Kingdom People

When David Bown arrived in Wythenshawe, one of the largest housing estates in Europe, in the conurbation of Manchester, he found five Methodist churches struggling for survival. It would have been easy to close and concentrate the membership in one place, as a rational wayof ‘managing decline’. But David wanted none of that. He set about working to devise a strate-gy for the future which built on the vibrancy and creativity of the local people. He went on to devise a myriad of tactical responses, based on the needs and opportunities he found.

The resulting 36 regeneration projects, which ranged from street dance to dog training, and from rummage sales to car washing, connected the people, activities and organisations in the communities around the 5 churches, creating a pathway to the Kingdom of God for ordinary working class people.

“Here's a book that takes us into the heart of a lived experience, a social setting, most of us will never penetrate. And it does this through the prism of the Christian gospel. It embracesthe fields of sociology, history, culture and theology. A truly wonderful achievement.”

Lord Leslie Griffiths

“A heart-warming Kingdom of God story of how five (traditional/Methodist) churches in working-class Manchester found new partners and friends and a new future.”

Rev. Dr. Neil Richardson, former Principal of Wesley College Bristol and President of the Methodist Conference 2004.

“This exciting book brings together striking and varied community stories and projects, along-side insightful discoveries on the life and ministry of Jesus, especially in his parables. Take itand go and do likewise!”

Rev. Dr. John Vincent, former Director of Sheffield Urban Theology Unit and founder of Ashram Community Trust.

“Kingdom People is a searching, honest and incisive account depicting the challenges facingany traditional mainstream church with a real desire to relate to the inner-city and the work-ing class. It’s a tough journey requiring those involved to ‘let go and let God’! A compelling read. ”

Rev John Stacy-Marks MBE, retired Director and founder of the Amelia Trust Farm and former Community Chaplain at HMP YOI Ashfield.