In Depth:  Ken Brownell

After rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, ‘the city was large and spacious’, but there were few people in it (Nehemiah 7.4).

There is a similar situation in many churches in our inner cities. There are small congregations in buildings that quite simply need more people. It would be wonderful if these were filled through conversions, but that is not happening. No doubt some churches are in-grown, but most churches I know are actively evangelistic. What these churches need is more people with the attitude, gifts and money that will strengthen them in their mission.

One of the great things about London is its ethnic and cultural diversity. It is estimated that a third of Londoners are born outside the UK. Everywhere you see people of different races speaking different languages, eating different food, wearing different clothes and practising different religions.

I find this very exciting. I love shopping at our local street market in Hackney on Ridley Road where something from almost everywhere in the world – African snails, Jewish bagels, Asian fruit, Turkish delicacies – seems to be present. But it is not only ethnic diversity that is striking in London. There is also an amazing social diversity, with rich and poor, young and old and everyone in between living often in close proximity.

Why are ministers going to North America and why should they think of staying here? Ken Brownell has investigated this pressing question...

I have been thinking about writing this for some time. Every so often we hear of a good minister leaving this country and moving to North America. When recently I heard that two very well-known ministers are planning to do just that, I decided the time has come. Because I am an American, but have lived here for 27 years, I may be able to say what a Briton could not without sounding like sour grapes.