The four evangelical churches in this partnership are all Renewal projects. They have received funding from the national church as part of our priority to ensure that each major area of population has at least one larger healthy and sustainable church by 2030 - one with at least 150 people attending in an average week.
Why Holy Trinity Old Hill and The Forge Group and why now?
This is a missional partnership between Nick Gowers (pictured) at Holy Trinity Old Hill and Rich Hackett, who used to be Curate at Holy Trinity and is now the vicar of the three churches associated with the Forge Group – St Andrew’s Netherton, St John’s Dudley Wood and St Peter’s Darby End.
All these churches are in areas of dense population and where there are good opportunities for churches to play a central role in transforming the local community. Holy Trinity Old Hill have a high footfall as they’re on the High Street and have a strong tradition of outreach among the local community including providing a food bank, debt advice and seasonal community events. In this post pandemic world, they plan to reinvigorate worship and rebuild relationships with families, schools, and local networks.
Holy Trinity is close to Ormiston Forge Academy Secondary school and next to Old Hill primary school. They have a strong partnership with the primary school and visit regularly. They have had some success with ‘Open the book’ previously in school and are planning other initiatives to support and engage parents.
Vision
The shared focus of Holy Trinity and the Forge Group include the need to engage with the diverse needs and interests of the local population, rebuild and strengthen local partnerships and also to reach out to local families with children.
Plans
- Unifying the four churches under one mission, resourced by Holy Trinity
- Developing strong lay leadership
- Increasing children and youth ministries
- Establishing new worshipping communities
- Reaching the wider parish through creative, community-focused activities
- Creating clear discipleship pathways that grow in people a sense of faith, belonging, and service
Team
Several new roles are being recruited to work across both Holy Trinity and The Forge group and help bring about the vision. They will be employed by Holy Trinity but overseen by a ‘Renewal Implementation Group’ made up of representatives from all 4 churches.
These include:
- An Operations Manager - Tim Hancock
- An additional Children and Families worker
- A Community Missioner
Building works
At Holy Trinity the building works needed to help bring about the vision include the removal of fixed pews to create new meeting spaces and a creche space, a new porch, improved heating and a new lighting and AV system so they can do live streaming. At St Andrews a new net zero heating solution is needed and works are planned that will open up the entrance and hospitality space and improve the kitchen and toilets.
Find out more
Holy Trinity Old Hill: https://www.holytrinity.org.uk/
The Forge Group/ Den Churches: https://www.denchurches.com/