LIVING FAITH RESEARCH REPORT. October 2013

Transcription

1 LIVING FAITH RESEARCH REPORT October Blandford Avenue, Kettering, NN16 9AS T M benita@christianresearchconsultancy.co.uk

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Background... 5 Research objectives... 5 Research Method... 6 Clergy/LLM sample... 6 PCC Secretary/Church Warden sample... 6 Congregation sample... 6 Awareness of Living Faith & Level of Engagement... 7 Extent of engagement... 7 Those engaging to a large extent... 8 Those not engaging at all... 9 What hindered engagement with Living Faith Familiarity with purpose of Living Faith Living Faith: Source of Awareness Living Faith: what is top of mind Five priorities: awareness, engagement and helpfulness Five priorities: awareness and engagement Clergy/LLMs Five priorities: awareness and engagement PCC/CWs How easy it was to engage with each priority How useful were the 5 priorities Priority focussing Focus on: Sustaining the sacred centre Sustaining the sacred centre: outputs (clergy/llms) Sustaining the sacred centre: outputs (PCC/CWs) Difficulties engaging with sustaining the sacred centre Focus on: Making Disciples

3 Making disciples: outputs (clergy/llms) Making disciples: outputs (PCC/CWs) Difficulties engaging with making disciples Focus on: Making a difference in the world Making a difference in the world: outputs (clergy/llms) Making a difference in the world: outputs (PCC/CWs) Difficulties engaging with making a difference in the world Focus on: creating vibrant christian communities Creating vibrant Christian communities: outputs (clergy/llms) Creating vibrant christian communities: outputs (PCC/CWs) Difficulties engaging with Creating vibrant Christian communities Focus on: Shaping confident collaborative leadership Shaping leadership: outputs (Clergy/LLMs) Shaping confident collaborative leadership: outputs (PCC/CWs) Difficulties engaging with Shaping confident collaborative leaders Focus on: engagement with schools engagement with Schools: outputs (Clergy/LLMs) engagement with Schools: outputs (PC/CWs) Greatest outputs Top 12 doing more of clergy/llms Top 12 doing more of due to living faith clergy/llms Top 12 influenced by Living Faith PCC/CWs Awareness, use and helpfulness of resources Awareness of resources Awareness and use of resources: Clergy/LLMs Awareness and use of resources: PCC/CWs

4 Helpfulness of resources: clergy/llms Helpfulness of resources: PCC/CW How good a use of resources Volume of resources Living Faith attitude statements Who has been developing Living Faith at the local level Who took the lead in developing Living Faith Living Faith Outcomes Living Faith: outcomes (clergy/llms) Living Faith: outcomes (clergy/llm) Those engaging more with Living Faith Living Faith: outcomes (clergy/llms) Those engaging a little with Living Faith Living Faith: outcomes (PCC/CWs) Those engaging more with Living Faith Living Faith: outcomes (PCC/CWs) Those engaging a little with Living Faith Greatest changes in church as a result of Living Faith Greatest impact on the local community Sugestions for the future Helpfulness of suggested improvements Suggestions for future improvement (clergy/llms) Suggestions for future improvement (PCC/CWs) How could Living Faith have been made easier to engage with? Other comments LIVING FAITH RESEARCH SUMMARY Appendices Appendix 1: Listing of open ended comments Appendix 2: Questionnaires Appendix 3: Sample details

5 BACKGROUND The diocese of Oxford is the largest in terms of churches, with 843 across 626 parishes and an electoral roll of over 50,000. In order to help unify the diocese it set up the Living faith initiative in 2009 that aims to bring the diocese together under one vision, set of values, purpose and set of priorities. The central priority of Living Faith priorities is: Sustaining the sacred centre and the others priorities are: Making disciples Making a difference in the world Creating vibrant Christian Community Shaping confident collaborative leadership. A wide variety of communications and resources have been developed by the diocese including course guides, leaflets, prayer guides, mission guidance and DVDs. Research was needed to help the diocese understand how effective the Living Faith initiative has been and provide guidance on further development. The research focussed on the five priorities, looking at these three areas: Inputs the Living Faith initiative, communications, materials and stimulus Outputs the activities and actions prompted by Living Faith Outcomes what has changed as a result of Living Faith RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 1. To give a voice to as many people as possible through the research 2. To provide a benchmark of how well Living Faith has permeated the diocese a. Awareness b. Motivations and barriers to engagement c. Levels of engagement d. Enthusiasm for Living Faith 3. To assess the effectiveness of the Living Faith INPUTS 4. To investigate what OUTPUTS there have been as a result of Living Faith 5. To understand what OUTCOMES have resulted from Living Faith, and explore how these might be making a difference in the diocese 6. To provide guidance on the future of Living Faith 5

