There’s no doubt that the Holy Trinity Brompton network of churches has vitalised a dormant sector of the Church of England. Youth, energy and innovation are not all that common in the present-day C of E but they are qualities in evidence in every parish where a new-style church has been planted (to use the accepted language in this connection). Those concerned have given time, money and effort to a cause. It cannot but evoke measured approval from the serried but elderly ranks of worshippers throughout England and beyond.
This Herculean effort to alter the nature of the parochial structure of the Church of England, almost indeed to set up a new corporate structure alongside the existing one, has proved so commanding, so efficient in harnessing an indifferent generation to the advance of the Gospel that it may seem no better than cavilling to point to shortcomings. But shortcomings there are.
This enterprise in one diocese after another, with churches of all complexions setting up Alpha courses and drawing in newcomers, has within it the possibility of maximising its impact beyond anything seen so far. What cries out for attention is the restricted nature of the constituency and its leadership. It is in fact overwhelmingly white.
It has to be said that even with this qualification the HTB formula is very good at what it sets out to do. There is no other movement that has achieved so much. It is within its grasp to achieve much more. It requires the network leadership to make a change. There is no need for anything abrupt. Habits and attitudes are never transformed overnight. But the widespread approval that HTB and its satellites enjoy will be that much more significant when it moves towards a BAME-friendly aspect in its interpretation of the Gospel.
It’s easy to keep an eye on developments. Look at the team pictures of church plants on the HTB network. Watch out for changes.
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