‘A liberating piece of work.’
Richard Chartres, Bishop of London

‘Bob Jackson’s The Road to Growth confronts us with some truths about ourselves. Sometimes uncomfortable, always provocative, and ultimately helpful, this is a book that helps us imagine a new future. As they say, there are truths, home truths and statistics.’
Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading

‘Once again Bob Jackson has produced some radical thinking which leaders of every part of the Church of England need to consider as they make their plans. This is not always an easy read for people who have been the policy makers, but it is certainly an essential read.’
Canon Dr Christina Baxter, Principal, St John's College Nottingham

Based on his consultancy experience with churches and dioceses over the last three years and further research on the causes of church growth, Bob Jackson’s new book shows how the Church at parish, diocesan and national level can overturn its old cycle of decline and begin a new cycle of growth.

At its heart this book is about how local churches can thrive and grow in the early twenty-first century.

Part 1 outlines the current context, offering a sharp analysis behind the reasons for church growth and decline.

Part 2 describes churches which are already experiencing growth both in numerical and ministry strength. It looks at lessons learnt and what is at the heart of a resurgent, thriving Church.

Parts 3 and 4 set out workable strategies and unpacks ways in which human and financial resources can be deployed to support and sustain the growth of the local church.

This is not about glib, short-term solutions promising quick results. The goal of this book is to help transform fragile signs of hope for the Church into a solid road to growth.

For a condensed 'digest' of The Road to Growth by the diocesan missioner from the Diocese of Chichester, John Twisleton, please click on the Downloads link at the bottom of this information.

Bob Jackson is an experienced parish minister, trained economist and was a member of Springboard, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s initiative to encourage, renew and mobilize the Church for evangelism. His previous book Hope for the Church (Church House Publishing, 2002) received widespread, positive reaction. He is currently the Archdeacon of Walsall and the Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield.

The Explorations series aims to provide a much-needed forum for church leaders, teachers, writers and theologians to stimulate debate, challenge the thinking and practice of the Church at large, and to raise awareness of issues crucial to its future.

A sample chapter from The Road to Growth is available to download. Please click on the Downloads link below to view this.