The Diocese of Liverpool is continuing to develop its engagement with HeartEdge, an ecumenical movement that grew out of the work of St Martin in the Fields in London.
Interest across the diocese has grown steadily since a Liverpool delegation attended the national HeartEdge conference in Birmingham in March 2025. The event provided a compelling vision of community-based ministry rooted in real-world practice in diverse settings. Through case studies, workshops and teaching the conference illustrated how Compassion, Congregation, Culture, and Commerce (aka The Four C’s) can revitalise parish life. Delegates described the experience as hopeful, practical, and widely applicable across a range of church contexts.
HeartEdge encourages churches to share resources and knowledge, and through asking “I wonder questions” deepen theological reflection. Heartedge encourages and enables worshipping communities to collaborate creatively in serving their local communities.
Following the 2025 conference, the folk who attended from the Diocese of Liverpool established a HeartEdge Community of Practice, which now meets 3 to 4 times a year at a church led by a group member to share learning, reflect theologically, and support one another in mission. The group brings together clergy, lay ministers, and practitioners who are exploring how the HeartEdge framework can help them respond to the opportunities and challenges present in their parishes.
Clergy and lay leaders from across the Diocese of Liverpool are warmly invited to join the Diocesan HeartEdge Community of Practice. The group is open to anyone who wishes to explore hopeful, outward-facing models of ministry, grounded in collaboration, creativity, and the belief that God is already at work in every community.
Building on this momentum, we will also host a diocesan-wide HeartEdge conference on Saturday 24th October, in partnership with the national HeartEdge team. The event will take place at St Helen’s Parish Church. Booking details will be released shortly.
The day conference will provide an opportunity for everyone to explore the HeartEdge movement more deeply, learn from national speakers, and connect with others across the diocese who are seeking to renew mission in their own contexts.
For more information on the Community of Practice and/or to express interest in the October conference please contact Warren Bohan, the Parish Sustainability Lead, on warren.bohan@liverpool.anglican.org or 0151 705 2168. For more about HeartEdge explore their website https://www.heartedge.org/
