St Mary Magdalene, Torquay Mission Action Plan. Version th March Mission Action Plan

Transcription

1 Mission Action Plan St Mary Magdalene PCC adopted version 1.0 on 12 th March This MAP is a living document and will grow and change over time. 1

2 Table of Contents Vision - Jesus full life for ALL... 3 Goal - "500 one by one"... 3 Growing Church... 4 Glorifying... 4 Growing People... 4 Going... 4 Giving... 4 The Building... 4 What s in a name?... 4 Church on the way... 4 Context... 5 A town centre church Perceived areas of need... 5 Data from the National Stats Office compiled by Beth Cramman... 6 The Mission Community... 9 Sustainable and Growing Community... 9 Strategic Location... 9 Working together across denominations... 9 For the benefit of the wider church... 9 Key Strategies Worship that connects Discipleship that moves Outreach that draws Implications specific and possible actions Worship and Prayer Discipleship Outreach Youth and Children Pastoral Care Buildings Communications and Administration Embracing change From family to families From pastor to leader From priest to priesthood From knowing all to knowing in part From repeated cycles to programs that facilitate discipleship From a closed community to a community for others Resource Projections Timescales Conclusions Appendix Data graphs from a church survey in Sept 2011 (By Leisa McGoven) Version History (does not include minor changes)

3 Vision - Jesus full life for ALL The church is the body of Jesus, we are his people, and he is the one others need to encounter. So often in church history we have made the well intentioned mistake of introducing people to an institution, a building or an event rather than the man himself Jesus. Jesus offers life in all its fullness. What he did by living, dying and rising to life is to make it possible to live reconnected to people, God the Father and the world; life in all its fullness. This is the free gift from God that we have discovered and are discovering. But there is more. This full life is for all people. Jesus spent his time hanging around with people from every walk of life. Jesus message and invitation was for everyone and it still is. So I hope and pray that building on what has gone before and leaning into what God has in store we would be able become a church focused on Jesus, growing in full life and sharing that life with all. So all would know about and have the chance to encounter the person we follow. We summarise this with the phrase: Jesus, full life for all. Goal - "500 one by one" Living things grow and therefore churches grow. So we have set ourselves a very specific goal for growth. Not because the numbers are important but because by thinking big it forces us to assess all that we are doing and orientate it for the mission and Glory of God. We believe there could be a church of 500 people at St Mary Magdalene and that we need to achieve this one person at a time. 500 one by one. We would like that growth to be predominantly new Christians although when any church grows there is always some transfer growth. When we break 500 one by one down we think it looks like this: 100 people at the 9am traditional communion 300 people at the 10.30am informal contemporary service 100 people at a new evening service that is youth friendly (but probably not a youth service) On Sunday the 2 nd October 2011 we had our highest Sunday attendance for a service that was not a special occasion (baptism, Christmas etc). The total was 137 people with 21 attending the 9am and 116 people attending the 10.30am. If this church is to grow to 500 people that would mean an increase of approximately 265%. It is recognized that as numbers grow the church s dynamic will change. Rather than one family there will be many families. This will need to be monitored so that people, especially newcomers, are not lost. Growth to 500 has no fixed time scale yet but will need to be reviewed regularly, perhaps 6 monthly. 500 one by one may seem over ambitious but it is based on the simple vision that God has given us to reach out to all. God s plans are ambitious; to head for anything less would be human. 3

