Two of the proposed new parishes in Cohort of the Fit for Mission programme. The PCCs of“ the parish of Warrington” in Warrington deanery, and “Christ Our Light”, in Liverpool South deanery have confirmed their commitment to the becoming larger single parishes.
Following an initial vote in March 2024, both of these parishes began an “Acting as if” stage, which focused on them working as though they are already operating as larger, more collaborative parish. In Warrington, all 12 parishes within the deanery voted to begin working together, supported by a change lead, Rev Sarah Peppiatt. In Liverpool South, Rev Phil Saltmarsh took on the role as change lead, working with the 8 parishes who had voted to work towards becoming a larger parish.
Since then, both parishes have focused on building strong foundations, both missionally and practically. This has included developing new worshipping communities and preparing a proposal for support services team, who will ensure effective and centralised administration across the parish. Both new proposed larger single parishes have followed the guiding structure of the Fit for Mission programme, which includes creating a range of change teams, focused on key areas, such as navigation, communications, and buildings, underpinned by the support of a change facilitator, but, each new parish has adapted the approach to suit their own local context. In Warrington, this has included starting weekly deanery prayers, and in Liverpool South, regular shared prayer and worship events.
In recent weeks, churches from across the parishes have reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward on the journey, with all twelve parishes in Warrington choosing to become part of ‘The Parish of Warrington’, and six parishes in Liverpool South deanery choosing to become the parish of ‘Christ Our Light’.
Members of change teams are already seeming the positive impact of working in a more collaborative way, Jen, who is part of the navigation team in Liverpool South, shares more about her experiences:
“Being part of the Nav Team has been a real blessing. We’ve prioritised meeting together in person and built strong relationships across all lay and clergy members. We have sometimes had difficult conversations, but these are always done in a grace-filled way, underpinned by a shared vision and determination to work towards something robust and feasible, where diversity of theological position is respected and upheld.
Three lay members of the team have been in interregnum for at least part of the planning process, and our meetings together have provided camaraderie and support during what might have otherwise felt a very difficult and isolating time. Nav Team has also provided a taster of how the teamworking approach of the larger parish will help everyone to lean into their strengths and benefit from the gifts that others have. It’s been great to have an opportunity to use the strategic planning and analysis skills that I use in my day job and I feel the benefit of those members who bring a much more pastoral perspective to our discussions.
I would encourage anyone entering into this discernment process to get as involved as you can. Fit for Mission will seem scary for as long as it feels like ‘them and us’, but once you are building relationships with other people, you can see how collaborative working under a larger parish is not just possible but a genuinely positive thing.”
Ann, who’s also part of the navigation team in Liverpool South, also shares her thoughts:
I had heard bits about Fit for Mission – PCC, finance, safeguarding, buildings but what I really wanted to know was “where is God in all of this”, and now I know, and I want to share that with you. I have felt God was in all our joint services in the churches of our deanery. Not one was the same. Each reflected the individuality and the uniqueness of each church, and that won’t change in Fit for Mission. The support that the ministers feel as they meet regularly will enable this to continue. Mission and revival will be at the centre of our worship, and through Cultivate, it will show us, the congregation, how we can move out into to draw people to Christ in places where they feel comfortable and where they want to learn more.
There has never been a time in my lifetime where a faith has been more essential in this selfish and unpredictable world, and I believe that Fit for Mission will enable each church to spread the gospel because the time is ripe for Mission and Revival.
Sarah Peppiatt, Team Rector Designate in Warrington, says:
“I am so pleased that all churches within the deanery have reaffirmed their commitment to join together as the larger single parish of ‘The Parish of Warrington’. Our change teams, clergy and lay leaders have worked really hard while balancing a wide range of commitments, to enable us to begin journeying together. Throughout this time, we’ve also made real progress in decisions that will lay the groundwork for the sustainable future of the parish, while embracing the diverse nature of each church. We look forward to continuing to journeying together, as we look to renew the church, love Warrington, and grow the kingdom in Jesus’ name.”
To find out more about the programme journey, click here.
