Regeneration is happening everywhere. Eye-watering amounts of capital resources are being poured into transforming pockets of urban deprivation and neglect to bring new and vigorous life to places and communities. Yet not all regeneration results in renewal. Many regeneration schemes principally seem to benefit the wealthy and prosperous, and isolation can persist behind a glass and stainless steel facade.

The church is in the business of regeneration and renewal too. Here, fourteen local church and community leaders reflect on the opportunities they had to build spiritual capital around major regeneration initiatives in their parishes. They reflect on the potential for mission among te glittering tower blocks of a new financial district, on a traditional housing estate undergoing a makeover, on brand new residential developments and in increasingly mixed communities - and explore the renewing effects of prophetic involvement and activity on local churches themselves.

For all churches looking for realistic, theologically informed, practical ways to serve their local communities, Regeneration and Renewal will provide a fund of inspiration and ideas.