4 Principles and Priorities Growing Church Living things grow and it is important to nurture a healthy environment to encourage growth, but it also includes a willingness to embrace change. God wants the church to grow! Glorifying Our lives are focused on Jesus. We seek to live in a way that glorifies him and we meet to worship him. Gathering to worship on a weekly basis both builds us up and encourages others. Growing People Jesus is in the transformation business. One of the key ways that happens is in some kind of small group. Life Groups provide the key structure for both growth and care. We are encouraging everyone to belong to some kind of termly Life Group to help them grow. Going We are a sent people. Mission is right at the heart of who we are. As people who are experiencing the grace of God, so we are to go and share God s grace. Giving We all have things that we can give in serving God. These include time, talents and resources. Everyone has a part to play in the expansion of God s kingdom. The Building God has placed this church in the heart of Torquay. We want to release the whole of the physical building and church site for the mission and Glory of God. We are discovering what that looks like by opening up the building as often as we can. The Living Room Café is a great start. There is a need to reach out to the town visually changing the external language. What s in a name? St Mary Magdalene was set free from a very difficult past and became a key disciple. She was the first person to see the risen Jesus. Our vision is to bring the full life of Jesus to all, especially those in desperate need of freedom. Church on the way We are a people who are being transformed by God, we have not arrived at our destination. There are many things that need to be shaped in us and ordered in the life of the church. But the mission does not begin when God has finished that work but now. We are a church on the way. 4

5 Context A town centre church The Church building sits right at the heart of Torquay town and at the very bottom of the parish. In the immediate area we have: Town hall, Law courts, Connections, Job centre, Homeless centre The start of a ½ mile of shops that goes down to the harbour. All these represent a significant mission opportunity The wider parish includes: Upton Park Language Schools Care Homes Upton St James School The church has tried before to be the parish church for Upton but given the geography this has proved difficult. We have chosen at this time to focus on becoming a growing town centre church, so that life can overflow into the wider parish. Perceived areas of need In a recent survey of the church family they identified the following areas of need in the immediate area. broken relationships and broken lives fear addictions to alcohol and drugs homelessness anxiety and depression debt loneliness in young and old unemployment low incomes young people and families in some of the greatest need In the current economic climate the role of the state is likely to contract and there will be a greater need to reach out and meet basic needs. Strategic partnerships with other organizations will need to be formed. (Such as ROC, Samaritans) 5

6 Data from the National Stats Office compiled by Beth Cramman The following figures are based on Office of National Statistics information published by super output areas (small areas with approximately the same number of inhabitants known as SOAs). The data is drawn from both the parish and a ½ mile radius from the church spire. Upton Parish, Torquay is situated in Tormohun Ward one of the top 10% most deprived in the country. The area is more densely populated and has a larger proportion of working age residents than the surrounding area but is less affluent than neighbouring wards. Population Area (Miles 2 ) Population density (Residents per miles 2) Parish ½ mile area Torbay Upton Parish has an areas of 0.35 square miles mainly to the north of the church in residential areas but also includes Union Street shopping area to the south and the civic hub of the Torquay, Town Hall and council offices, Magistrates Court, Library, the coach station and the business incubation centre on Lymington Road. There are two children s centres and one primary school in the area and the northern boundary is shared with Torquay Community College. It also includes two hostels one in the town centre for the homeless and the Foyer for care leavers and other young people who are homeless. The ½ mile area is more southerly extending through the town centre to the sea front at Torre Abbey Sands, although it does not include Torquay Harbour Side, this area is included due to the limitations of using published data. In addition to the civic area, the area described as ½ mile area or radius includes the police station, Torre Abbey, and the Riviera International Centre. Age According to Office of National Statistics (ONS) mid year estimates (2010), Torbay has a greater proportion of residents who are over 65 (27.7%) than the South West and England. Upton parish and the area within ½ mile of the church have more residents who are 16 to 30 years and 45 to 64 years than Torbay, and the rest of the England whilst having a smaller proportion that are 31 to 44 years and 65 years plus. 6

7 St Mary Magdalene, Torquay Mission Action Plan. Version th March 2012 Deprivation. The church is sited in a SOA ranked in the top 10% most deprived in England (2106 out of 32,482 SOAs in England). The maps below show the areas around the church by their level of overall deprivation, red areas are in the top 10% most deprived in England, dark blue are in the top 20%. The average IMD rank of the ½ mile around the church is 3018 (equivalent to top 10%), the parish boundaries extend further north the average rank within the parish boundary is 4045 (equivalent to top 20%). Benefits Both the parish and the ½ mile area around the church have a higher rate of unemployment than the rest of Torbay and are significantly higher than the rest of the country. (Source: DWP February 2011) Jobseekers Allowance Parish Area ½ mile area Torbay South West England Number % % 9.6% 4.7% 2.7% 3.8% 7

