Stem the Decline
Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s[1] by David W. Bebbington explores the development and transformation of Evangelical Christianity in Britain over a 250-year period. As a British-based Pastor, many of the names, locations and events are so ingrained in the storytelling narrative of the British church that it was wonderful to read and gain a fuller understanding of the events detailed within. Whether it be my own denomination, Assemblies of God,[2] our sister movement, Elim,[3] or the wider movement of The Evangelical Alliance[4] of which I have had the pleasure of serving on the Board, there was a lot to digest in the time allocation I had to read the book. In this blog, I will explore questions surrounding the decline that followed a period of great strength while also celebrating the joy of British wit and humour.
Bebbington’s outlining of the historical roots finds its basis in the key characteristics of evangelicalism, which has become famously coined by the phrase the “Bebbington Quadrilateral,” which includes conversionism (the emphasis on personal conversion), activism (a commitment to evangelism and social reform), biblicism (the centrality of Scripture), and crucicentrism (a focus on Christ’s atoning sacrifice).[5] These foundations created a strength that led to the subsequent growth of the Evangelical church.
Dr. Jason Clark acknowledges that “Evangelicalism is in marked decline, evidenced by the post-church movement, where middle-class Christians engage in church life only when it is convenient.”[6] This decline may stem from a drift away from the core principles outlined in Bebbington’s quadrilateral. In my experience with various Evangelical churches in the UK (though not all), many could benefit from returning to the foundational elements that once provided strength and stability. Based on these observations, I have drawn the following conclusions:
- Conversionism: How many churches today are genuinely preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and extending a clear invitation for individuals to come to faith on a weekly basis? The Apostle Paul emphasised the foolishness of preaching the word and its effectiveness in winning souls (1 Corinthians 1:21). One would think that if the Gospel was preached, salvation would be inevitable.
- Activism: How many churches have retreated from their commitment to active evangelism and social reform, losing their distinct voice in the community? Historically, the social impact of the Evangelical church, including The Salvation Army, has led to the witness that Pastor Ray Johnson from Bayside Church in California defines as “Good deeds lead to good will, which lead to good news.”[7]
- Biblicism: How many churches are allowing contemporary cultural and societal beliefs to dilute the authority and inerrancy of biblical teaching, drifting away from the timeless truths of Scripture? So-called “conservative” theology seems to be becoming a rarity in some quarters of the Evangelical Church. Internal tensions and external influences, such as the impact of modernisation[8] and theological liberalism[9], continue to negatively impact the church
- Crucicentrism: Have churches become more like social centres, prioritising activities over worship and avoiding the difficult conversations about sin and Christ’s redemptive work?
Bebbington’s book traces evangelicalism’s evolution from its early days in the 18th century, shaped by the likes of John Wesley and George Whitefield, through the 19th century when it became the dominant cultural and religious force, something yet to be matched, certainly in a UK context. What would these heroes of the faith think of they saw the church today? Bebbington also correctly highlights evangelicalism’s seismic role in social causes, including the abolition of slavery and moral reforms, but also critiques its sometimes-ambivalent relationship with modernity. By the end of the 20th century, Bebbington argues, British evangelicalism had diversified significantly, with various factions adapting to or resisting cultural changes.
In Dr. Jason Clark’s essay entitled Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship,[10] Clark closely examines Bebbington’s thesis on the origins and “Quadrilateral,” while comparing it with alternative interpretations and critiques. Both Clark and highlight the Quadrilateral, however, Clark delves into debates regarding Bebbington’s distinction between Evangelicalism and earlier Puritanism, questioning whether these four traits represent a clear break or a continuation from earlier Protestant movements. A key point of contrast between Clark and Bebbington is how Clark expands on the economic and social influences on Evangelicalism, such as capitalism and market society, which Bebbington does not emphasise to the same degree. While Bebbington attributes Evangelical activism to theological and cultural developments, particularly Enlightenment influences, Clark critiques his limited focus on economic factors, arguing that the growth of capitalist markets shaped Evangelicalism’s practical and social expressions. Additionally, Clark introduces critiques from scholars like Mark Noll and Michael Haykin, who see more continuity with Puritanism than Bebbington suggests and question his emphasis on the Enlightenment’s role in shaping the doctrine of assurance.
