Time to Listen is a series of booklets that present current research messages for the Church today in an accessible way. It is intended to help ordinary churches understand the changes in the world around them.

In Community Value Lynda Barley explores the fragmentation of community life in Britain and finds that people are searching for community links, which churches are in an ideal position to provide. Her research indicates that churches, far from being forgotten, are valued for the key role they play in community life.

Combining analysis with real-life stories, she encourages the Church at a local and national level to make the most of the ‘community value’ they bring to their areas. She encourages creative and sustained engagement that will bring churches back to the heart of their localities.

The Revd Lynda Barley is Head of Research and Statistics for the Church of England. An ex-Bank of England statistician and independent market and social researcher, she also teaches statistics for the Open University and at King’s College, London and has ten years’ experience of parish ministry in south London and Devon.