Diocese of Chichester

This initiative seeks to reverse the decline in church attendance and foster sustainable growth in at least 80 of our churches across all traditions and contexts.

Bishop Martin Said: “It's fantastic news that the national church has confirmed that they will invest up to £11 million in the Diocesan Growth Strategy approved by Diocesan Synod last year.

“Over the next 10 years this will enable us to invest in revitalising parishes, especially in areas of social need, strengthen and extend engagement with young people and families, and develop the apostolic life of lay and ordained Christians. The delivery of this will offer something for any parish in every context across the diocese.

“Thank you to John Preston and the team that have secured this investment. Please pray and reflect on what part you can play in enabling us to use this funding to know, love and follow Jesus today.”

Phase One of the Growth Strategy focuses on four key strands:

• Revitalisation: Revitalise more than 20 churches, particularly in deprived urban areas, drawing on proven models that have already delivered significant attendance growth. Many of these will see an apostolic partnership being formed between churches to support that growth.

• Children, Youth & Families: Focus on missional pathways to engage more children and young people by supporting additional resources in around 40 churches, prioritising outreach and volunteer training.

• Focal Ministry: Nurture focal ministers to strengthen local missional leadership, especially in smaller churches in multi-church benefices.

• Mission Fund: Provide smaller grants to support growth plans across the diocese, alongside some innovative missional projects that encourage creativity and learning for future phases.

The programme will also nurture and support excellent leaders, both lay and ordained across the whole household of faith, with a range of training and support resources.

The £20 million programme aims to strengthen at least 80 churches, and we pray that under God’s grace, it may attract 4,000 new disciples and ensure long-term sustainability. By 2032, we seek to be a growing, financially stable diocese.

To find out how your Parish can participate in the Growth Strategy please visit https://www.chichester.anglican.org/diocesan-growth-strategy/.