While Bebbington’s work provides a foundational framework for understanding Evangelicalism, Clark’s paper offers a more critical analysis, emphasising economic and contextual dimensions that Bebbington’s original account understates.
Finally, I laughed out loud on a plane while I was reading Bebbington’s book, causing curious passengers to look at me momentarily. This is British pomp and wit at its best. Excuse the lengthy extract, “Evangelicals … have claimed that their brand of Christianity, the form once delivered to the saints, has possessed an essentially changeless content so long as it has remained loyal to its source. In a Commons debate of 1850, a Unitarian referred to discoveries in theology since the reign of Elizabeth I. “Discoveries in theology!”‘ snorted Sir Robert Inglis, an Evangelical defender of the Church of England “…all the truths of religion are to be found in the blessed Bible; and all “discoveries” which do not derive from that book their origin and foundation, their justification and their explanation, are worth neither teaching nor hearing.’[11] A true enough statement to support the quadrilateral.
[1] Bebbington, David W. 1988. Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s. 1st edition. London: Routledge.
[2] Ibid, 197, 231 and 262.
[3] Ibid, 225, 246 & 262.
[4] Ibid, 7, 99 and 162.
[5] Ibid, 3.
[6] Clark, Jason Paul. 2018. ‘Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship.’ Faculty Publications. Portland Seminary. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/gfes/132. 245.
[7] Friedman, Stan. 2007. ‘Good Deeds, Goodwill, Good News – Get It?’ Covenant Newswire Archives (blog). Retrieved 01/10/2024 from http://blogs.covchurch.org/newswire/2007/06/22/5667/.
[8] Bebbington, 233-235.
[9] Ibid, 99-100.
[10] Clark, 2018.
[11] Bebbington, 271.
About the Author
Glyn Barrett
I am the founding, Lead Pastor of !Audacious Church in Manchester, England. I was born in Manchester, but moved to Australia at the age of two. My wife and I were married in Australia and began married and ministry life in England 28 years ago. After serving as youth pastors for 12 years, we moved to Manchester to pioneer !Audacious Church. As a church we now have 7 locations. 3 in Manchester, Chester, Cardiff (Wales), Sheffield, and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2019 I became the National Leader of Assemblies of God in Great Britain. We have over 600 churches in our movement and have planted 88 new churches since May 2022 with a goal of planting 400 new churches between May 2022 and May 2028. I am the European Lead for MM33, which is the church planting ministry for Assemblies of God Global and also chair Empowered21 Europe. I'm happily married to Sophia, with two children, one dog and two motorbikes. I love Golf, coffee and spending time with friends. I love to laugh, make friends and create memories!16 responses to “Stem the Decline”
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Hi Glyn, I particularly looking forward to reading your thoughts on this book. Thank you for the clear blog. Does the reading this week cause you to think of anything you would do differently or increase something you are already doing in your ministry context?
Hi Diane, I deeply desire for our church to embrace a more organic approach to social action. While it’s important for the church to organise collective initiatives, I believe true discipleship shines when members individually recognise needs and take action—without waiting for centralised programs. That’s where genuine, mature faith comes alive.
Thanks for this analysis Glyn. What do you find to be the distracting factors that pull people – and preachers – away from the core of the quadrilateral? And are those 4 pillar points “enough” to keep people coming back for more? I guess, while I resonate with the quad, and have learned to call myself an evangelical, I find the relationship piece is missing. Or not clear enough, anyway. Relationships with God and with others. What do you think? And why do you think that?
Hi Debbie,
Thanks so much for your questions. I see the quadrilateral as a simple yet powerful guide that provides a solid foundation for pastors and church leaders. By grounding ourselves in each aspect, we create a strong base to build upon.
