What does it take to grow a healthy parish? Lots of things: firm leadership, clear vision, and a strong sense of mission for a start. But one thing that is often overlooked is the influence of outsiders with a message.
 
Ralph Winter wrote an influential article a few years ago, entitled The Two Structures of God’s [...]

Missions serve many purposes such as revitalization, vision renewal, and a challenge to discipleship. But, whatever else happens, evangelism is always a central purpose of these events. This is the story of someone who found faith in Christ through parish missions—and the witness of a friend.

This Article is from the Spring 2007 edition of good idea!, also available here in a fully formatted PDF file.

One thing a mission can provide is a new vision of ministry and how it can be carried on. An inner city mission in Edmonton sparked innovations that continue today.

A team of students from Wycliffe College spent an extended weekend [...]