However, we can’t ignore trying to use the best the world has to offer. If God has revealed insights into his creation to sociologists, psychologists, educationists and others then we should use them as we are able.

For example, if “Mike’s Moving Motors” advertises its presence using neon signs, why does the Church display its presence on a noticeboard with pealing paint?

We have a good product, let’s market it well, through faithfulness, authenticity and integrity.

Thanks for your comments

Struggle to work through the logical implications of a shrinking church, if, taken ad extremis, the natural outcome would be church leaders hearing their own voice rebound off empty hall walls. Yes, we live in a output-orientated, performance-based society, where success is largely regarded as commensurate with monetary/materialistic/wealthy status, but Christ can only be regarded as ‘successful’ in consistently pulling large crowds (often into cramped, out-of-the-way places) to hear him speak. I suspect, head bowed under regular reporting, monitoring, key performance indicators and targets, Tim Suttle might be ‘fudging’ the issue. Success, if such a term is deemed appropriate, in such a context, might reflect spiritual growth, in so far as, in my limited understanding, the Christian relies on God/JC/HS to shape a Christ-like character in us, so that the spiritual fruits, most of us so desire, ripen, mature and are increasingly evident to those we encounter on a daily basis in our lives.