A blog from Diocesan Lead for Transformation and Change, Nikki Groarke about conversations taking place in each of our churches over the next couple of months:
The Christian journey through Lent and Holy Week to Easter teaches us to have hope – resurrection follows death. New life begins, fresh hope awakens. We are annually reminded how life-changing the decision to walk with Jesus can be, and so many of our churches are working hard to share that hope with their communities, helping them to flourish and provide opportunities for people of all ages to come to faith.
But the reality is that it can feel difficult being part of the Church of England at the moment. Fewer people coming to church means fewer people to contribute financially and to take on governance and other roles. National scandals can undermine the great work being done in parishes and it sometimes seems like we’re an increasingly small voice in our secular culture.
Our vision to Grow as Kingdom People and our agreed diocesan priorities aim to support parishes in their work. Together we are on a journey to improve the health and sustainability of our churches. This is only possible if everyone is involved in the conversation and we are listening to each other.
During May and June, members of the diocesan and deanery teams will be meeting with key representatives of each of our churches - clergy, churchwardens and treasurers. This 45-minute meeting will be an opportunity to look at data we hold on that church which gives an indication of its current missional and financial health. The aim of each meeting is to come away with a realistic understanding of the current situation for each church which is agreed on by all.
This will help us understand if the interventions we’ve been making are working and whether further support would help improve the health and sustainability of that church. This research will inform our second bid to the national church’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board from which we hope to attract further funding to build on our existing priorities of doubling the number of children and young people, creating 100 new worshipping communities and ensuring there is a church of at least 150 people in each major area of population, as well as effectively equipping our clergy and lay leaders on their missional journey.
If you are one of those invited, please do engage with these discussions – it is a chance for the particular situation of your church to be heard and understood. The diocesan team want to listen to what you have to say, including where you think any assumptions we have made might need to be challenged. We want all our communities to be flourishing with people who are fulfilling their God-given potential – we can only achieve that by working together and facing the hard realities that are in front of us.
Even if you are not involved in the actual meeting, please pray they are fruitful. It is a huge undertaking to hear from every church in this way, and we are trusting in God for guidance as we go forward, and clarity and wisdom for all involved
