Contact
Kerry Thorpe (Canterbury Diocesan mission enabler)
Background:
No big cities at all and subject to both the London effect (focus on
the city and away from the county) and (for Anglicans) the Archbishop
effect (not often in the diocese). There is no ecumenical structure
which holds leaders together, so networking is ad hoc. Fresh
expressions now has a reasonably high profile in the diocese, although
take-up is patchy.
Strategic elements so
far:
- There is a database of fresh expressions around the diocese of
Canterbury, currently 41 projects (very broadly defined!) and 14 on a
much stricter definition.
- There is a twice yearly gathering of practitioners, usually about
35 people.
- Coaching and mission accompaniment are being established. An
accompanier is offered to every new project, and a wider team is being
developed. Coaching is seen as a key element/doorway - a thread
that runs through into the future.
- mission shaped ministry (msm)
is now established on a wide ecumenical basis for Kent, involving both
Canterbury and Rochester dioceses. The partnership is Anglican,
Methodist, Baptist, URC and Salvation Army. Year One saw training
for 52 participants. Year Two started in September 2009.
- There have been four vision
days so far across the area. Partly through these a relational
network is developing. Relationships are seen as key.
- In Rochester Diocese, msm
will comprise year one of the training for the Order of
Evangelists.
FEASTs (Fresh
Expressions Area Strategy Teams)
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