6 RESEARCH METHOD Three web based surveys were conducted with the following groups: 1. Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers (clergy/llms) 2. PCC Secretaries/Church Wardens (PCC/CWs) 3. Members of church congregations The first two surveys were by invite only, the third was an open invite to members of church congregations. The fieldwork took place June to August 2013 Here is a brief outline of each sample, more details can be found in Appendix 3. CLERGY/LLM SAMPLE 296 Clergy and LLMs completed the questionnaire, giving a 31% response rate. 64% were male and 36% female. 64% were aged 54 to 64. Around half served in rural locations. 56% had been in the current role for less than five years. 70% had more than one church in their parish or benefice. The breakdown by role was as follows: 33% Rector/Vicar 19% Curate in training 18% LLM 17% Associate clergy 6% Team vicar 4% Priest in charge PCC SECRETARY/CHURCH WARDEN SAMPLE 383 completed the questionnaire, giving a 19% response rate. 68% were Church Wardens and 30% PCC Secretaries. 77% were aged over % had been in their role for less than five years. Over 70% were based in rural areas. CONGREGATION SAMPLE Only 106 church members responded to the survey, most of whom held responsible post within their church. Due to the relatively low response from congregation members, findings have only been analysed qualitatively, as the sample is not robust enough for a quantitative analysis. 6

7 AWARENESS OF LIVING FAITH & LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT Awareness of Living Faith was high with 95% of Clergy/LLMs and 76% of PCC/CWs aware. Those aware of Living Faith were asked to what extent they had engaged with it. The majority had engaged to either some extent or a small extent : 75% of clergy/llms and 55% of PCC/CWs. EXTENT OF ENGAGEMENT Clergy/LLM 7% 36% 39% 14% 4% PCC/CW 8% 26% 29% 14% 21% % of total To a large extent To some extent To a small extent Not at all Not aware The following table looks at extent of engagement by role within the church. Sample sizes are as follows: Main Clergy (127), Other clergy/llms (153),PCC Secs (116) and Church wardens (262). Main Clergy includes priests in charge, rectors, vicars and team vicars. Other clergy/llms includes: associate clergy, curates in training, and LLMs. As might be expected, main clergy claimed higher levels of engagement than others. Total Main Clergy Other Clergy/LLMs PCC Sec Wardens To a large extent 7% 7% 7% 6% 9% To some extent 30% 43% 29% 29% 24% To a small extent 33% 36% 41% 31% 28% Not at all 14% 13% 16% 12% 16% 7

8 THOSE ENGAGING TO A LARGE EXTENT 7/8% of respondents claimed to have engaged to a large extent. The clergy/llms more likely to engage to a large extent were female, catholic, liberal, aged over 45. In addition, PCC/CW respondents who were more likely to engage to a large extent were found in churches that were larger, growing, urban, liberal. Clergy and LLMs who had engaged to a large extent commented that Living Faith had become integral to the vision, strategy or life of their church. Here are a few examples of what was written: We have built it into our vision document, used the graphic in our branding, and run regular courses linked to its themes We have built our parish strategy (and now our Mission Action Plan) around it. We have used the 'living faith' phrase in parish communications: website, on sweatshirt, pewsheet etc. When we drew up a 5 year Vision Document (effectively a Mission Action Plan) in 2011 we used the headings and format of 'Living Faith' as our model. We have followed each strand and made it the focus for our vision each year All our mission planning is based around the 5 strands Used it as the foundation for our vision statement and used each year's theme although always a year or two behind the diocese as needed time to settle into parish. Living Faith was being developed as I arrived in the parish and was beginning to consider vision with my PCC. It came at the right time and we were able to adopt the strategy and customise it for our context. We have developed a parish logo & strapline Living Faith in Burghfield. Easy to remember! We use the five stands as areas in our MAP (and did before I arrived too). Our logo had picked up and developed the paint palette. We have attended the various conferences and meetings around it. We have the leaflets available prominently in church. We find it helpful in our planning. We have deliberately synchronised our own 5 year vision programme with Diocesan LF. We changed a couple of the strands a bit, and we didn't use the logo, but the core 5 strands were the same. Our PCC agenda is set to the 5 principles of Living Faith My training incumbent uses it as a framework for our DCC meetings to think about our life as church. We use the literature and we follow as much as we can the aspects of living faith in each year. 8

9 Across the Benefice all the churches have focused on a specific Living Faith aspect each year. The topics have been the focus of sermons, outreach and mission, PCC discussions etc. We have used the different areas as our focus for each year. It has helped us focus our aims and objectives It has shaped All Saints' Vision Strategy including the structuring of the interview process for Team rector of the Wycombe Team Ministry. PCC Secretaries/Church Wardens who had engaged to a large extent also commented that Living Faith had become integral to the vision, strategy or life of their church. Here are a few examples of what was written: Because "Living Faith" forms the framework for the parish's 5 year development plan and progress is regularly reviewed at PCC meetings. It also serves as a reference point for new ideas and plans, as in: "Is what we are proposing consistent with what we have said in our "Living Faith" statement. Everything that we do is reviewed in the context of the five strands of the Living Faith and these run through our future plans. Living Faith runs through our Mission Action Planning, which is regularly reflected upon and reviewed at PCC meetings. Our incumbent preaches regularly to the congregation about the various strands of Living Faith and as a church we are aware which strand we are focusing on for this year. The Living Faith priorities underpin the strategic planning of the PCC. We are working through a five year plan based on Living Faith. The plan has been published by the PCCs of the two churches in the Benefice in a booklet entitled. Living Faith ' available to the congregation and generally... THOSE NOT ENGAGING AT ALL 14% were aware of Living Faith but had not engaged with it at all. The clergy/llms less likely to engage were male, serving churches in cities/large towns, evangelical, aged under 45. There were a range reasons for not engaging at all with Living Faith, including: Time of change at church Lack of relevance due to church being too small, elderly, rural, part of LEP, etc. Little awareness of Living Faith Churches taking no action other than making literature available Negative attitudes 9

