Over the past decade, our Apostolic Partnerships and Revitalisations have transformed a number of parishes, helping them grow. The plan for the next ten years is to draw on this learning with prayerfully-discerned smaller investments in a wider spread of parishes.
As we work together under God for the growth of the church and as the good news of Jesus is faithfully proclaimed, we trust He might be pleased to bless our diocese with more churches revitalised for mission.
Aim
Our Apostolic Partnerships and Revitalisations stream builds on tried and tested models of church growth in the diocese that strengthen and breathe new life into parishes. This is through investment and increased resource on the one hand, but more importantly through commitment to prayer, excellent leadership and supportive church communities for long-term success. The projects aim to restore confidence, deepen faith and reconnect churches with their communities, bringing new life and growth.
Apostolic Partnerships and Revitalisations are likely to have a strategic focus on urban and coastal areas where church attendance is lowest with the highest potential for missional impact, however this is not the only focus; this is a diocesan-wide growth strategy first and foremost and we are led by the Holy Spirit. God willing, we would like to revitalise in the region of 20 to 23 parishes by 2035.
These projects typically include the additional resource of a CYF worker or a community worker to strengthen local outreach and engagement.
What is an Apostolic Partnership?
This is Chichester’s term for church planting, where a leader together with a number of people from a larger resourcing church move from a nearby parish to revitalise a less resourced church in the local area to help rebuild worship, community and mission.
What is a Revitalisation?
This model seeks to revitalise an existing congregation where a parish either has a relatively new leader, or is in the process of appointing a new leader.
Sharing and celebrating
It is expected any parish participating in this grant funding pathway is willing to share their learning and celebration stories with the diocese for the benefit of the wider community.
Case studies
[case studies to follow]
How do parishes take part?
Locations for investment in this funding stream are proposed by our bishops who have oversight of the diocese. Prospective parishes will be contacted and offered the opportunity to participate in a project.