8 Levels of people claiming Employment and Support allowance (Employment and Support Allowance provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability. It also provides personalised support to those who are able to work) and Incapacity Benefit are nearly three times higher in the parish and ½ mile around the church, 16% rather than 6%. There are twice as many people claiming lone parent allowance in the area than in the south west and the rest of England. Pensions There are fewer pensioners in the parish and the area around the church than in Torbay, the South West and England. (see table below). All Ages Parish Area % 1/2 mile Area % Torbay % South West % England % Pensioners in the area around the church and the parish are more likely to claim Pensions Credit than elsewhere. Nearly half of pensioners in the parish (47.3%) and in the area around the church (44.9%) are claiming pensions credit, more than two times the national rate (21.3%). 8

9 The Mission Community The PCC have requested that St Mary Magdalene become a mission community with the following submission: Sustainable and Growing Community We have an annual income of about 70,000 and fully pay the parish share. We currently have a Priest in Charge, two retired clergy, two Licenced Lay Ministers and a very high lay involvement. There is administrative support from an office in the church hall staffed by a parish secretary and several volunteers. During the last year over forty people have joined this growing community. Fifteen have become Christians and are now growing in their faith. There is a vibrant and growing youth and children s work. Strategic Location The Church building is in a key location at the top of the town. It is the kind of place people still stumble into during the week and on a Sunday. We are discovering together what it means to be a church in mission in the town. We regularly have 4-6 newcomers/visitors each Sunday, the challenge is helping them take their next steps. We want to see both the building and the people released into mission across the town. Working together across denominations Being Anglican, Evangelical and Charismatic, St Mary Magdalene is uniquely placed to work along side others in mission from many different denominations and networks. This currently includes, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, URC, Pentecostal, Street Pastors, Linx and Anode. We see ourselves as part of Christ s Church in Torquay, becoming a single church Mission Community seems like the best possible format to build on what has already begun. For the benefit of the wider church As the community at St Mary Magdalene continues to grow we hope to both share the labour of that work with others and in due course the fruit of that with the wider church. We hope and pray that in time St Mary Magdalene will be able to send out more people to other communities across Torbay. The following response has now been received from the Deanery: St Mary Magdalene Church, Torquay should be a Mission Community with particular reference to the town centre, and along with all the Torquay Mission Communities should commit to working with the Mission Communities of Torquay in a way to be explored and agreed. It may well be that you will be asked to add some of what is currently the parish of Ellacombe (ChristChurch) to your parish. 9

10 Key Strategies Worship that connects In Acts 2 everyone heard the disciples in their own language. The diversity of languages that people speak is vast, by this we mean more than English. People speak formally and informally, visually and linear and much more. Because our worship also provides the biggest front door to the church our worship must be in a variety of languages that connects the widest possible group of people. Many churches opt to provide this diversity in the context of one service; we are trying to provide this diversity with a range of worship styles. Discipleship that moves In Matthew 28 the disciples are sent to make disciples, teaching them everything that I have commanded. The people they encounter are moved from one place to another, one level of understanding to another, from not knowing or following Jesus to becoming his disciples. Our discipleship strategy aims to move people from the wider community right into the core of the church. The following diagram shows the journey that people travel. Levels of involvement at St Mary Magdalene Community: those who do not yet attend Crowd: those who attend something up to once a month Congregation: those who regularly attend Committed: those who attend termly Life Groups, serve and give Core: those who lead groups, ministries and teams So we will provide simple steps to help people move from the community to the core. Our primary tool in this strategy is Life Groups. Outreach that draws Outreach is primarily relational, in John 1:40-42 Andrew follows Jesus and the first thing he does is to draw in his brother. We need to encourage new Christians in their natural faith sharing and train those who have been Christians for a long time in the skills of witnessing and evangelism. Secondly outreach is organised. So we should excel in events and communications that draw people and make the most of our location. Thirdly, we are called to love our neighbours; this means we will seek to address the needs of the community. In this we need to get our hands dirty, not just hand over cash to professional care organisations. This mission loves people unconditionally (even in their response to the gospel), but it is also purposeful. When the opportunity arises we will not be afraid to point people to Christ allowing them to be drawn into the grace we have experienced. 10