10 Examples of comments relating to time of change at the church (Clergy/LLMs): Messy time in the Parish (involving a previous Vicar who didn't play nicely with others and pastoral reorganisation) which meant that they've just done what they could and not worried too much about the rest. I arrived here halfway through the initiative. I had very much appreciated it in my previous parish, but felt that the best way forward here was through the structure of the Parish Profile. This includes the Sharing Life aspects, but delivered in a way more pertinent to this parish. Interregnums x 2 in last 3 years, not grounded or led here, Our previous church leader (now retired) decided not to engage with it. Examples of comments relating to time of change at the church (PCC/CW): We are in an interregnum and having difficulty keeping our usual work going. Sadly times have not been as easy this year, apart from major building works, we have struggled to form a PCC and we have had no encouragement from our vicar to have anything to do with 'Living Faith' Examples of comments relating lack of relevance (clergy/llm): I am not sure where the interface between Living Faith and a small rural parish exists. I am not sure why I should be really aware of it either. As a small LEP in the community life is too busy Examples of comments relating lack of relevance (PCC/CW): Very small church with Electoral Roll of 8 We have a very small congregation who live in a widely spread area. We are a small traditional community and church with mainly retired age parishioners We are a very small elderly congregation in a small village Example of comments relating to low awareness of Living Faith (Clergy/LLM): I have seen no literature or heard it spoken about (PCC/CW): Only heard about it about six weeks ago at Church Warden's visation evening 10

11 I know nothing about it Not publicised in our church Not pushed in the Deanery Example of comments relating to churches who simply made the literature available but did not actively engage (clergy/llms): The pamphlets have not been distributed and practically no reference has been made to the initiative. It has not shaped the teaching programme in any way. We make leaflets available, but very few are taken, but do not refer to or use the framework Although we have the literature on display very few engage with it It does not arise in any of the material that we use locally in services or other activities. The leaflets on 'giving', etc. provided by the Diocese are made available to members but hardly ever discussed. (PCC/CW): We have handed out the literature but not discussed it I hesitated between 'to a small extent' and 'not at all' because we did have some (not all) of the leaflets available for people in our church. I cannot recall any programme in our small rural church that has relied on Living Faith material. We do have some of Bishop John's leaflets available in church for visitors and I believe such contemporary presentation of information is useful. Some other negative comments (clergy/llm): It is far too Church of England focused. An increasing number in our church have had enough of the poor advice (or total lack of it) received from the diocese so they won't engage with something which feels as though it has been dictated to us from on high. We have not found it to be a helpful structure for the sort of ministry we want to pursue. What is to get involved with? I don't think that the clergy or people have felt engaged or touched by the living faith initiative... The parishes aren't very interested in being part of the wider church. There are all sorts of reasons for this, mainly embarrassment of the way the church is 11

12 perceived nationally. We address our education and training to the needs of the parishes rather than following a defined programme. Some other negative comments (PCC/CW): Because the PCC members and congregation are not enthused by it. I am a traditionalist and wish the Church of England would encourage the use of the Prayer Book WHAT HINDERED ENGAGEMENT WITH LIVING FAITH Clergy/LLMs were shown a list and asked if anything on the list hindered engagement with Living Faith. This highlighted two major issues: either they were using their own strategic planning tools or there was a lack of enthusiasm within the church. Using our own strategic planning tools Lack of enthusiasm within the church Haven't really looked at it properly Not really appropriate for us No time yet to engage with Living Faith Did not find it inspiring Lack of support from anyone in the church Our church is too small Did not understand how to use it Church leader is new in the role Church leader is new to Oxford Diocese Did not feel Living Faith was flexible enough None of the above 2% 15% 15% 13% 13% 13% 12% 9% 8% 7% 13% 28% % all Clergy/LLMs 34% Those that used their own strategic planning tools were more likely to be under 45, male, serving in a church that was evangelical, charismatic, in a city or town. Those that cited a lack of enthusiasm within the church tended to be rural, catholic, liberal, aged 55 or over. Clergy/LLMs were also given space to write about what else hindered engagement. There were 160 responses including comments relating to: lack of time context (e.g. small, rural, elderly, LEP), the fact that it was a diocesan initiative apathy. 12

