How DIP and FfM Resources Work Together to Benefit Our Churches
The Urgency of Change
The future of our diocese is at a crossroads, there is no denying that, and it is critical that we act now to ensure a sustainable and thriving church for the community of today as well as the community of tomorrow. Without action, we face the loss of a third of our clergy, continued decline in church attendance, and the risk of significant areas of our diocese losing a church presence entirely. This means fewer people encountering Jesus and fewer experiencing the warmth and strength of our church family.
With limited financial resources, many of our churches are vulnerable. Some are just one broken boiler away from closing their doors. We cannot wait. We need lasting change, and we need it now.
A Vision for Growth
By 2031, we envision a diocese where churches are flourishing, clergy are well-supported, and our communities are vibrant and welcoming. To achieve this, we must be bold in how we adapt, ensuring that our churches remain places of belonging, hope, and connection with Jesus. Through Fit for Mission (FfM) and the Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP), we have been given the resources to transition into a new era, not just to survive, but to thrive for generations to come.
How We Will Make This Change Happen
DIP funding is bringing much-needed relief across our diocese, offering a lifeline to our parishes at a critical time. Around 25% of the funding will reach every parish automatically, lightening the financial burden with a 13% reduction in parish share from 2025 to 2032. This is more than just numbers—it’s a chance for our communities to breathe, to focus on what truly matters: deepening faith, serving others, and sharing God’s love.
The investment in clergy housing is about more than just buildings. It’s about creating a space where our leaders can thrive, be supported, and stay committed to their calling. This will ensure we continue to have strong, compassionate leaders for generations to come, guiding us toward a more hopeful and sustainable future.
In addition, around 33% of the funding will support parishes that actively engage in mission, whether through nurturing vocations with Lifecall, training clergy and lay ministers, expanding social justice teams, or building new worship communities—including in schools. This funding isn’t just a handout; it’s an invitation to step into new opportunities, to live out our mission in fresh ways, and to bring more people into the life of the Church.
And there’s more. 37% of the funding is dedicated to exciting joint projects between parishes and our diocesan strategy team. This includes support for resource hubs, youth ministry, and church revitalisation. These aren’t just projects—they’re vital building blocks for a thriving, faith-filled future.
This financial support is about so much more than numbers and percentages. It’s about aligning with our vision to introduce more people to Jesus, to deepen our discipleship, to raise up Christian leaders, and to bring about real, transformative justice in our world. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
Beyond financial support, we are taking bold steps to strengthen our mission. Churches will work together in collaboration, sharing resources and wisdom to reach more people. We will launch diverse and innovative church communities, ensuring that our missional message resonates widely. Sustainable buildings will be a priority, ensuring places of worship are fit for the future. Lay and clergy leaders will receive stronger support through training, mentorship, and guidance.
Streamlining church administration is also key. Larger parishes will help reduce bureaucracy, freeing up time for mission-focused work. Resource Hubs will simplify admin and compliance, making church leadership more efficient and accessible.
Fit for Mission and Parish share will still remain very topical through this period of change for our Diocese and will aid us along our path for growth.
Becoming Younger and More Diverse
The diocese and our churches must reflect the communities they serve. To achieve this, we are committed to:
1. Youth & Children’s hubs: Every deanery will have a dedicated hub focused on reaching and supporting young people, creating vibrant youth ministries and building connections across generations.
2. Racial diversity and social justice: We will place a greater emphasis on racial diversity, equality, and social justice, making sure our work speaks to the needs of all communities.
3. Leader development: We will continue to develop and support both lay and clergy leaders through training, mentorship, and encouragement.
4. New income to support missional work: We will focus on new streams of income to ensure that our churches can continue to fund mission-focused work and remain sustainable for the long term.
5. Plant Resource Churches: We will launch four Resource Churches with a focus on reaching people under 25, ensuring that young people are at the heart of our mission.
6. Mission development grants: We will provide grants to support new and innovative missional projects across the diocese, empowering churches to respond to local needs.
7. Regular mission reviews: We will encourage all churches to review their mission, stewardship and income regularly to ensure they are growing, effective, and sustainable.
The Path Forward
Together, we possess the resources, the vision, and the unwavering commitment to make this transformation a reality. This is not just a plan for survival—it is a call to build a Church that is alive, diverse, and rooted in a mission that can be sustained for generations to come. We are standing on the threshold of something extraordinary, a chance to change lives, connect deeply with parishioners of today and tomorrow, and to bring more people to know the boundless love of Jesus Christ. This is a future where our churches are not only vibrant and welcoming but are strong enough to endure and embrace productive growth.
Now is the time to rise to this challenge with courage, faith, and conviction. Together, let us step forward, united by the spirit of our mission, bold in our calling, and dedicated in our belief that we can make a difference.
Key Reading
Explaining the bid and 2025 budget
Suzzane Matthews talks about the people aspects of our funding bid
Diocesan Synod Draft Budget 2025-2034
Diocesan Synod Theological Intro
You can read a letter from Bishop John to clergy and churchwardens here