Questions and Answers

What are the main changes compared with our previous church vision?

These changes are evolutionary not revolutionary. I am looking to build on what has gone before, not dismantle it. The main changes I am introducing today are:
• A new distinction between church gathered and church scattered. As part of this I want to encourage MSCs which currently meet on a Sunday to meet in midweek instead.
• A new “4G” model (Grounded Growing,Giving, Going) as a means of
re-balancing our priorities, both individually and collectively.
• Introduction of TIE (Three is Enough) groups as a new, low maintenance, high accountability mechanism for relationship, discipleship and mission.
• New terminology and imagery - Net Groups and Nets rather than MSCs and lifeboats
• A more permissive style in which imagination, creativity and the Spirit’s gifts can flourish.

What are the main reasons for these changes?

I feel that God wants to move this church into an even deeper season of mission and into effective evangelism, which will flow from us being better equipped, trained and in stronger fellowship together. In part the changes have also to do with a simple change of style: mine compared with my predecessors, and also observations over my first 6 months here of what is working well and where we might do better. Specifically with respect to MSCs, the church has been through a pioneering period. It now feels like we need to make a few adjustments in order to build on what has gone before whilst making the model fully sustainable for the long term.

Are there more changes to come?

None that I can foresee. Visions are long term by nature and I would expect this one to remain for some time. However we need continually to listen to God, and if He were to call on us to make a further adjustment we would need to obey. I do intend to re-communicate the vision at bi-annual Vision Sundays but that is primarily to keep it alive and understood.

Why do you not want MSCs to meet on a Sunday?

I want a clear distinction between Church gathered, called to Jesus to spend time with Him, and Church scattered, sent from Jesus to work out their discipleship, worked out from principles learnt on Sunday and their mission.

I want Sundays to be a time of passionate worship and excellent teaching. Many of our MSCs, being smaller, do not have the resources to do this consistently well.

I am concerned about us becoming disconnected as a church family. Some church members who are members through an MSC never, or hardly ever, come to the church building. This means we are fractured as a church body and it doesn’t feel right.

I want Sundays to be gathered experiences of family first, and all that happens on Sundays to prepare us for the way we live out our faith Mondays-Saturdays. Weekend church will be big and celebratory, full of the Word and the Spirit.

By freeing MSCs from the responsibility of teaching and running services, I hope to free them up to be even more effective at mission and outreach.

What will happen if/when our Sunday services at the church centre get full again?

If/when required we will add more services, initially on a Sunday, then perhaps on a Saturday or even midweek. If necessary we will have gathered church 7 days a week!

Can Manna continue ? / Can the work of “The Ark” at the Car Boot sale continue?

Yes. These are examples of great mission outreach activities which, because of their specific natures, need to be done on a Sunday. I want to bless them and I want them to continue for as long as the Lord leads us to continue with them and they prove to be effective. I do however hope that those who are called to these ministries will find other ways of being part of our church Sunday celebrations, e.g. by attending the evening service.

MSCs

How will the changes you are making impact my MSC?

This is really a question for each MSC to answer for itself. For many there might be no change at all. I have though invited all MSC leaders to pray, discuss and consult their memberships over what changes might now be appropriate within their MSC, taking into account this refreshed St Andrews vision. Specifically for MSCs which currently meet on Sundays, I want to encourage them to meet in midweek instead.

However if the leaders and members of an MSC that meets on a Sunday were to decide, after proper prayerful consideration, to continue without change, they would do so with my blessing, at least in the short term.

What changes will there be to specialist midweek MSCs such as Toddlers, Lunchbreak etc?

Again this is a question for the MSC leaders to consider. However these are great midweek ministries and I see no particular reason why there should be any change.

I am an MSC leader. What do I need to do now?

Please pray about what these refinements to St Andrew’s vision might mean for the future for your MSC, discuss it with your other MSC leaders, and consult your membership too. Trust that the Lord your God to guide you.

I am a member of an MSC. What do I need to do now?

Please pray about what these changes might mean for you individually. Speak to your MSC leaders and others as you feel led. Trust the Lord your God to guide you.

Will St Andrew’s be starting any new MSCs?

We will start new groups as required. However these will not be labelled as MSCs. I intend to cease branding all of our major activities as MSCs.

Will St Andrew’s continue to support other churches through its Breakout conferences?

Yes for as long as there is a need. Part of our church vision is to be a resource to the broader kingdom. If other churches find it helpful to hear about our journey to date, we shall continue to provide that input.

How can St Andrew’s continue with Breakout conferences now that we are changing our model?

We can continue to talk about our experience with MSCs to date. Soon we will be able to talk also about this next stage of our journey. Every church is different and hence every church will always need to consider for itself how it applies any experiences from elsewhere.

Why are you changing the name from MSC to Net Group?

To signify the changes being introduced today. In particular to signify the imagery of being scattered and gathered. Nets are made up of individual strands TIEd together Nets are also used to catch fish – so we want to be deliberate and intentional about our evangelism. Like the apostle Andrew, we believe we have found the Christ, and want as many people as possible to find him too. Nets are often used to catch people to prevent them from harming themselves if they jump from a burning building. These are safety-nets – and we like to think that all our service of the Lord and each other is pastoral – that is, caring and compassionate.

NET GROUPS

What is the difference between a Net Group and an MSC?

A Net Group differs from our current MSCs in the following ways:
• They do not meet on a Sunday
• They may meet infrequently, perhaps only monthly. However a Net Group is similar to an MSC in :
• Being of mid size (circa 25-50)
• Having a strong missional focus.
Net Groups must do intentional acts of mission. They can do it as many times as they like, but no fewer than three times a year – i.e. once a term. I envisage that they could use their gathering to prepare and build up to an event. They could run Alpha one term as part of their mission; they could commit themselves to support mission partners and make sure the church knows what’s going on; they could do what they are doing now.

What is the process for establishing a Net Group?

Submit any ideas for new net groups to David. All Net group leaders will be chosen by David following consultation.

If I am currently in an MSC do I need to leave it to join a new midweek Net group?

Only as the Lord leads you. For most people it would likely be too much to be involved in more than one such group. However nothing is being prescribed here.

Do I have to belong to a Net Group?

No. Net groups are recommended but not mandated.

TIE GROUPS

What is a TIE group?

A TiE group consists of three friends who decide to pray, study and serve together. ‘By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily stopped’ Ecclesiastes 4:12 (The Message).
TiE’s are intended to go on an Inward Journey’ of spiritual transformation and an ‘Outward Journey’ of serving others.

When are TIE groups starting?

We will pilot them on a very small scale quite soon.

Do I have to belong to a TiE group?

No. TiE groups are recommended but not mandated.

How can I find out more about TiE groups?

A TiE group Q&A leaflet will be in the carousels in the church foyer and also available as a download from the church website from the start of December. Alternatively, please contact Nicky Erskine at nicky.erskine@st-andrews.org.uk.

OTHER CHURCH MINISTRIES

Is the church continuing with Alpha?

Most definitely. Alpha will be a core focus within the church. We intend to run the course twice per year. We may move to a model of having each Alpha run by one or more Nets.

What is changing with respect to small groups / home groups?

Nothing.

What do the changes mean for other church ministries such as Youth and Children’s?

Given the shift in emphasis back to the church centre on a Sunday, there may in time need to be a slightly different staffing level/structure.