This picture was drawn of a church by my son, when he was 5. It has wheels on because the church is always moving. The squiggles at the back are the trailer to carry those who want to come to church, but cannot fit it. I like the fact he thinks churches should be growing and moving. There is lots of theological truth in his picture.

I always listen to Justin Welby with interest. I actually always listened to Rowan Williams with attentive interest too. I was surprised when listening to the Today Programme on Radio 4 (31 December 2013) that the Archbishop said (and I may paraphrase): ‘where the vicar is good, local churches grow’. He then went on to talk about the intentionality of churches growing numerically. It was a snippet in a wider conversation about restoring trust and leadership.

I agree with the Archbishop that church growth has an intentionality about it. I have had an allotment for the last couple of years (it is one of the things I will miss about leaving Bartley Green). I plant the spuds and other veggies intentionally, I even create the right environment, ensuring the correct fertiliser (ash from the fire usually) and then I wait. I have no idea about why some seed spuds grow and others seem to fail. I am intentional, but am not sure whether or not working out why something works in one instance does not work in another.

I believe that the common sense approach of conferences like Leading your Church into Growth have offered hope for hard pressed church leaders – both lay and ordained – across many traditions.

Sometimes however the intention is there, the preparation is brilliant, and nothing happens. I have tried many different ways to grow carrots, but they always fail. Likewise, some people respond to the gospel and others do not seem to.

I do try to be a good vicar.

I do try to be intentional

But growth does not happen in the way I expect; but usually does in ways that make me smile.

Then as I look round the congregation I help lead, many who have joined, although not all, have nothing whatsoever to do with me.

God gives the growth, not me.