The Blessed Mary - Queen of Shops - visits the CofE

Like the 120 Bus - you wait a week and then two or even four come along at the same time - so another blog within the same week.

I heard this week that some Local Authorities are seriously exploring the idea of sharing key senior staff members with each other. Who needs their own CEO at vast expense when you can share one with the neighbouring authority? The other thing that resonated was the TV programme 'Mary - Queen of Shops'.This week saw this fiesty business lady dealing with a hippie type bric and brac shop in Kingston. She got a result. Life and business has been transformed for the couple who own and run it. There were some tough moments and tough decisions to make - not least managing the exit of their erstwhile son who kept insisting on wearing his dressing gown in front of customers! Hard choices and tough decisions. They listened and moved on - sadly the son didn't! Result - obvious growth, a happy fulfilled couple plus contented customers. 

Where am  I going with this? For the Church of England if it is serious about mission and growth in a Post Christian world and tap into the desire of many Christ Foloowers in congregations scarce resources will have to be more effectively used and focused. The idea of Dioceses sharing senior teams and resources has been knocking about for years but those in 'power' seem to resist it like mad. It was like the General Synod having to vote for fewer members - it did but to be honest it was a turkey voting for Christmas scenario and is still too big and unwieldy. We don't have the money to pay for cumbersome, out of date systems of leadership, management, governance and administration. Wise up Cof E - with our Gospel values and faith we should lead the way in this. If we want it, if we listen - it will happen. Maybe a visit from the Blessed Mary - Queen of Shops to all our Diocesan offices and Bishop's Staff meetings.