Apostolic Networks in Britain

Apostolic networks link congregations together through personal relationships. They center around apostolic figures who have the ability to mobilize resources, make rapid decisions, and utilize charismatic gifts. Networks of churches organized in this way can respond to postmodernity and cultural innovation. This book takes the story of the emergence of apostolic networks in Britain from the visionary work of Arthur Wallis through the charismatic renewal into the full-fledged Restoration Movement of the 1980s. It covers the events of the 1990s, including the Toronto Blessing, and contains fresh information based upon interviews with leading players and new survey data as well as reanalysis of historical documents. ""This is the real McCoy--Kay comprehensively covers the new church networks in a way no one has done before."" --Andrew Walker, King's College, London, and author of Restoring the Kingdom ""The contemporary guide to a crucial area of religious enterprise at a time of overall religious decline."" --David Martin, The Australian National University ""Kay's thorough survey of apostolic networks--surely one of the most significant developments of church life in the UK in the last thirty years--is full of insight and provocative questions for those inside and outside these networks. A very stimulating contribution indeed "" --Steve Thomas, European Apostolic Team, Salt & Light Ministries ""An objective book documenting the reshaping of church life in the UK over the last thirty-five years. It is thoroughly researched, sensitively written, and comments positively on future possibilities for movement forward."" --Stuart Bell, Ground Level Network William K. Kay is the first director of the Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies at the University of Wales, Bangor, and is an editor of The Journal of the European Pentecostal Theological Association. He has published extensively in the field of practical theology.