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Mission Theological Advisory Group (MTAG)

The Mission Theology Advisory Group is a partnership between the Church of England's Mission and Public Affairs Division and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). MTAG's membership reflects its ecumenical nature and brings together people from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England.

MTAG offers advice to the churches on matters affecting the mission of the whole Church. Its particular interest is in the relationship between the gospel we are called to proclaim and the western culture where we proclaim it. MTAG publications and resources are relevant to anyone interested in Christian mission and gospel and culture issues.

MTAG creates links with other groups and agencies involved in mission theology and mission practice, especially in the areas of Gospel in relation to culture. Our current project looks at mission in relation to social justice. Get in touch if you would like to know more.

The point of contact for MTAG is:

Dr Anne Richards
National Adviser: mission theology, alternative spiritualities and new religious movements
Mission and Public Affairs Division
Archbishops' Council of the Church of England
Church House
Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3AZ
anne.richards@c-of-e.org.uk

Sense Making Faith, Body, Spirit Journey (SCM-Canterbury Press 2008)

This book helps the reader explore their own spiritual journey through the five senses and the human imagination. Beautifully illustrated in full colour on every page, Sense Making Faith encourages readers to appreciate the depth, wealth and hidden treasures of the Christian tradition, not only to enrich individual spiritual growth but to stimulate faith-sharing and exploration. There is also a comprehensive section for groups with full suggestions for group leaders available to photocopy and distribute.

Sense Making Faith was the basis for 2009’s CTBI Lent course in conjunction with BBC Radio 4 and Local Radio.

Sense Making Faith was also produced together with an accompanying website www.spiritualjourneys.org.uk

Visit the site for new spiritual journey explorations, news about events in exploring spirituality, things for groups to do, sermon resources, books, films, poems, prayers and a wealth of other possibilities and ideas. All 2009’s Lent resources for download are also available.

Unreconciled?

MTAG has done important work on issues which remain unreconciled in people’s lives even when there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong. Email anne.richards@c-of-e.org.uk if you would like to know more about our current work in this area, including a game to help people explore issues of conflict and reconciliation, designed by young people.

Other resources from MTAG include

The Search for Faith and the Witness of the Church (Church House Publishing 1996)

This book looks at five areas of modern life: belonging, implicit religion, contemporary spirituality, science and faith, and the history of ideas, and asks whether people find it harder today to commit to Christian faith and whether our mission really addresses modern concerns.

The Toronto Blessing, an exploration of the issues(out of print)

What are we to make of the phenomenon of the Toronto Blessing? Was it a gift from God, a work of the Devil or just people getting hysterical? For more information contact info@mission.c-of-e.org.uk.

Presence and Prophecy: a heart for mission in theological education (Church House Publishing 2002)

This report looks at the challenges modern western culture presents to mission and at the styles of teaching and learning most appropriate to equipping people for effective mission. What does it mean to look at theological education subjects through a mission lens, - and what does effective theological education offer back as challenge to the way we understand mission?

Presence and Prophecy, Study Guide by Simon Barrow (Church House Publishing 2002)

Transparencies, pictures of mission through prayer and reflection (Church House Publishing 2002)

Through prayer, poems, theological reflections and group activities, Transparenciesengages with such contemporary themes as the Harry Potter books, Sister Wendy, the Muppets and the Bluewater Shopping Centre.