecology - Print

Mixed Ecology:
Inhabiting an Integrated Church

By Ed Olsworth-Peter

Explore how traditional parishes, fresh expressions, church plants, and pioneer ministries can co-exist and thrive in a post-pandemic world.

This book will help you to:

• Understand the concept of mixed ecology within the church.
• Recognize the value of growing your own local church ecosystem.
• Develop a physically gathered, digital, and hybrid church model.
• Gain cultural, ecclesiological, and missional insights.
• Apply practical applications to your ministry.
• Learn from respected theologians, authors, and church leaders.
• Navigate the cultural and financial impacts on church communities post-pandemic.
  

Features

• Explores the integration of various church expressions.
• Provides practical guidance for developing a mixed ecology church.
• Includes insights from UK and USA church leaders.
• Addresses the challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic context.
• Offers a hopeful vision for creative collaboration within the church.
  

Soft cover 176pp
1.5 cm H x 21.6 cm L x 13.8 cm W (0.3 kg)
ISBN 9780281089376
SPCK Publishing (2024)

[Allow 4 weeks]

Description

In a rapidly changing world, the church faces the challenge of remaining relevant and effective in its mission.

Olsworth-Peter delves into the concept of a mixed ecology within the church, where traditional parishes coexist with fresh expressions, church plants, and pioneer ministries.

This integrated approach acknowledges the diversity of church expressions and emphasizes the importance of their interconnectedness and interdependence.

The book provides cultural, ecclesiological, and missional insights, coupled with practical applications, to help church leaders and worshipping communities understand their place within this mixed ecology.

It highlights the value of growing their own local ecosystem and developing a physically gathered, digital, and hybrid church model.

Drawing on the voices of respected theologians, authors, and church leaders from the UK and USA, the author offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the cultural and financial impacts on church communities in a post-pandemic world.

Olsworth-Peter explores, in creative, visual, and attractive ways, a mixed ecology approach that is coherent, culturally savvy, and adaptable to a wide variety of contexts.

He presents a hopeful vision of various modes of church living together in creative collaboration, each in their own way.

This book is a valuable resource for church leaders and worshipping communities seeking to understand and embrace their place within the mixed ecology, fostering unity and diversity within the body of Christ.

About the Author

Ed Olsworth-Peter is the Director of Innovation and Development at St Mellitus Theological College, where he teaches on missional ecclesiology, mixed ecology, Pioneer Ministry, and Ministry Discernment. He is an experienced conference speaker and has delivered talks nationally and internationally. Previously, he served as the National Adviser for Pioneer Development for the Church of England, responsible for implementing and overseeing a strategy for the vocation, training, and deployment of lay and ordained pioneers. Ordained since 2004, Ed has been a Parish Priest, a Pioneer Minister, a Diocesan Adviser, and a Theatre Chaplain in London's West End.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Mixed Ecology
3. Theological Foundations
4. Cultural Context and Challenges
5. Developing a Local Church Ecosystem
6. Integrating Traditional and Fresh Expressions
7. Digital and Hybrid Church Models
8. Practical Applications for Ministry
9. Voices from Church Leaders
10. Conclusion