Our church is a small urban church in a context of extreme deprivation. It is in a mixed benefice with one other church of a more liberal persuasion. Although the core congregation is small in number, most have a firmly evangelical background and there is a general recognition that the future of gospel-based ministry here is by no means secure.
We are committed to staying in the Church of England and paying the Common Fund, since we are aware that we are massively subsidised by the diocese; however once the proposal to pay via the Ephesian Fund was presented and explained to the PCC, no-one voted against.
For us, subscription to the CEEC declaration of faith and use of the Ephesian Fund marks our identity, and although we are in a vulnerable position with few resources, sends out a message that we do not wish the gospel message to be diluted. So far the Diocese of Exeter has been happy for us to pay in this way, although I am very aware other churches with greater financial resources have had a very different response.
I would encourage any other small, struggling church to step out in faith and adopt the fund since when or if differentiation takes place it is precisely these kinds of churches that will need the most support and encouragement.
