Note our provisional date and venue for Sankofa 3: Brookside Church, Saturday 18th May, 10-1230.

 

In August 2023 The Peterborough Circuit of Churches committed to reviewing its sustainability, driven initially by questions about finance. However, this gave rise to questions about how faith informs our finances, our vision, and a series of consultations and gatherings around the theme Sankofa; looking to the future whilst learning the lessons of the past. 

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Our most recent work is giving rise to significant efforts in working in mutual partnership with the District and the wider church. We are at the forefront of questioning how the Methodist Church can be present to assist circuits who are in a state of transition; looking for growth, being prepared to make changes, but needing financial security as church property is repurposed or sold, reflecting on the role of ordained and lay staff, and refocusing our efforts. These talks continue and the documents laid out here illustrate facets of this as we journey on.

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The Circuit reviews its Mission Statement annually and works continually to respond to the needs of local churches. This latest document was prepared in support of a church that was applyhing for funding in May 2022, and so provides some evidence of the measures we have taken. Please note that all of the three positions looking to enable ministry in churches and across the circuit, have been filled. 

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This workbook contains a full outline of how our churches can develop their Mission Plan, incorporating and adding to previous insights and responding well as they emerge out of lockdown. A simple flowchart is to be found on page 3. 

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Outlines the thinking and process that underpins our 2019-early 2020 Circuit Review, as we discerned how we can share the resources we have across our churches more effectively. The discussions inncorated, 'One Church for Peterborough', 'Team Preaching', 'Lay Pastors', and 'Local Mission Enablers'. In practice this led to:

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A determination to move away from preachers being spread across the plan towards preachers having a closer relationship with a more limited number of churches. Preachers who are able to offer more appointments are able to devote more time to journeying with one church in a mentoring capacity, particulalry during times of change. We have two such preachers in this role. Others specailise in a specific type of worship (such as all-age worship)

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We affirmed the present role of pastoral secretaries in churches and instead of appointing 'lay pastors', recognised the lay support that was already in place in local churches. Our position on this shifted in 2021 but here a lay pastor has a much more missional role, but this was part of the journey.

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There is a desire for ministers to be seen across the circuit more rather than in a section model, but the current way of operating limits this.

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Conversations about the single Church for Peterborough model were challenging because of the impact and potential loss on local church congregations, and the legal position that individual churches would have to agree to this.

 

Further explorations around having a circuit as a single church council with multiple centres have been challenging because more work would need to be done by less people. Also, the move to a one circuit church would be challenging for our ecumenical partners. We continue to explore efficient ways of working. 

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Sadly the coronavirus hindered progress but these are the in-principle conclusions of Reimagine 1 and 2.

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This report on the impact of Fresh Expressions and new work in the life of the Church evidences the impact of the movment across our churches nationally. Helpful reading for churches looking to grow, and questioning how we measure growth.

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2018 Introduction; What is 'church', What us 'discipleship', and What is 'evangelism'.

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2018 A helpful document that invites leaders to reflect on how the church's mission relates to local demographics, the range of activities that take place in the church building, the delineation between these that are 'church' events. Churches are encouraged to discuss how they can best make use of these connections, and how they invite people to become involved practically in the work of the church.  

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2018 Designed to help local groups and projects reflect on their original aims, their leadership, and how they enable engagement through by blessing people, helping them to belong, grow in faith, question their own priorities, change how they live, and invite others to participate. 

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2018 Reading lists and resources that church leaders may find helpful.

 

2018 Leaflet outlining the vision and aims of the Peterborough Pioneer Hub, including how we are supported by Adherents, Associates, and Advocates. The Hub was a great source of encouragement for a period. We continue to support people and our superintendent offers coaching, but our model has now shifted

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Compiled in 2016, a series of resources intended to helping people focus on Jesus' call to engage in mission. Entitled, 'Jesus, Agent of Change'.

 

Compiled in 2015, but still useful are the resources that we produced for the preaching and small group series. 

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Mission Shaped intro has always been a free and effective resource to help churches understand why they may need to change their approach to worship and mission, in accordance with changes in how people communicate, learn, and reflect. 

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