How We Can Make the Most of the New Missional Moment
‘With an emphasis on covenant community, congregational discernment and prayerful dependence on Christ, it offers both inspiration and practical guidance for mission-minded churches today.’
Rev Canon Andy Glover, team leader of Fresh Streams
When Rev Manoj Raithatha was awoken in the early hours with the word ‘revive’ clearly ringing in his mind, he knew the Lord was speaking to him. What he could not have imagined was that this signalled a significant missional step for his church, and one that would save another for the kingdom.
Watch Manoj Introduce When Churches Merge
When Churches Merge is the story of how Pinner Baptist Church merged with Hatch End Baptist Church to become one fellowship across two distinct sites. This was not a church plant or a church graft, but something new. Putting covenantal theology and relational unity at its heart, it released the smaller, struggling congregation – one that was in danger of closing – into new vision and ministry. It also opened the door for a spirit of generosity to flow in Manoj’s fellowship, as they honoured the ‘smaller’ church and were blessed by it.
We will all have heard reports about what many are calling the Quiet Revival, and may have seen its fruit in our own churches. But we will also be very aware of the leadership failures that the Church has experienced across denominations in recent years. A heartfelt message at the core of When Churches Merge is about the significance of prioritising healthy relationships in and between congregations as we look to respond to what God is doing. Loving one another well was essential to the success of the church merger project Manoj oversaw, and it will be essential if we are all to experience enduring fruit in the current missional moment.
‘Whilst the title of the book may make it appear somewhat niche,’ comments Manoj, ‘the heart of When Churches Merge is around church health – both within and between congregations. We need to help ‘successful’ churches foster a healthy culture from where they can catch God’s vision for their context, and see how they could appropriately partner with and learn from ‘struggling’ congregations in their areas. So the book talks about laying healthy foundations by focusing on unity, building authentic community, establishing a strong prayer culture, and learning what it means to serve in covenantal relationships.
‘In every denomination, there are so many churches that are struggling to survive. They often have buildings that were erected with sacrificial giving and prayer, are peopled by small but faithful groups of believers, and have many years of community trust behind them – when they can be saved, their members can be released into renewed ministry, and their missional footprints reclaimed.’
When Churches Merge is not a call to other churches to follow a new growth model. Rather it is a timely and inspiring challenge to ‘revive’, to see how our churches can connect with others for the Kingdom, and how we must put God-centred relationships at the heart of this missional moment.
‘Helpfully guides us through steps which have wide-reaching applications for church life, including prayerfully and carefully seeking God’s guidance, navigating change, working with others, team-building and discerning God’s will together.’
Rev Ken Benjamin, Director of Church Relationships, The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity
When Churches Merge by Manoj Raithatha (ISBN:9781912726974) is published by Instant Apostle and is available on 21st November 2025 from bookshops and online retailers. Mission and Leadership, paperback, 144pp, £9.99.