11 Implications specific and possible actions Worship and Prayer WP1 - Continue to develop morning services that speak different languages, 9am traditional communion and informal with groups for children and youth WP2 - Develop 9am Ministry Systems such as welcome WP3 - Invest in contemporary worship so that we can provide worship that connects with culture (Culture needs definition identifying where people are - i.e. relevant but don t compromise) WP4 - Develop youth orientated evening service that is discipleship focused rather than interchurch event focused WP5 Pursue Excellence in our presentation, systems and events, practically this means good planning, teams and using the best in resources. WP6 - Teaching on prayer that releases people as full participants in the kingdom. WP7 - Continue to develop quality hospitality at all events as is being modeled by the morning hospitality team WP8 Develop Corporate Prayer WP9 - Continue to develop prayer ministry, both in the context of services but also as part of midweek ministry Discipleship D1 - Grow Termly Life groups by promoting groups, and gathering leaders and encouraging new leaders D2 - Develop clear steps for people to move on as disciples. From Community to Core. D3 - Develop pathways to serving by providing clear information, easy access, job descriptions and clear oversight. This begins by gathering information about where and how people can serve in a document called Opportunities to Serve. D4 - Develop Men s Groups that reach all ages especially the 20s-40s. These often begin informally by simply gathering men for curry or around a task. D5 - Revise the welcome system that encourages people in to life groups D6 - Develop resource materials the connect with people where they are (literate, web savvy, illiterate) D7 - Develop ways for people to belong this could be in in the form of a local monastic style order of mission. Monastic needs to be clarified specific commitment to SMM in terms of life style prayer, simplicity, learning, purity, accountability etc D8 Train Leaders (link to O1) D9 Discern gifts spiritual and natural Outreach O1 - Training in evangelism through Preaching and Life Groups O2 - Teaching people to live life to the full so that they overflow Jesus in every relationship O3 - Alpha we plan to run The Alpha Course termly providing every opportunity for people to discover a living faith. O4 - Events regular termly events that provide but direct and indirect ways for people to encounter Jesus. Relevant preaching, guest Sundays, special events, meals etc. 11

12 O5 Open the building as a hub for mission the massive central resource we have must be trained to communicate the love of God by being regularly open with a range of activities O6 - Expand and resource The Living Room as the primary way the building is open O7 - Encourage involvement of the church family in para church ministries in the bay such as Street Pastors, Linx and Anode. This can be done through Opportunities to Serve. O8 - Develop ministry to older people, through visiting, meals, concerts etc O9 - Food bank for the poorest in our community. Ideally this would be in conjunction with Anode, Needs more visibility but could also work with the national Foodbank charity. Update: after conversations with Anode we are considering just supporting them in this work. Need to be aware of the needy in SMM as well as Anode. O10 - Breakfast Club. Weekly cooked breakfast for the hungry/lonely in the wider community possibly leading to a prayer/reflection time. O11 - Drawing in Single Mums through a wider range of daytime groups helping put them in touch with others and those who can assist practically O12 - Training for all those who we make connections with above. This would need to follow on from these things once relationships had been established. It could include, reading programs, business support, parenting courses etc. O13 - Develop relationships with local schools supporting the good work of Linx but not leaving it all to them. O14 - Research the bigger project that could hold much of the outreach together. Possibly working under a banner organisation like ROC and in partnership with other churches. Relationship with ROC seems to be developing well and could result in work with ex-offenders and addicts. Youth and Children YC1 - Develop contemporary Sunday children s ministry that sees children as full participants in the kingdom (New Wine offers models and training. This means talk to and treat children as Christians now rather than as future Christians) Once this has grown in both expertise and personally is could be launched publically, becoming an open children s work running parallel to Sunday service. YC2 - Develop midweek Children s ministry that is outreach focused (Possible model Kids Club or Messy Church) YC3 - Appointment of a fulltime children s worker/coordinator to work with church in developing children s work and leaders in the church and in partnership with schools and other local organisations. The PCC will need to resolve the priority of this appointment in line with other appointments and if it should be pre or post growth in the work. (Suggested appointment priority 3) YC4 - Develop youth Life groups we currently have two groups meeting on Friday evenings, this is seen as the primary place of discipleship. YC5 - Develop youth ministry that releases and equips this generation to reach their friends. This will involve training leaders who can release gifts in others. YC6 - Appointment of a fulltime youth worker/coordinator to work with church in developing youth work and leaders in the church and in partnership with schools and other local organisations. The PCC will need to resolve the priority of this appointment 12

