Is your church perceived as a local prayer centre?
Many who do not come to church and resist organised religion still have an interest in prayer and spirituality. Many churches with a board for prayer requests at the back of the church or a post box outside find the option well used. This enables the congregation to pray for a wider constituency – especially when people know that prayer requests can be passed on or handed in to a known point or person. Anonymity needs to be respected to prevent any local gossip. Where the church is known as a ‘prayer centre’, community awareness of its relevance opens up. Systems of pastoral care through area wardens or church visitors is also a healthy part of this alertness to need – although we need to recognise that spontaneous and informal care will always be more effective and prominent in the countryside. Some areas are far more socially aware than others that preserve a more isolated and protected way of life. How alert and responsive to local need is your church? Remember the passing trade. Jim Cotter says that in every tourist there is a pilgrim waiting to be recognised!