“Views from the Pews” is an initiative of Greater West for Christ (GWFC); a multi-denominational church movement based in Sydney’s western suburbs. GWFC is committed to suburban transformation by supporting local churches through the provision of discipleship resources, chaplaincy training and finance, pastoral support and its pastoral care network. GWFC funding is generated by its child care, fin
ance, landscape, funeral and other businesses (see www.gwfc.com.au)
During COVID in 2020 GWFC articulated its concern about the general status of the Christian church in Australia by asking church leaders five key questions:
• Is the church broken or in trouble?
• Why do we do what we do?
• What stops us from changing?
• What is the new church paradigm?
• What would the result be if church leaders asked these questions? Some video responses to these questions can be viewed at www.newchurchparadigm.org
GWFC also acknowledges that there are large numbers of Christians who no longer attend their local churches, particularly following the COVID disruptions. In an effort to gain a post-COVID impression of the spiritual and church-related status of both ‘churched’ and ‘unchurched’ Christians, the “views from the pews” Survey was introduced. Survey participants remain anonymous in the expectation that the information provided by voluntary responses will reflect their frank, heartfelt opinions. We encourage all Christians, no matter where located, to complete the anonymous Survey at www.viewsfromthepews.org
The collated results of the “views from the pews” Survey will be published on this page in due course. Membership and participation in this page is open to all those interested in seeking God’s solutions to today’s social and spiritual challenges, providing contributions are always expressed in a Christ-like manner. Queries or comments may be emailed to [email protected]
