“It seems to me that no biblical or sociological reason opposes the growth of the Churches in the coming years in France. The time has come for a change of mentality. Unfortunately, too many people are blocked by a spirit of pessimism, disbelief or… guilt. In my opinion, we have never known a more propitious moment to preach the gospel, to plant new Churches..."
Through the history of the Church for which he was responsible, the experience of the first Christians and the writings of specialists, Christophe Short gives us a very practical work, truly encouraging and adapted to the French-speaking context. It shows that Churches do not have to oppose numerical growth and spiritual quality. One does not go without the other. This biblical objective of growing in number and value will notably involve:
Knowledge of growth thresholds
The importance given to relationships and “home groups”
An accessible worship
The development of a Church project
A reflection on the building and its use
The establishment of a committed management team
An assumed multiculturality
Attention given to children
Born in England, Christophe Short arrived in France at the age of 23 to join Opération Mobilization France. He led his evangelism and church planting teams for 17 years. In 1987 he became pastor of a Baptist Church in Ozoir-la-Ferrière (77) and, at the same time, coordinator of a project to establish several churches around Marne-la-Vallée. From Ozoir, he led a swarm into the neighboring town of Pontault-Combault.
His wife Geneviève played a very active role in his ministry. Their mode of operation was that of a pastoral couple. They are the parents of four children and, to date, grandparents of nine grandchildren.
ISBN: 9782863144589