Christian community: a theology for restructuring

Abstract

A church is a living and breathing body nourishing and nourished by the community where it resides. The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand is experiencing decline in affiliation, an ageing demographic, some church buildings not meeting increased earthquake standards, and the effects of the rise of postmodern non-denominational church attendance by young people. Congregations may lose viability and some are facing amalgamation and the closure of buildings. Conflict is the catalyst for change, seeding transformation (growth) or division (decline). Relevant research is drawn from New Zealand, England, and the United States. The restructuring of Anglican communities must be a well-managed process that potentially seeds growth in congregations, or decline will be exacerbated. The nature of conflict associated with restructuring is explored and how theological reflection might support changing Anglican communities as they transition through the restructuring process. The primal source of conflict is found in the differentiation inherent in identity formation, which is in unavoidable tension with the need of identities for relationship. Together differentiation and relationship bring exclusion and embrace (Miroslav Volf) into community life. How we meet others (Martin Buber) and how we recognise others (Charles Taylor) benchmark how we ideally structure our Christian relationships. The process of transition (William Bridges) from business theory is focused on transitioning of congregations. The change experienced through transition is conversion. From research, it is known church closures exacerbate decline, decline begets decline, and a lack of conflict reinforces decline. In contrast, growth begets growth, and conflict may contribute to growth. Conflict if uncontrolled may result in breaking down of relationships, and people leaving the church. This historical narrative of a congregation holds the past in its hands, and affects a congregation’s ability to change. Losing the power of any remembered pain, together with a well-managed restructuring process, enables a move into a changed and transformational future. Seeding growth is the primary aim of church restructuring and may be strategically created through the synergy of two or more elements that together create more than either can alone.