Kingdom Buildings

Author Kenneth Padley
Publisher Canterbury £20
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786226235

This book will be warmly welcomed by ministry teams, including churchwardens, for it brilliantly fills a crucial gap in Christian life – between practical problems of our built heritage and the commission we have received to promote mission. Too often these are seen as separate issues, but they are both vital components of God’s kingdom. A cold, crumbling, damp building will not attract worshippers – it will deter them. As the author notes, ‘if Christians are in the eternity business, then churches that stand still will move backwards’. Having set out his theology, the author fills the book with practical church management, retaining always the need to see improvements as ‘building the kingdom’. I commend especially his chapter on relatively small projects that make a difference. He does not neglect the creative use of churchyards and the crucial importance of carbon reduction, reminding us of the fifth mark of mission. There is a useful chapter on making church halls attractive, enabling the promotion of mission through community-based actions. This is a valuable handbook to help transform Christian outreach through our buildings.

Reviewed by LEONARD RICKARD

Buildings for mission