13 Here are some examples of what was written relating to lack of time: Always the sense that life is quite busy without having to engage further unless required to do so. Probably overbusyness on the part of our churches and the lives of our congregants. I think that some clergy were so busy in the everyday stuff and overloaded with Admin that they didn't have time to really engage with the strategic thinking required to work out how to apply Living Faith in their context. The lack of leadership time to engage properly with the resources on offer. I could be wrong, but feel as if the real issue was time. Our parish, and most that I know of, have other emphases throughout a given year to which time must also be given. It might have also help to have had a longer run up to the beginning of Living Faith. Here are some examples of what was written relating to context: Does not seem to be particularly helpful or relevant to rural churches. As an LEP anything which focuses on any one of the denominations it is less likely to be considered plus we only have 1/3rd of the time available to work on denomination led stuff since we must look at all three in balance! if this had been rolled out with other denominations it might have helped. Many of the congregation are either elderly or trying to hold down full time jobs, so there is a lack of time and energy Lack of resources in a small congregation but we do what we can! Some of the small churches in our Benefice are struggling to survive and therefore thinking about something else is not always possible. Here are some examples of what was written relating to the fact that Living Faith is a diocesan initiative: I didn't find that a diocesan initiative spoke to the local situation despite this being a very non directive approach. Some saw it as yet 'another' thing to do which was imposed from the Diocese. oxford is quite a distance away from my parishes and some people find it difficult to relate to initiatives coming from Oxford. It seems disconnected with our local life. It's an idea from the diocese, with lots of leaflets. People are suspicious of things that come 'from the diocese' 13

14 There is still a sense that it is a top down initiative and whatever the diocese comes up with will fade out or be replaced eventually. memories are very long in the countryside! A suspicion of all things diocesan as opposed to initiatives from other churches (e.g. Willow Creek, HTB) among leadership FAMILIARITY WITH PURPOSE OF LIVING FAITH All respondents, including those unaware of Living Faith and unengaged with it were shown the purpose of Living Faith. To Join with God in creating a growing, caring and sustainable Christian presence in every part of the Diocese of Oxford, enabling every Christian and every Christian community to live and share the love of God, seen in the life of Jesus Christ. They were asked how familiar they were with the purpose. Most clergy/llms were familiar with it and most PCC/CWs were not that familiar with it. Clergy 24% 35% 28% 11% PCC/CW 11% 29% 30% 28% % of total sample Very familiar Quite familiar Not very familiar Not at all familiar As expected, those more engaged with Living Faith were familiar with it (72% of these Clergy/LLMs) and those not engaged were not familiar with it (65% of these Clergy/LLMs). 14

15 LIVING FAITH: SOURCE OF AWARENESS Respondents were prompted with a list and asked how they had heard about Living Faith. Seen material from the Diocese 63% 91% Read about it in The Door 49% 69% Seen on Oxford Diocese website Bishop/Archdeacon/PDA/Area Dean Read about it in E news 22% 35% 39% 68% 68% 65% Clergy/LLM PCC/CW Heard about it from other clergy 29% 22% Other ways 9% 6% % of total sample The primary source of awareness was the material from the diocese. For clergy/llms there were also four equally important secondary sources: The Door, Diocese website, Senior clergy, e news. For PCC/CWs the main secondary source was The Door, which was a source of awareness for 57% of PCC secretaries. SOURCE OF AWARENESS BY ROLE % of all clergy & PCC/CW Total Main Clergy Other Clergy PCC Sec Warde ns Not aware of LF 14% 0% 7% 21% 21% Seen material from the Diocese 76% 95% 90% 66% 62% (leaflets, postcards, DVDs, etc. Read about it in The Door 58% 74% 67% 57% 47% Read about it in E news 41% 73% 60% 18% 24% Heard about it from other clergy 25% 28% 31% 24% 21% Seen on Oxford Diocese website 49% 75% 63% 36% 34% Heard about from Bishop/Archdeacon/PDA/Area Dean 52% 80% 58% 30% 43% 15

16 % of all clergy/llms & PCC/CW Total Clergy Urban Clergy Rural PCC/CW Urban PCC/CW Rural Seen material from the Diocese 76% 88% 95% 68% 62% (leaflets, postcards, DVDs, etc. Read about it in The Door 58% 61% 77% 56% 47% Read about it in E news 41% 62% 68% 28% 19% Heard about it from other 25% 30% 29% 28% 19% clergy Seen on Oxford Diocese 49% 67% 70% 40% 32% website Heard about from 52% 66% 69% 41% 38% Bishop/Archdeacon/PDA/Area Dean Other ways 7% 12% 7% 8% 5% Not asked 14% 6% 3% 18% 22% The Door is more effective at reaching clergy/llms in rural churches. In rural areas PCC/CWs were less likely to find out about Living Faith through any of the communication channels. LIVING FAITH: WHAT IS TOP OF MIND Respondents were asked what was most top of mind for them regarding Living Faith. The 262 responses from clergy/llms were generally very positive with these aspects being mentioned most often: Communications material, particularly the palette of colours, the logo/diagram and leaflets Living Faith framework Five priorities Sustaining the sacred centre The 250 responses from PCC/CWs were also generally positive, included many of the same aspects as clergy/llms but they were also more likely to mention Living Faith in relation to the local community. Example of comments relating to communications material (clergy/llms): Its logo is easily recognised and the use of the palette of colours has been effective in establishing a 'brand name a palette of colours with which I can paint my own picture in other words taking context seriously 16

