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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)