We live in a time when different parts of the Christian Church seem to have quite radically different views about what the purpose of the Church is. Many local congregations are feeling burdened and tired as they try to fulfil a whole range of different purposes, and to fit in with some strategic idea about what the church should be and do. Too often, the goals of church congregations are enmeshed with cultural perceptions of value, such as success, size, power, and personal happiness.