17 A palette of colours with five different themes to give the diocese a general sense of direction the colour palette in that it expresses creativity. It seems well thought out incorporating the main strands of mission and ministry. Sustaining the sacred centre rightly runs through the palette like a matrix. Example of comments relating to communications material (PCC/CW): The leaflets (e.g. on prayer, bible reading etc.) have been particularly useful as a resource to the congregation. Also the use of the logo and a kind of branding of developing faith from the Diocese has helped raise awareness. The Logo comes to mind instantly. I have seen it on all literature. The idea of painting a picture with different colours. Examples of comments relating to the Living Faith framework (clergy/llms): It's a framework, it helps us keep a balance in our ministry and in the work of the church A cohesive vision for the future of the diocese which has been well articulated for parish use. The framework it provides for thinking about different aspect of church life. Most helpful to have the five strands to focus on. All aspects have been really important in our developmental thinking and have helped shape the development of our church Helpful focus and framework for supporting the work of the churches. Also the idea of a palette of colours that can be used creatively in each location. It is a cohesive grouping of topics that shows breadth of the Christian life Examples of comments relating to the Living Faith framework (PCC/CWs): The idea of having a vision and a plan for the future which includes all of the churches in an area. A practical and realistic framework for driving the church forward with the congregation and in the local community. Living faith offers a balanced framework that enables us to recognise and develop the different strands of church life, to discover God s purpose and to identify achievable steps that we can take towards creating a healthy church that meets our own needs and cares for others. It encouraged us to look at our priorities and our vision 17

18 Examples of comments relating to the five priorities (clergy/llms): The different strands of 'living faith' concentrating on one specific topic each year Importance of sharing a "Living Faith" in Christ and "Living out our Faith as Christians. "Living Faith" a helpful reminder/strategy/priority of a particular strand year by year to engage with as relevant in the local situation The 5 themes. Sustaining the sacred centre stands out as most prominent in my mind 5year plan with topics which people can opt into if they think right A collection of 5 strong themes, so be a focus for development. Attractive little leaflets on the themes. The 5 emphases, Sustaining the Sacred Centre, Making Disciples, Making a difference in the World, Creating Vibrant Christian Communities & Shaping confident collaborative leadership, are an excellent summary of a holistic view of Mission. I am especially pleased with the first as the starting point. Examples of comments relating to the five priorities (PCC/CWs): The five principles which we using to set priorities for action The possibilities and hope that the 5 priorities create I think of it as "Bp. John's 5 priorities". It should be our aims and objectives in all we do. Examples of comments relating to the sacred centre (clergy/llms): All aspects but drawing on the sacred centre as the 'powerhouse' for the other initiatives Living Faith is a very useful initiative and I like the progression. Sometimes it is hard to fit into each parochial situation, parishes being at so many different places in their journey. The bit I have been most impressed with is Sustaining the Sacred Centre. The occasional leaflets are excellent. I was most impressed with the concept of Living Faith when I came here. It's core principles are very similar to the disciplines I have followed in a Renovare group. Sustaining the Sacred Centre is my passion for the churches and I strive by example and teaching to make that real for all. Sustaining the sacred centre probably because it was the first of the five areas to be worked on and has been consciously part of our thinking for that bit longer than the others 18

19 The idea of having an integrated approach to discipleship with the sacred centre being vital to all areas. Examples of comments relating to the sacred centre (PCC/CWs): That God and our faith is at the centre of all we do and then the different aspects of our life lead off from that sacred centre. Sustaining the Sacred Centre and how it can be applied to everything from personal faith to church restoration. That God and our faith is at the centre of all we do and then the different aspects of our life lead off from that sacred centre. Examples of other positive comments from Clergy/LLMs: It forms a fantastic basis for God's work in each place Its enormous value. It is a wise, easily accessible, practical discipleship guide, presented in a very user friendly way. Very good priorities Good framework for mission Provides focus and shape for local mission The fact that the diocese has identified these priorities is a tremendous help and encouragement in preaching and in justifying what I am trying to do in ministry. The articulation of "Making disciples" is a real challenge for a non evangelical congregation. The fact that it is comprehensive in its approach to faith outward looking, encouraging us to look to the needs of those around us, concerned for the wider world and its resources, stressing the need for working collaboratively, yet always focussing on the powerhouse of the sacred centre. Examples of other positive comments from PCC/CWs: A good idea and with local church support a valuable tool. That if promoted more and adopted by each parish it is a wonderful vehicle to move our church forward. Like the way it has worked from the inside (centre) outwards. A great initiative to help churches develop a clear focus, with a series of strong and helpful publications A good framework to use to focus the local church activities and connect them to the wide mission. 19

