''I'd rather be in the mountains thinking about God, than in church thinking about the mountains', wrote John Muir.Many people can describe transcendent moments in nature where they feel deeply connected to something bigger than themselves and Forest Church is a way to explore that connection within community; a new way of being church.
Forest Church is a fresh expression of church drawing on much older traditions when sacred places and practices were outside - but it is also drawing on contemporary research that highlights the benefits of spending time with nature in wild places.
Forest Church isn't just normal church happening outside, instead it attempts to participate with creation. And it isn't just a fellowship group doing an outside activity, we aim to learn, worship, meditate, pray and practice with the trees, at the spring, along the shore. Throughout the ages people have walked this path within the Christ tradition and have found a meaningful expression of their spirituality, finding inspiration and structure through the rhythms of the seasons, the characteristics of plants and animals and the sacredness of place - along with the wisdom of the scriptures and the pattern of prayers.
This book will be a resource to anyone exploring facilitating Forest Church whether as a self-contained group, a retreat, a group holiday or as an occasional event attached to an existing church. In many ways it will also inspire any individual wanting to explore their own sacred nature connection.
Bruce Stanley's easy to read, inspiring, practical book is written with his skills as a life coach and a naturalist to the fore. He takes spirituality beyond its traditional confines of building and doctrine to a new kind of church that is earthed in experience of the outside world and the One who made it. His refreshing, inclusive and enthusiastic approach is timely and will speak to today's hunger for a church that can reach wider and touch deeper simply by starting with the ground we stand on.
Tess Ward, Chaplain and author ofThe Celtic Wheel of the Year.
I loved the idea of Forest Church from the very first moment I heard about it. The natural world is a place where many people sense awe and wonder and it's a neutral space. Why haven't we been doing a lot more of this?! It's simple, low cost, creative, fun, easy to reproduce, and connects instinctively with many people's sense of spirituality. In terms of mission this is simply a wonderful way of connecting and journeying with people. The book itself is a lovely blend of explanation, theory and practical nous. It encourages local creativity but gives plenty of ideas (a whole year's worth actually!) to get a Forest Church underway. I hope this helps kick start a whole load more Forest Churches.
Jonny Baker, Course Leader CMS Pioneer Mission Leadership Team and author of Curating Worship.
Bruce Stanley takes us on a highly readable journey out into nature to discover a new form of Church. Not only does the book remind us of nature's ability to speak powerfully about God, it also serves as an effective reminder of the urgent need to bring spiritual depth to the task of caring for the earth. I've been lucky enough to attend Bruce's Forest Church in Mid Wales where we found meaning in some of the simplest things we experience on a daily basis and yet seldom take time to ponder. Sharing this encounter with others was enriching and refreshing. I am privileged to support this venture.
Rt Rev Andrew John, Bishop of Bangor.