13 in line with other appointments and if it should be pre or post growth in the work. (Suggested appointment priority 1) YC7 - Appointment of youth and children s administrative support. This will probably follow the appointment of youth and children s workers as the work grows. (Suggested appointment priority 4) Pastoral Care P1 - Develop Alternative Pastoral Care system for those unable to participate in Life Groups (which provide the primary point of pastoral care) P2 - Refresh the Home Communion team as they provide a key connection point for those who are unable to join us on a Sunday. P3 - Develop a wider pastoral team that carries the authority of the church. When people receive a visit we must communicate that they have received a visit from the Church even if the pastoral visitor is not a priest. P4 - Provide more personnel for RMS (respite meals service) so that they can effectively provide meals for families at times of crisis P6 - Investigate ways of providing more professional care including counselling services, bereavement groups and listening services. Buildings The buildings that we have are in need of constant and costly maintenance. This is a burden that we need to somehow be released from for the sake of mission. This could be resolved with planning, budgeting and enterprises that release funds specifically for maintenance. If we are to set them to work in support of the mission and possibly develop them then there is a clear process for decision-making and a number of factors that we need to consider. Decision making questions 1. What is God calling us to do? (That s what this document is about) 2. What resources do we need to do it? (People and other resources but not buildings) 3. What do we need in the way of building to fulfill 1 and 2? Other Factors that are important 1. Mission If and what we build needs to be driven by mission, so this could make way for some very radical thinking. Second stage warden controlled housing for those coming out of the homeless centre. Or the purchase of additional premises off site that does not have the same limitations as the church land. 2. Language - Our buildings need to speak the same language as the mission of the church (1/5 formal and 4/5 informal the balance is currently the other way round). 3. Access - if we are to realise the full potential of a town centre church then we must find a way to open up the church and make the exterior and entrances welcoming. 4. Space the buildings need to provide the right space to house the mission. 5. Maintenance what could we do to ensure the historical structure of the church is well maintained but without this being a burden on this and future generations. Do we need a trust/charity or set of businesses that could take this on? 13

14 Some specific issues that will need to be resolved in line with the vision, goal and process: B1 - External traditional language of the church in a culture that is largely informal. We need the externals of the building to say that the church is both open and relevant. This could include the construction of a more open and welcoming entrance. B2 - Internal traditional language of the church in a culture that is largely informal. We need the internals of the building to say that the church is both welcoming and relevant. This could include removal of the pews. B3 - External Signage and notice boards need to be brought inline with new branding, see also Communication and Admin. B4 - Youth space the few youth we currently have are in small inadequate rooms in the tower basement. If the service weere to grow to 300 we estimate this would include 50 children and 25 youth. B5 - Crèche space the current location of the crèche makes it difficult for those new to the church to be willing to leave their young children. A short-term solution could be to use portacabins to the side of the church. B6 - Quiet space in the church building Parents and others currently have no place that is sound proofed where they can be with noisy children other than the car park. B7 - Toilets in the church. We currently do not have toilets in the church, which is often inconvenient for children and the disabled. B8 - Heating for midweek events and small events during the winter. We anticipate that the use for the church for midweek activities will increase. Heating the whole church is not viable on many fronts. This could be resolved with the creation of separate spaces at the back of the church. Communications and Administration CA1 - Appointment of full time administrator. The PCC will need to resolve the priority of this in line with other appointments and if it should be pre or post growth in the work. (Suggested appointment priority 2) CA2 - Seek excellence in communication both traditional and contemporary CA3 - External Signage and notice boards need to be brought inline with new branding, see also under buildings CA4 - Continue to grow the website as the virtual front door of the church CA5 - Develop Weboffice as primary organisational and communication tool CA6 - Provide a staffed reception area for the church. This is likely to follow the development of midweek activities and possible redevelopment of the site CA7 - Investigate financial projections plotting projected growth against parish share and expected giving so we can begin to make financial provision for the MAP 14

