Mission is strongest when churches work together to intentionally grow in mission.
The Strategic Mission Programmes encourage churches to collaborate across parish boundaries, recognising that many of the opportunities and challenges they face are shared. Rather than working in isolation, church leaders (clergy and lay) are encouraged to develop relationships with neighbouring parishes, share learning, share resources and explore opportunities for joint mission.
This collaborative approach helps churches build confidence, reduces isolation and enables them to grow and respond more effectively to the needs of their local communities.
Partnerships may develop around a range of shared priorities including children and young people, estates ministry, intercultural ministry, compassionate community responses, new worshipping communities or other needs.
The first step is often a conversation with your Episcopal Area Team or the programme management team, who may help identify opportunities to collaborate with neighbouring churches and connect you with others already exploring similar areas of mission.
Our colleagues in the Discipleship team have produced some helpful tools for initial reflection on what some of your strengths and opportunities are for growth as a parish, and possibly as a group of parishes.