When it comes to relationships, it’s challenging to mandate every detail of church life. However, the quadrilateral gives the church a framework to emphasise the importance of relationships with God and within the church family. Any church without relationship at its heart is sadly missing the whole point of the Body of Christ.
Thanks Glyn for your provocative questions. I agree with you that a return to the foundational tenets recontextualized in our communities today could stem the decline. If you could pick one for Audacious Church to focus in the upcoming year, which one would you emphasize and why?
Hi Ryan, thanks for the question. Here is the answer o gave to Diane. I deeply desire for our church to embrace a more organic approach to social action. While it’s important for the church to organise collective initiatives, I believe true discipleship shines when members individually recognise needs and take action—without waiting for centralised programs. That’s where genuine, mature faith comes alive.
Glyn,
I don’t understand British humour. It is even spelled weird.
You ask the question what what Wesley think of the church today. However, I want to ask the reverse question. What would the church, and her leaders, think of people like John Wesley today? In his own notebook, (abridged by Christopher Idle) Wesley wrote about how when his wife was giving birth he was on the circuit so he went home and just in time for the delivery. He then sat with her for 6 hours and then continued in the morning on his circuit. He was so busy that he neglected caring for his own family, time and time again, by his own admission. Would our churches support a leader like this now? This question is not to dismiss the work he did but I do want to highlight the vast difference in the normative culture of the times.
Oh man, Adam stole my question and then turned it upside down. Only another great mind from a solidified peer group could do that. I look forward to your reply.
Hahahah answered Jen
Haha, what you’re really saying is that you don’t get humour—I’ve heard your jokes:) But you make a valid point about Wesley and his family. While we often look to great figures in church history as role models in certain areas, we can’t idealise everything about their lives. It’s troubling when ministry is prioritised at the expense of family, which contradicts God’s vision for family life. I don’t believe we can truly say we’re honouring God if we neglect those He’s called us to love and cherish. The biblical model for marriage is clear: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Eph 5:25). That’s the standard, not Wesley’s.
Hi Glyn, thanks for your post. I am curious how you would answer your question. What would John Wesley and George Whitefield think of evangelicalism today?
Ooooh, that’s a great question!
The world today is full of distractions, and honestly, I think Wesley and Whitfield might struggle to connect with the modern audience. The straightforward, no-nonsense preaching style they were known for could feel disconnected from today’s context. But while their methods might not translate well, the core truths they preached remain timeless. Back then, preaching wasn’t just a message but a form of entertainment. People were captivated by the eloquence, the rhetoric, and the anointing that empowered those words.
In terms of social action, I think some parts of the church have mastered that approach to evangelism, finding ways to meet needs while sharing the gospel. But any half-hearted, lukewarm evangelism in the church today would have undoubtedly been met with serious disapproval from Wesley and Whitfield! They were all about passion and commitment to the cause.
Glyn
Thanks for your perspective on the term, always good when we can go back to the source. From reading other posts and from conversations I’ve heard before, I believe the term has a different meaning/connotation here in the US than in Europe.
Yep thanks Jeff
Glyn,
I really appreciated the questions you posed concerning the Bebbington quadrilateral. As you looked at these questions for your own church, which area do you think you are thriving in and which area do you hope to see improvement?
Hi Kari,
As a church, I believe we really excel in Conversionism. We consistently preach Jesus every Sunday, and in every service, we offer a clear opportunity for people to respond to the good news of the Gospel and come to faith. In the last 10 months, we have seen 1494 first-time decisions for Jesus on a Sunday, and the church has grown by 1000 new active members.
In terms of where there’s room for growth, I have a deep desire to see Activism flourish in a way that isn’t centrally organised by the church leadership. Instead, I envision church members engaging in spontaneous acts of kindness that lead people to Jesus—not just in church buildings but in workplaces, playgrounds, and educational campuses. That’s where I believe we could make an even greater impact.