The way into our future, writes Bishop Lawson, is not clear. The congregation of the future will see itself as a missionary congregation in mission territory, wherever in the world it is located. Such a congregation must be solid in faith, open to innovation, and responsive to the changing needs of the world. Bishop Lawson calls for a church that "incarnates compassion, peacemaking, and healing, where that deep but vague hunger [for a church] wil find a banquet table".

Restless and hungry.

Elusive tomorrow: a change completed.

Hungering demands response: the forming of our spirit.

Stark world: spiritual pollutants.

Something seems to draw you: congregations electric with God`s spirit.

Connections that help: hands and hearts in mutual support.

Global church: compassion, peacemaking, and healing.

Coming city of God`s shalom: whispers of hope.