20 Examples of comments relating to community (clergy/llms): A series of initiatives intended to develop the profile of the church in the community Encouraging churches to be confident in their faith and make a difference in their community Opportunity to communicate with the community Examples of comments relating to community (clergy/llms): Taking our faith out into the community and into the wider world, and making our churches more accessible to all. It has given us the opportunity to take the Church to a wider audience, the wider community, through greater use of the church facilities and a large range of activities to attract all ages. Whilst also encouraging us to look at the faith/ spirituality within the existing congregation To encourage communities and extend the faith from the church building into the community To be part of the community, to help local community and beyond in whatever way we can and through that express our faith and hopefully help others experience the benefits e.g. providing premises, social occasions, fund raising 20

21 FIVE PRIORITIES: AWARENESS, ENGAGEMENT AND HELPFULNESS Respondents were asked which of the five priorities they were aware of, and for those aware, to what extent they had engaged. FIVE PRIORITIES: AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT CLERGY/LLMS Sustaining the Sacred Centre 50% 42% Making disciples 51% 40% Making a difference in the world 43% 42% Creating vibrant Christian communities 33% 50% Shaping confident collaborative leadership 25% 53% Aware and engaged Aware but not engaged % of all clergy/llms Awareness and engagement was strongest with Sustaining the sacred centre and Making disciples. This is perhaps not surprising as these were the first two priorities for the diocese, and there has therefore been more time to become aware and engage. Sustaining the sacred centre is also the priority which is central to Living Faith, so the most obvious place to start. Female clergy/llms tended to engage more on all priorities, but most noticeably on making a difference in the world. By geography, those in town churches were more likely than others to be engaged with making a difference in the world, whereas rural churches were more likely than others to be engaged with sustaining the sacred centre and creating vibrant Christian communities. Respondents from City/Large Town churches were less likely to be engaged with any of the priorities. 21

22 FIVE PRIORITIES: AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT PCC/CWS Sustaining the Sacred Centre 32% 20% Making disciples 28% 26% Making a difference in the world 27% 27% Creating vibrant Christian communities 30% 27% Shaping confident collaborative leadership 18% 22% Engaged Aware but not engaged % of all PCC/CW Awareness and perceived engagement for PCC secretaries and church wardens was lower than for clergy/llms. The pattern of awareness and engagement was also different in that it was more equal for the five priorities, except for shaping confident collaborative leadership which was lower. The strongest priority for this group is creating vibrant Christian communities. AWARENESS OF THE FIVE PRIORITIES % of those aware of LF Total Main Clergy Other clergy/llms PCC Sustaining the Sacred 86% 98% 99% 68% 77% Centre Making disciples 87% 97% 96% 80% 78% Making a difference in the 83% 94% 85% 75% 78% world Creating vibrant Christian 85% 94% 83% 83% 81% communities Shaping confident collaborative leadership 70% 89% 78% 52% 59% As would be expected, main clergy are more aware of all the priorities. It is interesting to note that awareness of sustaining the sacred centre was relatively low with PCC secretaries. CW 22

23 HOW EASY IT WAS TO ENGAGE WITH EACH PRIORITY Clergy/LLMs were asked how easy it was to engage with each priority using the scale: very easy, quite easy, not very easy or not at all easy. Each response was given a score of +2 to 2 respectively. The following chart summarises all responses into a mean score for each priority. As can be seen, all priorities expect shaping confident collaborative leadership were, on balance, considered easy to engage with. Sustaining the Sacred Centre 1 Making disciples 0.61 Making a difference in the world 0.45 Creating vibrant Christian communities 0.31 Shaping confident collaborative leadership 0.01 Clergy found it easier to engage with sustaining the sacred centre and most difficult to engage with shaping confident collaborative leadership. As churches were encouraged to focus on one priority each year starting with the sacred centre, it may be that they found it easier to engage with this because they have had more time. In contrast, shaping confident collaborative leadership had only recently come into focus for the diocese. Rural churches found it easier to engage with making disciples and town churches found it easier to engage with making a difference in the world. Those in catholic churches generally found it harder to engage, especially with shaping leadership, but found engaging with sustaining the sacred centre easier. Those under 45 found it easier engaging with priorities 1,2 and 5. 23

24 HOW USEFUL WERE THE 5 PRIORITIES Clergy were asked to rate each priority in terms of usefulness using this scale: very useful, quite useful, not very useful to not at all useful. Each response was given a score of +2 to 2 respectively. The following chart summarises all responses into a mean score for each priority. As can be seen, those who engaged with the priorities found them useful although sustaining the sacred centre and making disciples were considered more useful than the other priorities. Sustaining the Sacred Centre 1.02 Making disciples 0.8 Making a difference in the world Creating vibrant Christian communities Shaping confident collaborative leadership 0.34 PRIORITY FOCUSSING Only 10% of Clergy/LLMs claimed to be following the priority a year as suggested by the diocese, most were either using Living Faith in their own way (32%) or were unaware of the priority years (14%). 22% of PCC/CWs were unaware of priority years. Those more engaged with Living Faith, and more positive about it, were more likely to follow the suggested priority each year. We used Living Faith our way 24% 32% Not aware of priority years 14% 22% Priority a year, as outlined 5% 10% Clergy Priority a year, but to suit ourselves 7% 4% PCC/CW More than one priority a year 6% 3% Less than one priority a year 4% 2% 24

