The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) agreed at its General Assembly for 2024 that it needs a radical shake up of mission and ministry, while new Moderator Richard Murray called on the PCI to find better ways of connecting the gospel’s message to an uninterested and at times ‘hostile’ world.
About 1,000 ministers and elders from the denomination’s more than 500 congregations attended the three-day Assembly in Belfast which agreed to what it described as a ‘radical process that will see a comprehensive reconfiguration of ministry’ across the denomination.
The Assembly accepted a Task Group report on the effectiveness of the church’s existing structures and practices, as well as nine recommendations, which included church planting and development, to reconfigure its ministry to accommodate ‘changing demographics and ministry and mission opportunities’.
A decline in contributing families of around 20% in recent years and a shortage of men training for ministry were highlighted as contributing factors to decline in the church. It was also pointed out that there are large areas of Ireland which do not have a PCI congregation, while other areas have many situated close together.
Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and PCI General Secretary said: ‘To date, this has been a prayerful, considered, comprehensive and strategic process, that has sought to ensure that, as part of the church of Jesus Christ on this island, in years to come we are in the best position possible to be fruitful for His kingdom.
‘As we step out in faith and begin this journey, it is perhaps difficult to set out concrete objectives by which success can measured.’
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