THE PAST
Decline in 1990’s -25% of Adults -60% of children and young people
Healthy Churches Exercise The 7 marks of a healthy church: Energised by faith Outward-looking focus Seeks to find out what God wants Faces the cost of change and growth Operates as a community Makes room for all Does a few things and does them well.
From Survival to Revival 6 leaflets: Mission; Ministry; Worship; Giving; Youth; Discipleship. Parochial objectives. Annual celebrations. 2009-11 emphasis on Ministry; Youth; Rural. Overall theme: GROWTH
THE PRESENT
STRENGTHS Senior Staff Team Developing Vision Lay ministry and training Motivated clergy Family feel Appraisal scheme Diocesan officers Hospitality Environment: beauty and diversity Rydal Hall Church Schools
WEAKNESSES Financial Situation and implications for ministry Lack of confidence Entrenched attitudes Isolation Critical mass
OPPORTUNITIES Green shoots Ecumenism Young Diocese project Ministry Teams Mission Units Archdeacon Role Marketing Diocese Goodwill Giving for life & Parish Offer Scheme Buildings Audit Untapped talent
THREATS Finance (if no improvement) Clergy stress Defensive parochialism Buildings (number; suitability; cost) Age profile Second homes
THE FUTURE
CONTINUITY Growth: Maturity Evangelism Social Action Numbers
CHANGE Focus on DISCIPLESHIP Advance ECUMENICALLY 3. Provide STRATEGY
1. DISCIPLESHIP Key to: Fellowship and belonging Collaborative ministry Generous giving Faith sharing Community service Deepening spirituality Attractive lifestyle Vocational response
2. ECUMENISM Church Leaders meeting Cumbria an ‘Ecumenical Area’ Resource-sharing (eg buildings; the Way; social responsibility) Ministerial appointments Witness to the world
3. STRATEGY PROCESS PURPOSE Senior Staff: Vision discussion (Nov. 2009) Mission: by God’s grace, to grow his Kingdom in Cumbria. Bishop’s Council: Vision discussion and initial thoughts re strategy (Jan 2010) Senior Staff: Strategy and role of Staff members (Feb. 2010) Diocesan Synod: ‘Way Forward’ discussion (March 2010) PURPOSE How we can get from where we are – to where God wants us to be