25 FOCUS ON: SUSTAINING THE SACRED CENTRE This is the strongest of all the priorities: 92% of clergy/llms were aware, 50% engaged 52% of PCC/CWs were aware, 32% engaged 84% of clergy/llms found it easy to engage with and 83% found it useful Here is some more detail on what churches were doing related to sustaining the sacred centre, and some details of barriers to engagement with it. SUSTAINING THE SACRED CENTRE: OUTPUTS (CLERGY/LLMS) Clergy/LLMs were asked to think about changes in the spiritual life of their church since the introduction of Living Faith in 2009, regardless of whether Living Faith influenced those changes. They were given a list of possible outputs relating to sustaining the sacred centre and asked whether their church was doing more, about the same or less of each. If they were doing more, they were asked whether this was due to Living Faith or whether they would have done more anyway. (% of clergy/llm) The findings suggest that since 2009 churches are much more active in relation to sustaining the sacred, although most of it was not directly as a result of Living Faith. The biggest increases in activity are to do with bible reading and prayer and more respondents claimed that Living Faith had had an influence in these areas. However, the greatest relative impact was with going on retreats where Living Faith accounted for 31% of increased activity. 25

26 Clergy/LLMs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help deepen spirituality. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments (excluding common words such as the, it and words like Living, Faith and church ). The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. A full listing of all open ended comments can be found in the Appendix. Here are a few examples of comments from clergy/llms: We began a Contemplative Prayer Group We are looking at developing prayer partnerships or triplets More Quiet Days and daily prayer diary; churchyard prayer guide; spiritual direction courses attended; prayer study groups It has established a regular monthly prayer meeting. However this is rather poorly attended. Held an experience of Prayer Day with a sister from Mucknell Abbey. Small group studying spirituality set up. We made use of the 'Hour Out' cards at home groups, which led to some fruitful meetings and advice sought for deepening spirituality. We are looking at developing a quiet garden space 26

27 SUSTAINING THE SACRED CENTRE: OUTPUTS (PCC/CWS) PCC/CWs were not asked the same question as clergy/llms. PCC/CWs were given a list of potential outputs and asked which their church had been doing over the last 4 years or so. For each of those selected, they were asked whether Living Faith had had a positive influence on it. The findings show that churches are particularly active in prayer and bible reading in relation to sustaining the sacred, and that Living Faith is having some influence in these areas. The greatest relative influences were with meditating, where Living Faith influenced 32% of activity, and studying the bible in groups where Living Faith influenced 28% of activity. PCC/CWs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help deepen spirituality. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. 27

28 A full listing of all open ended comments can be found in the Appendix. Here are a few examples of comments from PCC/CWs: offer to pray for people and situations written down in a prayer request book; think about including something spiritual in our PCC meetings in addition to business We recently had a 24/7 week of continuous prayer seeking to hear from God. We now routinely incorporate into our PCC Meetings a discussion topic relating to spirituality. We have monthly Theo's Cafe Church where before the Eucharist we engage in small all age groups for readings or discussions or role play depending on the lectionary or season. We find this type of 'intimate' worship conducive to people exploring their faith and other issues. Special services such as Healing, Taize and Wholehearted as well as Monday early morning prayers and third Sunday evening prayers. I think it has encouraged some church members to set up small prayer groups, & encouraged others to lead a series of Benefice wide sessions looking 'Deeper into God'. Congregation members were asked whether they had been doing anything themselves over the last four years or so to help deepen their spirituality. Here are examples of some responses. Spending more time listening to god. To deepen my understanding of God's will, and to strengthen my relationship with and trust in God We were encouraged to reflect upon our sacred centre and to share that with others the church, I found that very helpful 28

29 DIFFICULTIES ENGAGING WITH SUSTAINING THE SACRED CENTRE Clergy/LLMs were asked what difficulties they had in engaging with sustaining the sacred centre. Here is a word cloud summarising the most popular words used. There were just 24 responses from clergy/llms. Comments included concerns about the language used and about relevance to local culture/context. Here are some examples of their comments: This opening theme was hopelessly opaque churchy language of the most inaccessible kind. It stood out as unhelpfully different from all the others and, as the first one, it just put people off. Culturally distant nature of the material from our urban multicultural context The language used did not 'click' with our context a little too 'religious' and 'clever' I was in a low evangelical church for who understanding 'sacred centre' was not easy as it was not language we were used to. Our weariness, self centred concern and reluctance to take on anything new. It isn't so much difficult it is simply that one always has to work at this Time. Commitment to maintenance of existing ways. 29

