Word from one of our ministers
Dear Friends,
“Buildings, Mission and Our Shared Future”
This is an amended version of the letter published in Outlook this month. Since writing the original before going on holiday, I have been in conversation with the minister of the URC church about the possibility of strengthening the relationship between our congregations, including exploring whether coming together on their church site might be part of our future. At that stage, I had not yet heard back from Anne; however, following their leadership team meeting last week, I feel it is important to share the outcome of that conversation. Please read on…
As we begin another Methodist year, I want us to thank God for all that has brought us to this point, and to look ahead with hope. Our conversations about buildings, which seem to have dominated our horizon for most of my first year at Cornerstone, are not just about bricks, roofs and costs. They are really about mission: how Cornerstone can best serve God, one another and the wider community in the years to come.
The ACM discussion starter helped us name some of the real issues before us. Our buildings are loved and full of memories, but they also bring responsibilities: maintenance, accessibility, energy use, compliance, staffing and volunteer capacity in addition to all those “other” office holders that are needed to be church. To sustain all of this we need places that are welcoming, safe, sustainable and fit for mission, while being honest about the resources we have.
Responses following the ACM discussion suggest that many favour becoming one congregation worshipping at St Andrew’s, while others feel strongly that maintaining a worshipping presence in the town centre is essential. What is encouraging is the shared desire to be one worshipping congregation, wherever that may be. This points to a longing to come together more fully as one church family, sharing worship, fellowship, leadership and purpose.
The desire to maintain a town-centre presence is about more than where we worship; it also reflects a deep concern for mission. Cornerstone is called not only to gather as a church family, but also to remain visible, accessible and available to the people of Horsham. We will need to give careful time and prayerful thought to what that means as we move forward. That presence may not need to remain on the current London Road site, but the hope behind it matters and should continue to shape our discussions and our discernment.
With this in mind and following a suggestion that emerged in the responses after the ACM, I approached the Rev Anne Lewitt, minister of the URC church in town, to ask whether there might be scope to explore a closer relationship between our two churches. Although this remains at an early and undefined stage, I have heard from Anne following their leadership team meeting, and they are very willing to begin a conversation. I believe this is good news for both churches, and I am encouraged to see where these conversations may lead. The next step will be a ministerial conversation, followed by discussion between both leadership meetings.
Still others have suggested keeping the Wesley Hall site, selling the church building and the land it is on, and using the money to redevelop the hall to accommodate community use at London Road. That is a creative idea, but it raises big questions. Would this sort of sale be feasible and attractive to a buyer? Would it raise enough to do the work needed and provide secure income for the future? Or would it leave us with another building to maintain at a time when people, money and energy are already stretched?
So, the question is not whether we value our buildings. Of course we do. The deeper question is whether Cornerstone needs three buildings to fulfil its calling, or whether a simpler pattern might release more energy, prayer, people and money for mission.
Scripture reminds us that God’s people are “living stones” being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Buildings can help that calling, but they are not the Church itself. Jesus also speaks of new wine needing fresh wineskins (Luke 5:37–38), which invites us to ask whether the structures we have inherited are still the best ones for the life of the Spirit among us now.
Whilst I fear this is being seen in a negative way, I trust that it can be seen as a hopeful moment, as together we have confidence in the future God has in store for us. Instead of asking only, “What might we lose?” we can ask, “What might God be freeing us to become?” A united single congregation at St Andrew’s or elsewhere, could strengthen worship, care and discipleship. A fresh approach to town-centre mission, if appropriate, could keep us present with those who need welcome, prayer, friendship and practical support.
We must also affirm Partridge Green Church and its continuing life and mission. Its local witness is an important part of the Cornerstone story. As we look ahead, the whole of Cornerstone should recognise and value Partridge Green’s shared identity within our church family, while also honouring its ecumenical partnership with St Michael’s Parish Church.
As Methodists, we discern these things together. We will need good financial advice, clear property information, generous listening and prayer. We will need to honour the past without being held back by it and look to the future without fear.
Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). That is a good word for us at the start of this new Methodist year. We are not being asked to solve everything in our own strength. We are being invited to plant wisely, water faithfully, and trust God for the growth that is to come.
So let us continue with hope: asking honest questions, listening well, and trusting that God’s future for Cornerstone is full of possibility. May our buildings, worship, work and mission, whatever shape they take, wherever they are based, serve the mission of Christ; and may we, as his people, be ready to serve with joy.
With love and prayers for our next year of life and witness together.
Rev Tony