Going for Growth

Mini Summit at St Francis - 11 December 2006

Representatives from across the Bristol South Deanery gathered at St Francis on a wet and windy Monday evening for a 'mini summit' exploring the Going for Growth strategy for the diocese.

Initially there was a chance to mingle and chat to old friends, and grab a cuppa and a plateful from the delicious buffet. We were welcomed by Gwyn Owen, the Area Dean and began in prayer led by Colin Pearce from St Aldhelms.

The main presentation by Archdeacon Tim McClure considered growth in a wider context than merely 'bums on seats'. If we are to really grow, to grow into the communities of wholeness that lie at the heart of the vision for the diocese, then we are talking about far more than getting a few more people in through the door.

Churches which embrace growth in its fuller sense will see growth in numbers as a natural by product. This richer understanding of church growth includes:

• Seeking to grow as individuals - in commitment, in discipleship, daring to tackle the stepping stones of faith wherever we are in our Christian life. Discovering, developing and using our gifts.
• Growing in partnership with our communities. Working alongside other organisations, churches and initiatives which share our aspirations, to bring wholeness to people's lives and build the Kingdom
• Standing up and being counted. Effecting the radical, transforming change that lies at the heart of the power of the Gospel. Growing in influence.
• Growing in numbers. Where we serve our communities and present the Gospel to people in ways which are relevant, tangible and applicable to their lives then they will want to join the movement of the church.

Change, Tim said, was not something you can avoid. Change happens, and it is how we react to it that determines whether or not the people around us will be able to engage with the precious message we have to offer.

What is clear is that there can be no single, one-size-fits-all 'plan' that will be sent out from Church House, and which will provide a cookie-cutter template for growth. It is down to the individual churches and parishes to look carefully at their activities, opportunities and ways of doing things. To find fluid, flexible, bold, relevant and appropriate ways of being 'church' where we are and for our communities.

Stories of Growth
A selection of churches from across South Bristol were then asked to speak about recent successes in all manner of different projects. Growth in youthwork, midweek activities, changing the ways buildings were used, working alongside community initiatives, new ways of worshipping.

Each had served the communities around the churches and presented the love of God in an appropriate and relevant way. Churches had seen growth as a result. Tanya Lord from St Aldhelms spoke about 'exhale', the Youth Alpha, the mini-mission, First Call and the Prayer Labyrinths.

Creating communities of wholeness, with Christ at the centre
Gwyn Owen then summed up the evening considering what it means to create 'communities of wholeness' with a stirring and inspirational call that if we would only release the Holy Spirit in our lives, seeking, developing and using our gifts and not taking for granted the treasure we have found in Christ, then we would be everywhere.

As the evening drew to a close, the churches represented were given a 'Creating Communities of Wholeness' banner, a postcards, other resources and the Bristol Diocese 'Going for Growth' DVD.

What's next

Representatives have also been invited to attend 'Equipped to Grow', an opportunity to look at some practical aspects of the growth Program for all who have a leadership role, with a wide choice of workshops.

Saturday 3rd February 2007 9am - 1pm The City Academy Bristol
Saturday 10th February 2007 9am - 1pm St Joseph's Catholic College, Swindon

If you think this is you, please speak to one of the clergy.

More about the Growth Programme.