In-tensional: A Way Forward for the Church E-BOOK

Two important Aotearoa New Zealand church leaders – Anglican Archbishop Justin Duckworth and sociologist, Baptist Senior Pastor Alan Jamieson – advocate for church renewal through encouragement of missional Edge community ministries.

They address modern challenges, combining personal anecdotes, theology, and sociology to bridge gaps between traditional and emerging faith expressions.

Join the conversation between Centre-church leaders and missional Edge-dwellers about how best to be the church today.

Duckworth and Jamieson address the crisis of hopelessness gripping the western world and offer a bold perspective: the answer lies in the life of Jesus and the revitalization of the Christian church.

This isn't just another book on church decline. Instead, they invite you into a dialogue between traditional church leaders and forward-thinking pioneers.

In-tensional isn't about theory; it's about sparking conversations that bridge the gap between established church structures and emerging expressions of faith. They delve into the dynamic tension between what's comfortable and what's prophetic, between tradition and innovation.

Drawing from real-world experiences, Justin and Alan navigate the complexities of modern church life. They address the challenges posed by cultural disruptions, mental health crises, and global emergencies like COVID-19 and climate change.

But amidst the chaos, they offer hope. They remind us that throughout history, God has met people in times of crisis, offering new invitations and opportunities for renewal. In-tensional is a call to courage, faithfulness, and unity in a time of unprecedented change.

Discover how embracing tension can lead to transformation, and how together, we can shape a brighter future for the church in the west.

About the Authors

Alan and Justin have known each other for a quarter of a century in various capacities in church leadership.

Justin was elected Archbishop Tikanga Pakeha of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia in May 2024, having served as Bishop of Wellington since 2012, during which time his passion has been for the renewing of Jesus' church; most often through the interplay of centre and edge expressions. He is the co-founder of Urban Vision, a movement of local residential intentional communities which seek to serve those at the margins of their neighbourhoods. Justin is married to Jenny, and lives in Whanganui. He is father to the marvellous Luca, Jesse and Maya.

Justin and Jenny have also co-published Against the Tide, Towards the Kingdom (Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2011).

Alan has been an Aotearoa New Zealand pastor for 30 years. He has is also sociologist who has researched faith development. He is married to Sandra and lives in Ōtautahi Christchurch close to their children and four grandchildren. He has written four prior books:

A Churchless Faith, (Philip Garside Publishing Ltd, New Zealand, 2000). Published internationally by SPCK, 2002.
  Called Again, (Philip Garside Publishing Ltd in NZ, 2004.) Retitled and published internationally as, Journeying in Faith, by SPCK, 2004.
  Five Years On, (Portland Research Trust, New Zealand 2006.)Published internationally by SPCK under the title, Church Leaving, 2006.
  Chrysalis: The hidden transformation in the journey of faith, (2008, Carlisle: Paternoster). Republished in French as Chrysalide: les Metamorphoses de la foi, 2016.