That's a huge question we need to ask ourselves. As we look at our churches are they mono-culture in terms of class? Which class is it and how does that affect us as a church?
For the majority of churches in the UK the answer is that they are middle class, so questions follow from that. Is the outreach we are doing middle class in its appeal? Do we subtly teach middle classes values as if they were gospel values? Do we care about other classes and if so how is that seen?
As you read the Acts of the Apostles and the the letters written by the Apostles to those churches you can't help but be struck by how multi-class as well as multicultural they are. In Acts 2 and 4 rich landowners sell land to provide for the poor. In the second half of Acts we see Paul facilitating a collection for the churches struggling from those churches who are more wealthy. In Corinth the Lord's supper showcases the gulf in wealth between members, in James he warns the church against favouring the rich over the poor. These are churches which have drawn people from all across the social spectrum with all its potential tensions. But what these churches won't do is simply mirror societies divisions because to do so would be counter the gospel.
So how come in the UK we have largely ended up with mono-culture churches? How has this happened and what will we do about it? There are lots of potential reasons, my hunch is it will be a slightly different story for different churches. But what is not in doubt is that there is a real need to establish congregations in areas of urban need. Not in 10 years time but now, why because it is an unprecedented time of opportunity in these communities. It is these areas of urban need that are most feeling the squeeze of the benefit and service cuts and which will take the longest to recover.
Just thinking about the area in which we live and which Grace Church serves, an area with a range of social backgrounds but with a high percentage of social needs. One of the first casualties was the local children's centre, desperately needed and doing great work among needy families but now closed (or rather run at another site 2 bus journeys away!!!). Then the local youth group closed. Then the travelling library service was stopped. There are no community use buildings, no village hall, and rapidly multiplying needs. As the church in the UK now is the time of opportunity to reach out in these areas and meet needs. To provide services and establish congregations that serve these people and hold out the hope of the gospel to them as we live alongside them.
Not that we always need to start new things. Whilst in some places we may need to in many places there are small local congregations working hard but with limited budgets and personnel in those communities. What a difference it would make to them to have a wealthier church support and partner with them financially and in prayer. What a difference such a partnership in the gospel would make. What an opportunity to share ideas, challenges, prayer points, gifting, finances. Churches can't change where they are located, but they can multiply the areas in which they have an interest and an involvement by partnering with other churches.
The church cannot afford to be mono-class. If it is it is failing in its mission, something is missing in the picture of the transformation of the gospel which it provides. Partnership working is one potential way to begin to overcome that danger, challenge potential prejudices and encourage gospel growth in maturity. As well as to invest in seeing others come to faith and God's kingdom and fame spread.
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