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Bishop's Deanery Visits
Summary
As part of the reception of Shaped by God, Bishop Tim visited all the deaneries in a series of 5 meetings between January and March 2007.
This document summarises those visits, firstly through a summary page indicating how the initative is being received in the diocese, and identifying the key themes and issues arising from the visits.
A more detailed summary of each visit is then given.
Feedback and responses to this summary should be made to Pete Hobson, the Director of Shaped by God.
The reception of Shaped by God so far
- Has been a challenging process for many, but signs that parishes across the diocese engaging with report.
- Resistances have often not been mentioned, but are clearly present.
- Great variety in where parishes and clusters are at. Some are only beginning to talk, others have implemented MP’s.
- Partnership is clearly something being grappled with, but most are at the early stages of doing something about it.
- Audits, action plans are being written. MP’s being formed.
- Understanding that mission needs to be a priority, and doing this in partnership with others is vital
- Local context is important – different expressions suit different circumstances
- Fear of loss of the local
- Need for change of attitude
- Willingness to create diverse partnerships, including across theological boundaries.
Recurring themes/Key issues
- Focus often seems largely on churches and congregations. Other institutions need to be included in partnerships.
- Help needed on what to give up – including attending to the need for removing some structural layers
- How to work with difference in partnerships
- Ecumenical involvement is a priority - especially with Methodists
- Youth and children’s work is a priority
- Raising the profile of, and interest in, Fresh Expressions of Church.
- Communications with, between and amongst partnerships
- Church’s role in partnerships to transform the community needs working at
