Messy Church

Messy Church
Fresh Ideas for Building Christ-Centered Community
(IVP, 2018)

WHO: Lucy Moore, a trainer and speaker and the founder of Messy Church, a rapidly growing ministry now in more than 20 countries, and Jane Leadbetter, who leads the regional coordinators of Messy Church.

THEY SAY: “Messy Church’s success lies in the way it is led by such ordinary, extraordinary people: people who have no accreditation or licensing within the different denominations, but who are amateurs in the best sense of the word—doing what they do for love.”

THE BIG IDEA: Messy Church, in its most simple form, is a creative tool to bring in people of all ages and stages of faith. It usually consists of a warm welcome; an hour of hands-on activities around a Bible theme; a short, gathered celebration; and a meal around tables.

THE PROGRESSION:
Part 1 establishes the foundation for Messy Church by defining the concept, explaining how it works and offering instructions on how a church can start the program.
Part 2 moves into the practical side of ministry by providing 15 sessions churches can use throughout the year, including step-by-step instructions and talking points.

“Some people get excited about numbers; others see them as irrelevant. Perhaps it’s worth saying that small numbers mean there is a huge opportunity to build strong, intimate relationships relatively quickly, to visit effectively and to keep everyone informed. Large numbers mean there is a great buzz and little danger of becoming a clique, and it’s obvious to everyone that there is some measure of success. Big or small, it’s a win-win situation.”

Order this book from Amazon.com »

Read an excerpt from this book »

Reviving Personal Evangelism

If we are going to see more people saved in North America and more people engaged in personal evangelism, then we desperately need the Holy Spirit to work in all our hearts. Simply put, we need a mighty move of God in our land.

Oak Park Church: Outreach in the City

Rather than solely coming alongside communities following major natural disasters, the church decided to use the ministry’s life-saving—and life-giving—equipment year-round.

The Moment of Exposure

On Judgment Day, I won’t hide. I won’t run. Not because I’m innocent, but because I’m forgiven. Jesus paid it all.