Parishes and Local Churches – Preparing for the Future
Recent research into the life of parishes and local churches highlights a number of issues, which make planning for the future extremely difficult to sustain. While the scarcity of available ministerial personnel is often a problem, there may also be underlying cultural factors working against growth and development. Assumptions about authority and legitimacy cloud potential solutions and these are not helped by the ‘cycles of disappointment’ that reflect earlier attempts to move forward. Add to these shortcomings a paucity of strategic thinking or a lack of clear vision and the resultant inertia is difficult to overcome.
Nevertheless, in many places, there are signs of hope and movement. By way of example:
lay people are increasingly being invited to take on leadership roles;
a new realism is evident in seeking alternative ways of operating;
small groups of different types are emerging, each with their own contribution to make to the tapestry of the local church.
With over ten years experience of working in different types of local church our consultants are in a strong position to help build on these new green shoots. With an expertise in development planning, sound theological understanding and a clear picture of the processes required to help such faith communities grow, we feel we have much to contribute.
Our particular interests revolve around three areas:
The organisational shape of parish communities and the processes required for their long-term development.
The spiritual formation and training of adult lay Christians to prepare them for leadership roles in the future Church.
The development of spiritual conversation within local churches so that faith may be shared and deepened.
Recent Work
‘Anglesey Centre of Mission’ – Working on behalf of the ‘Oblates of Mary Immaculate’ we have been supporting the development of their centre of mission in the Island of Anglesey. Offering consultation about the future of parishes, training in facilitation of small groups and support for leaders.
‘Christian Communities in Conversation’ – Through the training and supporting of key individuals we have been introducing the conversational approach to nurturing life and faith into the Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth. The primary aim being to encourage reflection and conversation within both schools and parishes.
‘The Micah Conversation’ – A seven week process of reflection, conversation; prayer and discernment has been devised for use in local churches and Christian schools and organisations. Being offered to the parishes of Northampton Diocese as well as other contexts in 2011, it is available, together with suitable training through a partner organisation: ‘Breathing Spaces’.