1. What is the Diocesan Growth Strategy?
It’s a ten-year plan to reverse decline and grow vibrant, sustainable churches across Sussex. The strategy focuses on revitalising parishes, investing in children and youth, developing leaders, and supporting innovation.
The Diocesan Growth Strategy, as approved by Diocesan Synod on March 2025 can be read here.
2. Why is this strategy needed?
Church attendance has fallen significantly, especially among children and young people. The Great Commission in Matthew 29 calls us to reach out to all people, and this strategy will build on existing local outreach to strengthen our effectiveness in mission.
3. How will the strategy be funded?
The Programme is funded by investment from the National Church, support from the Diocesan Board of Finance (largely in sustaining some parish clergy posts longer than would otherwise be the case to enable revitalisation to take place), and parish contributions towards local parish-based workers. Funding will take place over ten years (2025-2035).
4. What are Apostolic Partnerships and Revitalisations?
These involve strong churches partnering with those in decline, sending leaders and teams to renew worship and mission. Revitalisations may also include appointing new clergy and adding resources like youth workers.
5. What’s available to me?
Whilst around 80 churches will be engaged in one of main project streams, there are ways that every parish can benefit. We are increasing the level of support to parishes to seek to remove some of the obstacles and make it easier for you to grow.See for more details of the range of support offered. More information can be found on the Excellent Leaders and Small Grants & Mission Fund pages.
6. How will progress be monitored?
A Strategic Programme Board oversees delivery, supported by Project Boards for each strand and a Mission Fund Committee. These bodies ensure accountability, resource allocation, and learning across the diocese.