A Future That's Bigger Than The Past: Towards the renewal of the Church

by Samuel Wells

A Future that’s Bigger than the Past sets out a vision for renewing the local church that is energising, realistic and practical for small and large congregations alike. In response to prevailing narratives of decline, it reimagines how the church can live its vocation of receiving God’s abundance and sharing it far and wide. It recognises the surprising, exuberant and plentiful things that the Holy Spirit is doing in the world and calls the church to celebrate creation, enjoy culture and share in its flourishing. With a rich theological foundation and borne out of the practical experience of growing local church communities, this ground-breaking book will help churches discover fresh ways to bless the communities they serve.

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2019

About the author

Samuel Wells (PhD, University of Durham) is vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church at Trafalgar Square in London. He previously served as dean of the chapel and research professor of Christian ethics at Duke University. Wells is the author of several books, including Be Not Afraid, Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics, and Transforming Fate into Destiny: The Theological Ethics of Stanley Hauerwas. He also coedited, with Stanley Hauerwas, The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readable, interesting views and some worthwhile but different sources of inspiration. Incredibly helpful appendix!

[Adam Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wells invites Christians to see secularization and the decline of the institutional church as a unique opportunity for the future of the church. Relying on his experiences in London, Wells describes the beauty that can come from partnerships between "secular" and sacred organizations that would never have been possible in the past. It requires the church to broaden its understanding of many theological foundations, and Wells provides helpful discussions to help guide thoughts that direction. Wells' perspective is from that of a large, historically rich congregation with immense cultural capital, so sometimes the discussion isn't overly relatable to smaller churches lacking such cultural swagger, but he does invite the church to see through a window into the future for how churches can survive and even thrive - in this new world. Definitely recommended for pastors seeking a way forward in the midst of decline.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read this book. It made me think - a lot. It got my brain working, imagining new thoughts and ideas. Mainly the book is a way of looking at the world and the church that is missing from most things I read. His practical applications in his place are not as helpful to me as some things have been. But overall it was a home run to me. I was so glad to have read it.

[John Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting aside the specifically British perspective (which admittedly limits the usefulness of many of his practical suggestions), it's a useful take on the troubles of the Church and how might understand God's calling.