Deeper shade of grey | Faith House 20

A Familiar Story of Fate…

Icaught the end of a radio programme and heard the all to familiar story of falling numbers, the challenge of encouraging people to attend, the problem of a loss of identity as people seek community and family elsewhere.

I heard the history of a journey of popularity and social norm to modern day aversion and lack of popularity. I listened how once centre of communities were now being turned into flats, their cohesive influence in society lost to property developers and speculators. How people preferred really to spend time at home rather than frequent the once national institution. I listened to the sociologist lamenting the loss of ‘community building’ and social capital, pointing to the ramifications on an already fragmented and fractured society.

A man interviewed was the grim reaper, painting a dark gloomy picture of near distinction of a fast disappearing institution. “The stats speak for themselves…the problem is the bureaucracy, it is strangling the life out of us, it not as simple anymore we have so much paperwork it is killing the Public House off rapidly…”

Now there’s a thought - bureaucracy as the metaphorical cuckoo!

 

Writer: Capt. Gordon Cotterill lives in London, England, is married to Kate and has two daughters Bethan and Eryn. He has been a Salvation Army officer for ten years and ‘cut his teeth’ in ministry with his wife as the corps officers at Poplar in the East End of London. The lessons he learned there in his day-to-day ministry, amid the chaos of the inner city, continue to shape his understanding and passion for biblical and grace-centred mission. His latest appointment as Spiritual Programme Director at the William Booth College, London now offers him the opportunity for the fusion and exploration of ‘mission’ and ’spiritual formation’ while trying to inspire a new generation of Salvation Army officers as to their role in God’s plan for His creation. Gordon keeps a blog where he mulls over themes of mostly, mission and spiritual formation. 

1 Comment to Deeper shade of grey | Faith House 20

1. Preach it brother! It’s the theme of my latest book, “Out of the Rubble… Revolution!” an allegory, which can be accessed in its unedited form over at: http://www.joenoland.com/ - click on “Revolution’s Cadence.” Hope to have it published in book form soon - a message for the ages. Thanks for the reminder - a message especially for this generation.
Joe Noland on March 13th, 2010

Leave a comment