A new guide to New Worshipping Communities (NWCs) in the Diocese has been launched. It will support parishes who are looking to find creative ways of reaching people beyond our existing congregations as we look to reach our target of creating 100 NWCs by 2030.
With a foreword from our bishops, the Guide includes advice and answers to frequently asked questions for those who are in the process of establishing a New Worshipping Community.
It was launched at a Bishop’s teaching morning on NWCs, which was attended by clergy and lay ministers from across the Diocese. The keynote speaker was the Revd Dr Mark Earey, Director of Anglican Formation and Tutor in Liturgy and Worship at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham. Mark explored what makes worship Anglican and where it is possible to introduce ‘faithful improvision’ to the liturgy to enable it to be relevant to the context while staying true to our Anglican identity and heritage.
The new guide sets out a range of advice for parishes as they begin to think about establishing a NWC, including developing discipleship and thinking about giving as well as considering what liturgy would be appropriate. Those present at the launch were encouraged to talk to Kim Brown, diocesan NWC Enabler, or the Archdeacons to understand where flexibility might be possible in this area.
The guide also includes advice on safeguarding and parishes are asked to ensure that all NWCs are registered on their parish safeguarding dashboard by June and to complete a form included in the guide so that the diocesan team are aware of the communities being established.
Kim said: “The whole purpose of New Worshipping Communities is to reach people who are currently unknown to our churches. Some of these people will be vulnerable, even if the NWC is not specifically aimed at children, young people or vulnerable adults. We want to ensure that we are doing our best by people who are new to the Christian faith by providing a safe space for them to grow and develop.”
Parishes should contact Kim or the diocesan safeguarding team if they have any concerns or would like any support in this area.
Bishop Martin also spoke at the training morning saying: “We want to set you free to do things well and be creative within what’s possible. Please do ask for help if you need it.”
Watch the sessions from the training morning on the NWC webpage.
