RIGHT at the beginning of this thoughtful and challenging book, Kenneth Padley says that a community that identifies itself as “kuriakos” (of the Lord) will “value its place of meeting . . . as an attempt to articulate the things of eternity”. I was immediately reminded of a visit I made many years ago to a very beautiful church next to the great stately home of the Xxx family (I will spare their blushes). It was extremely well kept, but there was no sign of its actually being used for worship (or anything else for that matter). In the visitors book, someone had written: “To the glory of the Xxxs and in loving memory of God.”
Thousands of people who never attend churches vist them, none the less, and their churchyards. What people encounter and how we can use these places better to proclaim the Christian message is, therefore, a huge missiological opportunity. Canon Padley roots all his ideas in a profound theology of Church and Kingdom. His personal experience in both small churches and a great cathedral roots them in the realities that every church community of any size faces. Here is wisdom about how churches can do small things to further their purpose, as well as an incentive to address the larger issues, such as carbon consumption, through means of more efficient heating, solar panels, and heat pumps.
What is true of churches is also true of churchyards and church halls. All three can sometimes seem like a burden on PCCs, which can easily find themselves saying that they are not in the business of conserving the heritage of the past, but of helping people to find faith. This book shows that, with imagination, the two are very closely linked. How we care for and use our properties has the potential for opening not just the door of the church, but the door of faith. That theory is shown in practice in the many examples that readers will find throughout the book.
This book is essential reading for every cleric about to become an incumbent and for every new churchwarden. They will not find it a finger-wagging treatise about what they ought to do, but a compendium written with considerable knowledge, great realism about problems, and an attractive dry humour. Whether with regard to large projects or the smallest improvements, there are a host of ideas here to ponder. The wealth of website links and the bibliography point to yet more sources of encouragement and support. What is more, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read, which will, I hope, inspire many instinctively cautious people to think: “We could do something like that.”
The Revd Andrew Body is a retired priest in the diocese of Ely.
Kingdom Buildings: Your church and churchyard as assets for mission
Kenneth Padley
Canterbury Press £20
(978-1-78622-623-5)
Church Times Bookshop £16
