Living Faith for the Future - Revised - Creating vibrant Christian communities

4. Creating vibrant Christian communities

This is about shaping 'communities of grace'which exhibit the character of Jesus. Such attractive communities are genuinely hospitable, deeply engaged with their communities, and passionate about God.

In a parish/benefice this could mean:

• Making use of self-audited health checks to improve the well-being of the church, in answer to the question 'What is this church called to become, and how can it do so?'
• Looking for opportunities to partner the wider community in celebration of aspects of village/town life.
• Taking hospitality and food seriously eg bring and share lunches on Sundays, men's breakfasts, small evening meals with all members of the electoral role, Lent 'teaching'suppers.

In a deanery this could mean:

• More sharing of people, ideas and resources to build each other up across the deanery, including clergy having specific interests and commitments to offer across the deanery.
• A deanery team, under the Area Dean, to support parishes and benefices in vacancy.
• Developing a deanery website or blog through which ideas and events can be disseminated.

In the diocese this could mean:

• Developing strategies of support for the well-being of clergy and committed lay leaders under pressure, focusing particularly on stressful work settings, work-life balance, pastoral and spiritual support, health checks.
• Concentrating resources on the training, recognition and support of Shared Ministry Teams, realistically configured and sensitive to local circumstances.
• Offering memorable encouragement by holding another major diocesan convention.