Bishop of Lichfield: "Going for growth together"

When I was preparing the vision statement for the next stage of Going for Growth (published in the current Spotlight) I was asked about my own specific goals for the diocese over the next few years. What do I want to see as part of diocesan strategy?

Actually I don’t think it’s my job to press specific long-term goals on the diocese at the moment. I believe in many local initiatives in parishes, deaneries and areas as we pray together. I believe particular strategies emerge as we deepen our faith, learn to praise God more and love our neighbours genuinely. If I say what I would like too soon it could even stifle the grass-roots creativity.

As a friend of mine used to say, church-life is all about re-inventing the wheel together. Unless a mission action plan is right for a locality and particular churches, unless it has emerged from the thinking and praying together of incumbent and PCC, it is not real. After all Christianity is about relationships or it is about nothing. Just as a baby is made to respond to its mother’s face from day one in a way unique among mammals, so churches are made to respond together to the face of God in a unique way that links worship, nurture, pastoral care and outreach.

But here are some bullet points that in due course I hope to offer for stimulus as we look at the next stage in the strategy. Read more (scroll down linked page)