RUN to close after 15 years
Following a recent Executive Team meeting RUN has made the decision to close its operations at the end of 2009.
The move came after the Network undertook an intensive strategic review of all its activities during the autumn period. This included an in-depth external consultancy, a survey of all the present and past members, a range of focus group meetings around the country and discussions with principle national Christian leaders.
Director Rev Chris Stoddard, who is also one of the founding members, said:
"When RUN began 15 years ago, the vision to inspire, resource and network churches and their leaders to reach unchurched people regardless of denomination or affiliation was unique. The rapid growth of membership we experienced reflected people’s identification with those values.
"Since 1994 we have kept at the forefront of missional thinking, seeking to identify and model best practice while aiming to remain accessible to all. Over 2000 churches from the UK and other parts of the world have been a part of the network with many more attending conferences; these events have continued to be extremely well supported and appreciated.
"However, we have become increasingly aware that a number of excellent organisations have arisen over recent years that between them cover many of our areas of ministry. We also recognise that the world has changed, and that people now access resources and support from a wide diversity of providers.
"These things, along with the ever present pressure of the limitation of our resources and the financial challenges that all organisations are facing at this time, has made us carefully examine what God is saying to us, and to clearly conclude that this is the right course of action to take."
Rev Roger Sutton, co-founder and Chair of RUN, comments:
"RUN was called of God to raise a flag on a hill calling the Church to prioritise reaching the unchurched in its ministry. Many brave and imaginative people gathered around that flag over the last 15 years. Our task is now at an end but the greater work goes on.
"There are many more flags to raise on the hills around this land, calling the Church to love the poor, to incarnate itself in culture, to nurture God's creation, and to create fresh expressions of Church. RUN has ended but the movement behind it now spreads out to see far more land taken for the Kingdom."
RUN says that its intention has always been to hold the organisation lightly and not to just continue for the sake of it. There is a clear desire to finish well, with the conviction that there is more to celebrate than to mourn.
The team want to express their deep appreciation for all the support and encouragement they have received from so many organisations, churches and leaders across the UK and beyond. Most of all however they say they are grateful to God for his amazing grace in allowing them to be a part of what he is doing in the world today.
RUNvideo – RUN’s pay per view downloadable video website will continue to operate and develop – visit www.runvideo.org.uk for more information.
