Flourishing Congregations Making a DifferenceThe Gospel invites us to celebrate the good news of God’s saving love. That’s what lies behind our shared diocesan vision for Growing in God adopted in 2016. God wants us to grow as his beloved children, he wants us to grow as loving communities, he wants us to grow in sharing his love beyond ourselves in both our words and actions. “We cannot determine the fruit of growing in number or growing younger. We cannot compel people to have a faith – though we can do many simple things to make that growth possible – planting and watering – clearing the weeds and brambles – sowing seeds – not being fatalistic and believing in God’s providence. But we can determine what we do in seeking to grow in depth, attending to deepening our own faith and Christian practice, and engaging in actions that helps us to grow in influence” Bishop Martin Our prioritiesGrowing in Depth – responding to the call of Christ in every part of our lives Growing in Number – drawing contacts we have into the life of God’s kingdom Growing in Influence – reaching beyond ourselves in our impact on the wider world Growing Younger – building churches whose age range reflects our communities. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth" 1 Corinthians 3:6Our building blocksFaith & Discipleship Vocation & Ministry Relationships & Structures Resources & Buildings
For further informationAs part of championing the Growing in God vision we aspire to be people who know that ‘God is with us, gathering us as Christ-centred communities, calling us to make Christian disciples, sending us in loving service, empowering us by the Holy Spirit’. Our Mission and Ministry team provides resource materials and support. They also encourage parishes to use a simple Mission Action Planning tool to help them focus on the Growing in God priorities and how they might be worked out in each different context - we are trusting God that this vision, underpinned by a commitment to Christian stewardship, will bear fruit as we look to the future. How to grow your parish church | weblink Growing in influence | weblink Growing Younger | weblink Making your parish sustainable | weblink Deanery planning | weblink As part of this vision, we have received Strategic Development Funding for two major projects: Inspiring Ipswich | weblink Growing in God in the Countryside: Lightwave | weblink Loverural | weblink
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