IT was a great chance to catch the vision for what we might do as a diocese in the future.

Clergy, churchwardens and parish officers came to three archdeaconry consultations to hear more about what our diocese does at the moment, and the challenges and opportunities to come.

The three evenings introduced the concept of ‘speed-dating’ with diocesan staff – worshippers were given a few minutes to chat to staff from each area of our diocese’s work. They tgave feedback about the areas in which parishes feel they get the most help and where improvements could be made.

Each consultation also included Bishop Christopher outlining the national Church of England’s new ‘Reform and Renewal’ agenda, which you can read about on page 8 of this edition of Pompey Chimes. He also touched on our diocese’s new strategy, which is being hammered out at the moment.

“This is about the transformation of individuals’ hearts and lives, in our communities and in our nation,” he said. “We need purpose, intention and conviction. We are called to be people like that as we seek to be his disciples. We have vision, but it is no good unless it is earthed.”

Worshippers also heard about three innovative projects from their own archdeaconry as part of the evening. In Portsdown, that included hearing about breakfast church in Emsworth, the use of church buildings in Portsea, and building relationships in parishes on Hayling Island.

And they separated into four different groups, visiting tables to discover about the work of our four different sections in turn. Jeff Williams, head of Mission of Education, asked for help from parishes in preserving the Christian ethos of our schools.

He said: “The sessions all gave an overwhelming affirmation and acknowledgement for the breadth and scope of our work in schools. The challenge relates to how we communicate. Firstly, how and where we share ideas and celebrate success and engagement that parishes have with schools. 

“The second is around a more intentional way of sharing the training and support we can give to individuals, PCCs and groups, to be effective governors, and ways they can demonstrate their ministry and service in schools.”

Canon Anthony Rustell, head of Mission, Discipleship and Ministry, spoke about how his team could resource parishes in their mission and ministry to others. Afterwards, he concluded: “The main challenge for us is encouraging new and exciting ways of growing disciples and fostering vocations to build a vibrant church. Parishes were looking for support and resources that would allow a deeper engagement with the Christian faith, and advice to help them manage their resources for growth. 

“We’ll be developing ways of making training and education for discipleship even more accessible, so that all can fully participate in the life of the church."

Jenny Hollingsworth, head of Mission and Resources, spoke about finance, IT, safeguarding, church buildings and pastoral organisation. And Canon Nick Ralph, head of Mission and Society, talked about how his team could help parishes engage with society on a variety of social justice issues.

And he said: “Firstly, people were frequently amazed at the diverse range of the issues we cover. Secondly they very much wanted the Church to be engaged in issues of social justice and social action as well as signposting to relevant organisations specialising in particular areas, and thirdly they wanted more and clearer communications about it all. 

“There was a lot for us to respond to and we will be thinking about how to do that over the coming months and we will communicate the outcome!”

Click here to see a selection of photos taken at the events.

WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THE EVENT:

“It was helpful, inspirational and practical, and I’m glad we’ve been listened to tonight.” The Rev Connie Sherman, priest-in-charge, St John’s Church, Purbrook.

“It’s been very useful and informative. And it’s been practical, with opportunities to put forward our own ideas. It’s a reminder that diocesan officers are there to support you.” Derek Baker, churchwarden, St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain.

“It’s the best one of these I’ve been to. There were some really good conversations, and it was enlightening to discover what various people do.” The Rev Peter Hall, vicar, Church of the Good Shepherd, Crookhorn.