Charles Fensham asserts, “The glory of God is the well being of humankind.” These are words of faith and hope to a people of God who are today experiencing the turmoil of our church in 21st Century Canada, and found in his recent publication, “Emerging from the Dark Age Ahead: The Future of the North American Church”. Charles is the Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Knox College, in the University of Toronto. He has a special interest in empowering the mission of the Church in contemporary society and culture. Charles is an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Ancaster.

St. James’ in Orillia had the privilege of hosting a workshop with The Rev. Dr. Charles Fensham on April 25th, based on this book and the interest it generated for a small discussion group in this congregation. What emerged was a day of reflection and discussion on the contemporary church- its current experience and its future in the world. The day was well attended, with some 35 people both locally and from as far away as Midland, Penetanguishene and Bracebridge. The day consisted of two lectures, each followed by small group discussions which were guided by specific questions. Each group had a leader who reported back to the group as a whole which greatly enriched all the discussions. Finally at the end of the day time was devoted to follow-up discussions with Charles for anyone who was interested.

The title of his book is based on writings of the late author Jane Jacobs who stated that we are at risk of losing wisdom given the great changes we have experienced and that we continue to experience in our society and culture. He contends that since the 1960’s we have seen an increase in the volume and speed of change in society, and in the midst of this find the way we process things is also shifting. We are experiencing a time of vulnerability for the church, comparable to that of the church and society in medieval times. Indeed, those changes of technology that seem to motivate and move society in general have become part of who we are and how we operate as church, and we have lost sight of the mission into which we are called as the People of God. Our downfall he asserts is in our dependence upon technology, while our competence and excellence in it determines that which we pursue and measure for success. It is essential for us to differentiate and reclaim the place of technology as a tool toward the pursuit of the church’s mission to make disciples and engage in relationships that reflect the divine love of God as revealed in Father Son and Holy Spirit.

Within the five groups there was lively discussion which in the first session focused on our present experience in our churches connected to the challenge of technology and the way we measure success, marketing management and viewing our place both in the world and within our communities. That we tend to measure our success by such things as numbers of people/communicants, the financial yardstick, or the success of a liturgical show rather than a community building venture is an indication of how we have become lost in the midst of a culture that is driven by technology. Doing these things well has become the goal which has masked the true mission of the church.

The second session helped us reflect on the themes of hospitality, welcoming the stranger and building community through human relationships. “If the image of God is reflected in human community, what implication this might have for the church” was one of the questions posed.

This day was particularly rewarding because of the discussion it generated. Charles was an engaging speaker who challenged what we consider success in the church, and how we measure it. He contends that it is our relationships with humankind in which we work towards the well being of others, and encourage their relationship with God that God is glorified, and the mission of the church is realized.









The Reverend Carol Hardie