Throughout history our churches have continued to change and to develop so that they can become relevant to their communities. Join the conversation considering how we can develop our new vision and strategy.
Bishop Debbie introduced the emerging elements of the Vision and Strategy at the March Diocesan Synod.
Raise – Release – Renew
These themes help give shape to the Diocese’s priorities. Five proposed bold outcomes are:
Raise
- Double the number of children and young people in churches
- Double the number of lay and ordained vocations
Release
- Strengthen deaneries for collaborative working
- Create 120 new, sustainable worshipping communities
Renew
- Establish financially and practically sustainable ministry models across the Diocese
The next stage will be developing the detailed strategy to deliver these outcomes. This might involve:
- Encouraging and resourcing new forms of worshipping communities
- Developing clear models of ministry fit for the future
- Equipping the whole church through a suite of training and resources
- Releasing clergy capacity and strengthen deaneries
- Actioning the wellbeing programme
- Embedding the governance review and finance strategy
Bishop Debbie has seen that many people already feel resonance with this direction and invites the whole Diocese to contribute prayerfully and honestly as the work continues, reminding us all that the work is collaborative; we need to develop it together and all feel ownership of the final outcome. She encourages everyone to remember the deep wells of faith and hope that have been laid over the centuries, and to trust that God is already at work.
A recorded version of Bishop Debbie’s address can be watched here. Join in the conversation by sending your comments to: joinin@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
See a full copy of the vision and strategy presentation here.