Church planting is the process of beginning a new vibrant Christian community in an area that currently lacks one. Renewal projects are about bringing new life to existing congregations.
In March 2023, the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) of the Church of England agreed to an estimated investment of £6.8 million to our diocese which would include the renewal of churches or parishes in areas of dense population where there would be the best chances of success in engaging the local community and creating a larger church. Seven churches or parishes in Dudley and Redditch were chosen for the first phase and funds were released as detailed mission plans were submitted. This is the first part of our plan to ensure that each major area of population has at least one larger healthy and sustainable church by 2030 - one with at least 150 people attending in an average week.
In Greater Dudley Deanery this has led to investments made in Halesowen, Kingswinford, Netherton and Old Hill, Sedgley and Gornal, Stourbridge. Funding is enabling different interventions into each church depending on what is needed, but it is mission focussed and typically enables staff appointments to facilitate growth, along with support to improve the building and enable community transformation.
The funding from the Church Commissioners is enabling resources to be brought in which will help churches to grow and new disciples to be made, and as those churches grow, they will be able to support other churches in the borough.
St Stephen’s Church in Redditch (pictured above) is also benefiting from the Church Commissioners’ investment. Located in Redditch town centre, it is seen by many as the main church in the town. The funding is enabling St Stephen’s Church to develop a different style of worship which we hope will continue to attract a younger congregation, as well as enable the church to become a hub which can resource other local churches.
Although initially just seven churches will receive this external investment, there is funding support for other churches that wish to grow from our diocesan Healthy Churches Fund.
Resourcing churches
Almost all of England is already allocated to a parish in the Church of England, so each new plant needs to be carefully considered in relation to its existing parish and other local structures. It needs extensive consultation with the bishops, local parishes and other officers that support congregations.
Planting new churches and revitalising existing worshipping communities is a key role for our two original resourcing churches, from which St Peter's Bengeworth was planted, but as we grow as Kingdom People together, other churches may wish to look at starting a church plant as a way to transform their community, share hope and make disciples.
Bishop Martin leads on this work for us as a diocese. If you think there is an opportunity for your church to establish a new church plant, please contact him as well as the Archdeacons.