Overview

Too often people’s understanding of and engagement with ‘church’ is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more. George Lings identifies seven characteristic elements in Christian communities through the ages, which when held in balance enable a richer expression of discipleship, mission and community. In the monastic tradition these elements have distinctive locations: cell (being alone with God), chapel (corporate public worship), chapter (making decisions), cloister (planned and surprising meetings), garden (the place of work), refectory (food and hospitality) and scriptorium (study and passing on knowledge). Through this lens George Lings explores how these seven elements relate to our individual and communal walk with God, hold good for church and family life, and appear in wider society.

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9780857469342

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Reviews

'George Lings is as perceptive and prophetic as ever, as he explores what the ancient idea of the seven sacred spaces means for us today. Whether you are thinking about your own life or your church community, this book is worth reading. There is a wealth of practical experience in this book which can bring change and transformation for you and your church.' Revd Dave Male, director of evangelism and discipleship for the Church of England 'In this extremely helpful book, George Lings explores how sacred spaces and intentional forms of Christian community can be re-harmonised with the needs of the contemporary world. His use of the seven spaces is a useful way to explore the significance, possibilities and opportunities under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reimagine how the church can be contextualised and buildings brought back to life.' Ian Mobsby, assistant dean for fresh expressions in the Diocese of Southwark 'This book is knowledgeable, quirky and inspirational. As someone who has long inhabited the seven sacred spaces in his own discipleship, George Lings enthuses about their potential, illustrating it from the experience of a variety of contemporary expressions of church.' Sally Gaze, archdeacon for rural mission and leader of the Lightwave Community, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich 'Seven Sacred Spaces provides a valuable, timely and practical resource for all on the Jesus Way.' Steve Aisthorpe, author of The Invisible Church 'Seven Sacred Spaces distils the wisdom of decades of looking, listening and reflecting. Read it if you want to be a deep-rooted Christian today. I recommend it very, very highly.' Rt Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool 'Here we are presented with the challenging proposal that the rhythm of monastic life with its seven sacred spaces does not need to be confined to the monastery. Rather it can shape and enrich the lives of men and women of all ages and in all states of life.' Sister Frances Dominica OBE, DL, founder of Helen House 'Drawing on scripture, tradition, attention to conditions and tastes, George adds together these seven ingredients of sacred space and reduces them down with time, wisdom and care into a way of living that makes possible what many of us truly long for - an authentic Jesus-shaped life. I love the book - it's gold.' Chris Russell, the Archbishop of Canterbury's adviser on evangelism and witness 'Anyone reading this will be inspired and challenged by George's fascinating study of each of these sacred spaces.' Canon Michael Mitton, writer, speaker and spiritual director 'I highly recommend Seven Sacred Spaces to those who are interested in finding out more about monasticism and those imagining how church can develop alongside and beyond the Sunday service.' Revd Dr Beth Keith, associate vicar of All Saints Ecclesall Sheffield 'Through personal reflections and informed observations, George Lings gives some timely insights at a moment of global change.' Revd Ed Olsworth-Peter, national adviser for pioneer development for the Church of England 'As we discern together fruitful ways forward in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the church urgently needs fresh reflection on the different ways in which we are the body of Christ. George Lings offers this in abundance in Seven Sacred Spaces. Every local church community will find here rich inspiration and strong practical support.' Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford

Author Information

Canon Dr George Lings has been a banker, student, vicar, writer, mentor and researcher. From 1997 to 2017 he led Church Army’s Research Unit specialising in fresh expressions of church and gaining a PhD. In 2017 he was awarded the Canterbury Cross for outstanding service to the Church of England. He now serves as a companion of Northumbria Community, vice-president of The Bible Reading Fellowship and consultant to a number of individuals and dioceses.

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