Church growth

Equipping churches to grow and thrive in a changing London

The Strategic Mission Programmes help churches across the Diocese of London respond confidently to the opportunities and challenges of mission today.

Through strategic investment, partnerships and practical support, the programmes encourage collaboration, develop leaders, establish new worshipping communities, support innovation and share learning across the Diocese. Together, these initiatives are helping churches grow in confidence, deepen discipleship and enable more people to encounter the love of God in Christ.

Whether strengthening local leadership, supporting churches to work together or pioneering new approaches to ministry, the Strategic Mission Programmes are investing in the future of God’s Church across London.

Why the Strategic Mission Programmes?

London is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world. More than nine million people live across its 32 boroughs and the City of London, representing hundreds of cultures, speaking more than 250 languages and bringing together communities from every part of the globe.

The city continues to change as new communities emerge, neighbourhoods evolve and younger generations experience faith very differently from those who came before them. The 2021 Census marked a significant milestone, with fewer than half of people in England and Wales identifying as Christian for the first time, while the number of people reporting no religion continues to grow.

These changes present both opportunities and challenges for the Church.

The Diocese of London recognises that this changing landscape calls for churches that are rooted in their communities, confident in sharing the gospel and equipped to serve an increasingly diverse city. It also celebrates the richness and diversity already present within the Diocese and its shared commitment to mission, evangelism and discipleship.

The Strategic Mission Programmes are one of the ways the Diocese is responding. By strengthening partnerships, investing in people, supporting innovation and encouraging churches to learn from one another, the programmes are helping to build the Church’s capacity for mission across London.

Mission in Action

Behind every project are people, churches and communities whose lives are being transformed, and beginning to reflect more of the Glory of God.

Read the latest stories from across the Strategic Mission Programmes and discover how churches are developing leaders, working together in partnership, serving their neighbourhoods, establishing new worshipping communities and sharing what they are learning with others.

Start a Conversation

Every church and community is different, and we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’d like to learn more about the Strategic Mission Programmes, explore one of the projects, access learning and resources or discuss an idea for mission in your local context, complete this enquiry form and a member of the Programme Management team will be in touch.

The form can be used to:

• Ask a question about the Mission Programme or invite one of the mission projects team to visit your parish.
• Find out more about a particular project or mission priority.
• Access learning and resources.
• Explore opportunities to collaborate.
• Share a story or example of good practice.
• Request further information.

Additional information and resources

The following organisations and partnerships may provide further information or support:

• Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication (CCX) 
• The Church of England’s National Church Institutions