The document discusses the decline of traditional Christian churches in the UK and outlines some key social changes in the 20th century that impacted religion. It then describes the "postmodern psyche" as experiential, participatory, image-driven, and connected. Finally, it provides a broad definition of "emerging church" as church shaped by its local context rather than traditional models, aiming to meet people in their own style and terms.

1. Emerging Churches in the 21 st century

3. If the current rate of decline is not arrested the Methodist Church will have zero membership by 2037. Philip Richter & Leslie Francis: Gone but not Forgotten (London: DLT, 1998) If it continues to shrink at the present rate, the Church of Scotland will close its last congregation in 2033. Callum Brown: The Death of Christian Britain (London: Routledge, 2001) Unless something happens to reverse the decline it is experiencing, the Church in Wales will be unsustainable by 2020 Heather Wraight: ‘Strategic Thinking from a Christian Perspective’ (London: Christian Research Association, 2002) Melt down :