THE REVITALISE part of our diocesan strategy hopes to inspire our parishes to dream up ways in which those without faith can become new disciples of Jesus.

It involves helping parishes to create a culture in which there are clear pathways into faith and discipleship. That might involve encouraging church members to engage with the world, then to evangelise about their faith in words and deeds. They can then establish disciples centred on Jesus and subsequently equip those new disciples for mission.

In practice, that might involve hosting events or activities for local communities that meet a proven need, such as toddler groups, youth groups or lunches for the elderly. Then the pathway might involve inviting such people to Alpha Courses, Sunday services or evangelistic events where they’ll hear the good news. And finally giving them the opportunity to join smaller Bible study groups where they can develop as disciples.

That’s what happens at St Jude’s Church, Southsea, where initial contact with those in the community often comes when they throw open their doors for a free cream tea or family fun day – or to offer hot dogs during the switch-on of Southsea’s Christmas lights.

Associate minister the Rev Neil Smart said: “At St Jude’s, we try to be intentional about giving people a pathway to make their way into membership of the church.

“There’s got to be places where people can initially link up with church. That’s our first aim. Then they encounter Jesus at some event or service, and then we want them to grow in the faith and become followers of Jesus.

“It’s too much to expect someone to sign up for Alpha straight from the street, so you need to see it as a process or a pathway. So we have these link events each term, which means they feel welcome at church.

“We’ve had a comedy night that people invited friends to, and we opened our garden while Southsea Food Festival was taking place so people could come and enjoy their food. And everyone who meets and greets visitors has information about the next thing to invite people to, where the good news of Jesus will be explained.”