The Church faces huge challenges over the next few years - but growth is still possible, according to a leading researcher. Dr Peter Brierley points to continuing decline in many denominations due to people leaving, deaths outstripping conversions, and churchgoers attending less often. The liberalisation of Sunday trading in 1994 is a major factor here, he told The Baptist Times but the downward slope, he says, is largely due to the departure of teenagers in the 1980s and children under 15 in the 1990s.'Twenty and 30 years later there is a dire absence of those in their 30s and 40s, and no sign of younger replacements.' Nevertheless, he said, Church decline is not inevitable - though clear-sighted and courageous leadership would be required. There are seeds of hope, change is possible. We need to look at which denominations are growing, and why.' He also stressed the need for equipping congregations and encouraging them to witness confidently.

Pray: for the church and for outreach and revival. (2Co.4:15)

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