In an original and exciting theological move, senior authority on fresh expressions of Church and church planting, Canon Dr George Lings, suggests that we look at Church differently. Based on extensive research, Lings argues that the Church has a calling and the capacity to reproduce which is inherent in what Church is, rather than as its function. The Church reproduces, albeit nonidentically, because it is the Church; that's how it fulfils its mission. This seminal and inspiring work will inform and re-energise Church leaders for the task in hand in this generation and beyond.

Too often people's understanding of and engagement with 'church' is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more. George Lings identifies seven characteristic elements in Christian communities through the ages, which when held in balance enable a richer expression of discipleship, mission and community. In the monastic tradition these elements have distinctive locations: cell (being alone with God), chapel (corporate public worship), chapter (making decisions), cloister (planned and surprising meetings), garden (the place of work), refectory (food and hospitality) and scriptorium (study and passing on knowledge). Through this lens George Lings explores how these seven elements relate to our individual and communal walk with God, hold good for church and family life, and appear in wider society.

An exploration of Messy Church and its theological significance for the wider church. 'Messy Church Theology' brings together essays and case studies from a wide range of contributors examining the growth of Messy Church and discussing questions of sustainability, discipleship, all-age church, sacramental, interdenominational, ecumenical and international possibilities, and the future of Messy Church.