Imagine was launched in 2003 with the publication of Imagine: how we can reach the UK. This short article argued for the recovery of whole-life disciplemaking as key to sharing the gospel in today's world.

Some 7.5% of people go to church once a month or more. One person in thirteen. A figure that's in decline. In our radically changed and rapidly changing post-Christian society many people are bewildered. But too many Christians increasingly see themselves like this, marginalised, in a corner, up against the ropes.

Yet the moment you stop asking, 'How can we reach the UK?' and start asking the question, 'Who will reach the UK?' the whole picture begins to change. 4.5 million people suddenly represents an enormous resource. The reality is that the people of God are in the world - day after day. In schools and workplaces. Involved in politics and the arts. Relating to scores of people every week.

Yet vast numbers of Christians have not been helped to see that who they are and what they do everyday wherever they are, wherever they have influence, is significant to God. Significant because they might model Christ in the world. Significant also because they might bring the wisdom of Christ to bear on the way things are done in our world. And significant because they might themselves encounter Christ in fresh ways in the very comings and goings of daily life.

Can the church envision and release people to live wise and well in this rapidly changing post-Christian society? To bear witness to the difference Jesus makes? To the hope that we have in Christ for the world? For today, tomorrow ... and on into eternity? This is the challenge of whole-life missionary discipleship. It's the challenge to each one of us. And it's a challenge to the church.

Imagine is the stream within LICC's work which focuses on churches and in particular on the needs of leaders who share a vision for whole-life discipleship. Imagine seeks to awaken churches to their vocation to be whole-life missionary disciplemaking communities and then help resource and support them through what can be a profound culture shift - even if we approach this gradually through a series of one degree shifts!

For we face formidable forces. And discipleship courses on their own are unlikely to effect the changes that are needed to release and equip Christians for fullness of life in Christ in the world. This is a challenge to the core culture of the church, a culture that has been beset by a sacred-secular divide.

Through the work of the Imagine Project we are developing a range of ways in which we're working to catalyze and resource a movement that enables churches grasp their calling to be whole-life missionary disciplemaking communities. We work face-to-face with leaders and churches in a variety of settings from large gatherings to small consultations and training workshops. And we're developing a growing range of resources to support them.

But Imagine is also a research project in its own right. Through a pilot church project set up in partnership with a number of local churches we're learning what it takes to change a church culture in real-life messy church! Our approaches and resources are heavily influenced by what we've continuing to learn with our partners on the ground.

We value the growing partnerships and associations we have with denominations, churches and other organizations around the UK. Our hope is that Imagine might serve the work of God through these different streams with whom we have common cause.

Go further

To start to get to grips with Imagine you might watch the Imagine DVD or read the two foundational magazines, 'Imagine how we can reach the UK' and 'Let My People Grow'.

More detail on the project is available in the pdf download 'Imagine Unpacked'.