As you know, we have been seeking a significant partnership with the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB). This is in support of the ambitious direction of transformation that we are already on with Fit for Mission, to grow a bigger church in the Diocese of Liverpool, to address overall decline in our churches and to sustain our church communities for future generations.
In March, we received the first £1.4 million tranche of Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP) funding from SMMIB support specific time-critical elements of our DIP proposal. This has allowed us to progress crucial work – including leadership for resource churches, development work for the youth strategy and resource hubs, programme management and development of key tools, especially for the Mission Planning & Review process. Releasing this initial tranche of support was critical to sustaining momentum in the partnership between National Church, Diocese and Parishes, working together to transform our missional ambition, sustainable growth and cultural change.
Earlier this week, Diocesan Secretary Sharon Parr shared more good news and positive verbal feedback after SMMIB met to consider the re-submission of our full bid. We understand that SMMIB warmly welcomed Liverpool’s proposals and the scale of our ambitions. The funding agreed will support targeted interventions to help our churches grow, become younger and more diverse, and remain missionally healthy and financially sustainable.
We will be sharing more detail about what this means for everyone in the coming weeks, once formal processes have been completed. We will also be sharing your stories and learning from across the Diocese as we continue to thank God for His blessings and for sustaining us on this long and challenging journey of change.
Bishop Ruth says:
“We are so very thankful for the confidence that the wider Church has shown in providing this much needed grant, working with us in fulfilling the calling of God to share the good news of Jesus. It is now for us to do our part in response. We have ambitious plans! They will require us to be bold in prayer, open to new possibilities, willing to change, and always learning more of the generous love of the God who gave all for us.”
