A learning community has been launched for Renewal and Resourcing Church leaders to support each other as they journey together on their missions to revitalise existing churches and grow the Kingdom.
The learning community brings leaders together to encourage each other and share insights as to what has most helped them. Although each church is unique and operating in different contexts, each renewal leader will have similar goals and challenges.
Leaders from these churches gathered for the first session on 25 March at St Andrew’s church Malvern with further sessions planned in different locations up to the end of 2026.
Renewal churches have received funding from the national church and are part of our diocesan vision to create flourishing Sprit-filled communities in each major area of population in the diocese. The churches have been chosen because they are in areas of dense population and have been identified as being in a good position to build large or multiple congregations fully able to serve and engage their local communities. These churches will then support others in the area, ensuring that every community has access to a thriving, healthy, and sustainable church.
Those present at this session shared why they were pleased to be part of the group and how they thought it would benefit everyone.
Hazel Charlton from St John’s Halesowen said:
“It’s about sharing wisdom to assist each other and grow the kingdom, naturally and intentionally, with grace.”
Andy Smith from St Peter’s Bengeworth said:
“It’s important to have a community around you that you can be honest and authentic with, that are faithful and emphatic travelling companions.”
This first session looked at self-leadership. Paul Wilcox gave an interactive talk about the value of one-to-one coaching and how to prepare for each session. Nikki Groarke, Diocesan Leader for Transformation and Change, gave a presentation on prioritising, time management and enabling focus on the right things, while Dave Bruce from St Andrew’s Church in Malvern, talked about how to stay close to God amidst the pressures of leading a large project.
After this there was time for discussion, for the group to feedback on what had resonated most with them from the presentations. Several people commented on an image shared of walking with God in the hills overlooking the parish and making space for the Lord to speak to them, as its his work, not theirs. Several people also picked up on the advice of “learning to say ‘no’ for the bigger ‘yes’ “and how helpful this is. Others agreed that finding those who will hold you in prayer and speak truth gently is also important. The session ended with a time for the leaders to pray for one another in small groups.
The feedback received following the afternoon has been resoundingly positive, with many saying they found it to be useful in terms of direction and resources, as well as uplifting and encouraging.
Diane Cooksey, soon to be Renewal Leader for Gornal and Sedgely also commented saying:
“It’s good to know there’s a supportive team here that can share wisdom and experience.”
