Finding the Treasure: Good News from the Estates: Reflections from the Church of England Estates Theology Project

by Al Barrett

"With its compilation of stories and theological reflections, Finding the Treasure uncovers the positives that a local church fosters when it engages with its neighbourhood." - Ann Morisy, Community Theologian and author of the bestselling Beyond the Good Samaritan and Journeying Out

The fruit of two years of 'deep listening' in five different estate neighbourhoods across England, Finding the Treasure brings together local ministers and academic theologians to attend to the voices of estates residents. What do they love about the place they're in? What brings them joy as well as grief? And what do hope and good news look like?

Rooted in the real-life contexts of these local communities, rich in theological insights, and bold in the challenges it presents to the wider Church, Finding the Treasure offers inspiration and practical guidance for readers willing to engage in similar deep listening within their own communities.

In areas and churches that have all too often been labelled 'needy', 'failing' and 'deprived', Finding the Treasure shines a spotlight on an abundance of wisdom and resourcefulness, faith, hope and love that can be found in our estate churches, neighbourhoods, and beyond.

128 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2023

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very glad I read this book. It’s a collection of theological reflections on ministry, on the church’s presence in low income, low wealth communities in the UK called estates. The authors remind us of the wealth and abundance that are in these places where others often only see need. It’s a little read, a quick read, an important read. Good work.