15 Embracing change As the church grows and matures, as we reach for our goal of 500 one by one so the character of the church will change. By acknowledging these changes we hope we can face and embrace them. We envisage the following changes: From family to families As the church grows there are a number of transition points, the first of which is moving from being one family to that of being a number families held by a common call. From pastor to leader In a smaller church one person can be the pastor to many (max is about 120). In a larger church the lead pastors role becomes more of leader or overseer From priest to priesthood In a smaller church the emphasis is on the priest and his/her role as Chaplain. In a larger church the emphasis needs to change to that of the priesthood of all believers. Often this model is referred to as every member ministry. From knowing all to knowing in part In a smaller church it is possible for most people to know most things and know how to do most things. In a larger church we recognize that we will not know everything and everyone and even more importantly that there will be many things that we don t know how to do. We have not been this way before. From repeated cycles to programs that facilitate discipleship A smaller church often repeats cycles over and over again, putting on the same events and services each year. A church that takes growth and discipleship seriously will organize itself so the programmes facilitate discipleship. From a closed community to a community for others A church family where the membership is static often talks of being open but in reality can be very afraid of those outside. The growing church is there for the benefit of those who are not yet members and is comfortable with this. 15

16 Resource Projections We are working on resource projection based on the following factors: Average Sunday attendance Age profile of congregation Giving units Parish share On going costs such as building maintenance We expect this to help us project when finances will be more readily available for larger projects that require on going spending commitments such as the employment of additional staff and any large building works. This is also detailed in this action plan under CA7. Timescales Phases 1. Research 2. Develop shape specific actions, could also include running trials 3. Do publically launched projection/action 4. Review (action continues but review how it is going and adjust as necessary) 5. Ongoing has become firmly established and is part of the life community Worship and Prayer Year/term 12/1 12/2 12/3 13/1 13/2 13/ Actions WP1 - Morning services WP2-9am Ministry Systems WP3 - Contemporary worship WP4 - Youth orientated service WP5 Pursue Excellence WP6 - Teaching on prayer /5 5 5 WP7 - Quality hospitality WP8 Corporate Prayer Discipleship Year/term 12/1 12/2 12/3 13/1 13/2 13/ Actions D1 - Grow Termly Life groups D2 - Develop clear steps D3 - Develop pathways to serving D4 - Develop Men s Groups D5 - Revise the welcome system D6 - Develop resource materials D7 - Develop ways for people to belong D8 Training Leaders 16

17 D9 Discerning Gifts Outreach Year/term 12/1 12/2 12/3 13/1 13/2 13/ Actions O1 - Training in evangelism through Preaching and Life Groups O2 - Teaching people to live life to the full O3 - Alpha O4 - Events O5 Open the building as a hub 1/ for mission O6 - Expand and resource The 1/ Living Room O7 - Encourage involvement O8 - Develop ministry to older people O9 - Food bank for the poorest 1 1?? in our community O10 - Breakfast Club O11 - Drawing in Single Mums O12 - Training for all those who we make connections with above O13 - Develop relationships with local schools O14 - Research the bigger project 1 1?? Youth and Children Year/term 12/1 12/2 12/3 13/1 13/2 13/ Actions YC1 - Develop contemporary Sunday children s ministry YC2 - Develop midweek Children s ministry YC3 - Appointment of a fulltime 1 2/3 4 4 children s worker/coordinator YC4 - Develop youth Life groups YC5 - Develop youth ministry YC6 - Appointment of a fulltime 1 2 3?? youth worker/coordinator YC7 - Appointment of youth and children s administrative support 1 17

