Megachurches, public theology and social policy

This paper draws on current research conducted as part of an AHRC-funded ‘Megachurches and Social Engagement in London’ project. It outlines the nature of the project and identifies the ten megachurches in the London area, of which almost all are Pentecostal or Charismatic in ethos. In particular, it categorises the specific kinds of social engagement found among megachurches and sketches the practices associated with them. For example, practices can include work among the homeless, the provision of food banks, counselling services and youth work. It focuses on two or three of these practices and asks questions as to the kinds of theology that might be associated with them. In particular, it asks: in what sense might we categorise this theological praxis as public? In what way does it inform spheres of life that might be conceptualised as “public”? Does this mean that we may identify it as a form of “public theology” or not? From this reflection, we shall begin to explore the kinds of implications that this theological motivated action has for social policy. In what ways do practices of social engagement actually inform social policy, if at all? What are the possible ways in which such action might be expressed or articulated in order to better inform social policy at local and national levels? What are the inhibitors of such influence and how might they be overcome? These are pressing questions in a context in which the role of faith communities has become increasing prominent in public debates about social welfare, but in which the language and understanding that might help policy makers and media actors better identify, interpret and respond to the issues raised by theologically motivated social engagement is often lacking. This paper intends to explore these questions and create a dialogue around the subject.