The second cohort of Mission Community Leaders began their induction at Church House on 30 March. Eight more appointed leaders were joined by Bishop David Walker and Bishop Mark Ashcroft to reflect on their own calling to this role and explore the diocesan vision. With the February cohort already beginning a course of training and development, 20 Mission Community Leaders have now been formally inducted into these roles.
These appointments follow the launch of the 33 mission communities at the start of the year. This new way of working will help support and strengthen the parish system by enabling our lay leaders to work alongside our ordained leaders, through the sharing of gifts and skills across each mission community, releasing energy for mission and growth.
The role of the Mission Community Leader has been laid out in the Mission Community Guidance document published in November 2021. They will guide the process of discernment and formation of the mission community, providing leadership of and support to the mission community leadership team and the wider mission community. They will ensure that the mission community is dynamic, intentional and focused in identifying and achieving the key goals of growing our church, helping people develop in their faith and serving their local community.
Between now and June 2022, the Area Deans and Archdeacons will continue a process of discernment to identify the rest of the Mission Community Leaders. Informed, largely, by responses of over 100 churchwardens, readers, clergy and deanery synod members to the Archdeacon’s call for recommendations late last year. As an ordained minister, the mission community leader will be appointed because of their skills and ability to fulfil the role, regardless of their stage of ministry. Typically, they will be familiar with the area covered by the mission community and the mission already taking place there, as well as being able to see future missional opportunities, inspire others and ensure the mission community is grounded in prayer.