18 Pastoral Care Year/term 12/1 12/2 12/3 13/1 13/2 13/ Actions P1 - Develop Alternative Pastoral Care system P2 - Re-establish the Home Communion P3 - Develop a wider pastoral team P4 - Provide more personnel for RMS P5 - Continue to develop prayer ministry P6 - Investigate ways of providing professional care Buildings Year/term 12/1 12/2 12/3 13/1 13/2 13/ Actions B1 - External traditional 1 2?? language of the church B2 - Internal traditional language 1 2?? of the church B3 - External Signage and notice 1/ boards B4 - Youth space B5 - Crèche 1 2?? space B6 - Quiet space in the church 1 2?? building B7 - Toilets in the church 1 2?? B8 - Heating for midweek events small events during the winter 1 2?? Communications and Admin Year/term 12/1 12/2 12/3 13/1 13/2 13/ Actions CA1 - Appointment of full time administrator 1 2/3?? 3 4 CA2 - Seek excellence in communication CA3 - External Signage and 1/ notice boards CA4 - Continue to grow the website CA5 - Develop Weboffice CA6 - Provide a staffed 1 2/3?? reception CA7 - Investigate financial

19 projections Conclusions The great commission is clear, we are sent people whose task is to make disciples of all nations. We have a very specific town centre context in which we are working this out. This includes many social, faith and economic challenges. Our vision is focused on Jesus, and seeks full life for all. We have the goal of becoming a church of 500 but this is done in little steps, one person at a time. In order to achieve this goal we have some principles, strategies, actions and things about character to be working on. All this is sensible planning but we also need to be prepared to be surprised. The Church is Christ s body and is grown by his Spirit. Our mission action plan will help us to get in step with the Holy Spirit but we must never forget the recurrent phrase in Acts, the Lord added to their number. Growing the church is what the Holy Spirit does; we have the joy joining in. As we reach for 500 one by one so we will see the wider community transformed as more people follow Jesus into full life and share him with all. 19

20 Appendix Data graphs from a church survey in Sept 2011 (By Leisa McGoven) How long have you been coming to St. Mary Magdalene Church? 7 New Christians 7% 1 year or under 2-10 yrs yrs yrs 19 % 32% 40+ yrs 14 People have changed church to come to St.mm In the last year. 18 % 24% 89% of those surveyed come to church almost every Sunday. NB this survey is not comprehensive, for example the welcome system has logged over 40 new people and at least 15 new Christians. 20

21 Age Ranges of Congregation October Of 66 church members who responded to survey under Under 16's did not take part in survey - numbers were sourced from youth membership attendance records Lifestyle of Congregation Rent Home/w ork Ow n Home No Job Retired Volunteer Paid Work Married Males Females

22 Why did you come to this church? Responses to survey Alpha course Baptism/wedding Childhood church church website Invited Near to home Preaching Style of worship Vibrant/growing Welcome 22

23 Version History (does not include minor changes) Updates from Draft to version /03/2012 Goal o Added It is recognized that as numbers grow. Building o Added and church site o Added There is a need to reach out to the town visually changing the external language. o Context o Town centre focus retained having clarified that the parish will not be ignored o Added All these represent a significant mission opportunity o Added parish details Perceived areas of need o Added In the current economic climate the role of the state Mission Community o Added St Mary Magdalene Church, Torquay should be a Mission Community Worship and Prayer o WP3 Added (Culture needs definition identifying where people are - i.e. relevant but don t compromise) o Added WP8 Develop Corporate Prayer Discipleship o D7 Added Monastic needs to be clarified specific commitment to SMM in terms of life style prayer, simplicity, learning, purity, accountability etc o Added D8 Train Leaders (link to O1) o Added D9 Discern gifts spiritual and natural Outreach o O14 added Relationship with ROC seems to be developing well and could result in work with ex-offenders and addicts. Youth and Children o YC1 added (This means talk to and treat children as Christians now rather than as future Christians) o YC2 added or messy church Pastoral Care o P2 amended from renew to refresh o P5 retained under pastoral care as it is more weighted to caring for people o P6 removed PCC vision day suggestion to provide debt counselling as Upton Vale have already begun work with CAP, we should work with them 23