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On the 4 March, pupils from two primary schools and one secondary school within the Diocese, gathered together at the Frontier Centre in Irthlingborough to celebrate their shared journey as part of Flourish – a two year national pilot empowering schools and communities to work together to create worshipping communities.
Flouish offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer fresh expressions of church by bringing church into the heart of school life, often in the form of a warm and welcoming after-school gathering – led by local church volunteers - where children can explore faith, worship and community in ways that feel natural and accessible.
Over the past two years, three Flourish communities have taken root in the Diocese: William Law CE Primary School and Werrington Parish, who together have grown the New Forest Church worshipping community; Hartwell School, Salcey Benefice and Archway Trust, who have focused on developing young worship leaders and nurturing children as ambassadors of the school’s Christian ethos; and Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton, whose chaplaincy team has been fostering an open, student‑led, after‑school worshipping community that welcomes everyone in the school.
Although each Flourish community has found its own distinct expression, they all share Flourish’s five core principles: keeping young people’s voices at the centre of leadership decisions; articulating a shared purpose to grow a younger and more diverse community of Christian disciples; enabling and enhancing partnership between school and church communities; intergenerational faith development involving children and their families; and integrating worship into the regular rhythms, practices, structures, and resources of the school’s vision for the flourishing of children and adults.
The gathering on 4 March was the first time all three communities had come together to share their experiences and celebrate their achievements. After a warm welcome, pupils rotated through three sessions which involved two outdoor pursuits and a reflective workshop.
At a time when many churches can struggle to welcome children and families into their buildings, the success of these Flourish communities highlights the importance of thinking creatively about how and where church can grow. It also demonstrates the power of listening to children’s voices. The young people involved in Flourish have not only taken part—they have contributed meaningful feedback that will inform the national initiative, all while gaining confidence and feeling valued. Their reflections on the day made this clear:
“It was cool learning that what we say today will go to the Bishop and help the whole diocese make a strategy. I didn’t know kids could help make big decisions like that.”
“I like that I can be a young leader. Forest Church (Flourish) lets me help lead prayers and activities, not just watch.”
The day concluded with a final time of worship and, of course, hot chocolate. There was a strong sense of joy, unity and gratitude as participants left feeling re‑energised, encouraged by the knowledge that others are walking a similar path, and newly aware of the quiet but powerful ways God has been at work in their communities.
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