National church funds first phase of Diocesan Growth Strategy
Bishop Martin has welcomed initial funding for the Diocesan Growth Strategy 2025 to 2035, a decade-long programme of transformation that seeks to bring revitalisation and missional growth to local churches in Sussex.
The ten-year programme focuses on revitalising parishes in predominantly coastal areas of highest need, increasing resource for ministry to young people, families and children, a new ‘focal ministry’ initiative to support clergy in multiple-church benefices and a reinvigorated mission fund to support small grants and innovation across the diocese. The Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) have agreed to consider an in-principle award of £9.2 million to be brought back as an updated proposal for future consideration and decision by the Board for the Revitalisations and Children, Families and Young People strands, with a supplementary application scheduled for consideration in December 2025 to upgrade the award to full funding.
£1.9 million has been awarded in full for the Focal Ministry strand, the Mission Fund strand and capacity funding to run the programme. SMMIB have agreed to consider an award of £9.2 million in principle for the Revitalisations and Children, Families and Young People strands, with a supplementary application scheduled for consideration in December 2025 to upgrade the award to full funding.
Bishop Martin said: "This is really welcome news and we look forward to seeking approval for the remaining funding for our strategy."
An award has also been made in this round of funding for The Kindling Network, an inspiring national growth project based in the diocese.
The Kindling Network is a pioneering initiative for clergy seeking spiritual renewal and practical transformation in parish life, with a focus on igniting church growth through culture, courage, and connection. The Kindling Network has been awarded £336,000 in full for the first two years of the project, together with an award in principle of £176,000 for year three. The project will launch with its first cohort of clergy in Autumn 2025. Revd Ben Sleep, vicar of St Michael’s and All Angels Eastbourne, who developed and leads the Kindling Network said: “We’re so encouraged that the church is investing in clergy in this way. Supported and encouraged leaders help grow healthy churches, and we’re looking forward to seeing what God has in store across Chichester and beyond.”
You can read more news on this funding here which features case studies of two churches in the diocese.
Photo: Worship service at St Richard's Hollingdean which has benefitted from national strategic funding.