30 FOCUS ON: MAKING DISCIPLES This is the second strongest of all the priorities: 91% of clergy/llms were aware, 51% engaged 54% of PCC/CWs were aware, 28% engaged 72% of clergy/llms found it easy to engage with and 77% found it useful Here is some more detail on what churches were doing related to making disciples, and some details of barriers to engagement with it. MAKING DISCIPLES: OUTPUTS (CLERGY/LLMS) Clergy/LLMs were asked to think about changes in the life of their church since the introduction of Living Faith in 2009, regardless of whether Living Faith influenced those changes. They were given a list of possible outputs relating making disciples and asked whether their church was doing more, about the same or less of each. If they were doing more, they were asked whether this was due to Living Faith or whether they would have done more anyway. (% of clergy/llms) It is very encouraging to see that churches throughout Oxford diocese are doing so much more to help make disciples, particularly with children and young. Most of this is regardless of Living Faith although the area where it has had the most direct influence is with activities to help people explore and deepen faith. 30

31 Clergy/LLMs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help make disciples. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. Here are some examples of the comments (clergy/llms): Yes... we have been on a real journey of encouraging people to grow as disciples based on a series from the sermon on the Mount. Yes, small readers group, a small deeper bible study group and we have run a growing young leaders course. We probably wouldn't have done the 'Everybody Welcome' course without the year's focus on Making Disciples We incorporated a 'preaching series' on the book of Philippians into our Sunday services. Something that had not been done before. We also did the Living Faith Bible study We are running our first Alpha course this autumn. Good preaching has helped people to want to understand more and at greater depth Organised lent and autumn courses each year, often with a living faith aspect as a theme Contact with people who have been baptised or married in the church. 31

32 MAKING DISCIPLES: OUTPUTS (PCC/CWS) PCC/CWs were given a list of potential outputs and asked which their church had been doing over the last 4 years or so. For each of those selected, they were asked whether Living Faith had had a positive influence on it. % of total PCC/CWs It is encouraging that churches are doing so much in the area of making disciples, particularly with children and young people. For PCC/CWs the single output across all priorities that was thought to be influenced most by Living Faith was reviewing the work with children and young people. Living Faith influenced at least 30% of all activity in these areas: reviewing the work with children and young people, organizing activities to help people explore and deepen their faith and focusing on faith in the workplace. PCC/CWs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help make disciples. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. 32

33 Here are some examples of comments from PCC/CWs: We have tried to make contact with local residents through social events to encourage them to attend our church but the response has been disappointingly low. We have developed our contacts and support to the horse racing industry We have become more aware of the need to move the church as a building into the heart of the community resulting in the development of a Friends' Group and of plans for a servery in the church to widen its use. To modify our worship to accommodate families and to become a family friendly church. Set up a café to meet the community each week and make ourselves more available. Set up a school of iconography with resident artist. Have found those that attend tend to go on a spiritual journey along the way through thinking about and learning about the icons and those they depict. Also through the bonds that form within each group. Outreach has always been part of our church work, i.e. members of the congregation visiting newcomers to the village, holding activities other than services in church in the hope of encouraging people to come and "see what it is all about". Engaged in the social fabric of our village through events (quizzes, local history evenings, bbq evenings, whist drives, carol singing) that bring in nonworshippers and make Friends. A small group of husbands who attend Church but who are not confirmed have been having informal meetings with the Vicar and I know that 1 of this group at least will be Confirmed at the next opportunity. Congregation members were asked whether they had been doing anything themselves over the last four years or so to help their discipleship or that of others. Here are examples of some responses. 33

34 I am more involved with discipleship in schools and services for young children. I have spent more time reflecting on service in the community More inclined to share my experiences of God working in my life Supporting friends in their journey to ordination DIFFICULTIES ENGAGING WITH MAKING DISCIPLES Clergy/LLMs were asked what difficulties they had in engaging with making disciples. Here is a word cloud summarising the most popular words used. There were 46 responses from clergy/llms, including comments relating to the fact that their congregations were small/rural/elderly, or that there was a fear of going out to make disciples. Here are some examples of their comments: I have a tiny congregation and just keeping going is the main priority In a small village with an ageing congregation, the scope is limited. It was difficult to decide whether it meant finding new converts or making those attending church to be better disciples Lack of local desire to engage with 'discipleship' term seen as a bit off putting and too evangelical for some. no expression of interest in courses, however much I have tried. Our church isn't very outward looking apart from our occasional offices. Engaging with 'Making disciples' was a challenge to our usual direction. 34

35 FOCUS ON: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD 85% of clergy/llms were aware, 43% engaged 54% of PCC/CWs were aware, 27% engaged 67% of clergy/llms found it easy to engage with and 65% found it useful Here is some more detail on what churches were doing related to making a difference in the world, and some details of barriers to engagement with it. MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD: OUTPUTS (CLERGY/LLMS) Clergy/LLMs were asked to think about changes in the life of their church since the introduction of Living Faith in 2009, regardless of whether Living Faith influenced those changes. They were given a list of possible outputs relating making a difference in the world and asked whether their church was doing more, about the same or less of each. If they were doing more, they were asked whether this was due to Living Faith or whether they would have done more anyway. (% of clergy/llms) The findings show that each church in the Oxford diocese is, on average, doing more in around five of the activities listed. The areas of greatest development are directly related to helping other people engaging more, caring more and being more aware of other s needs. The lowest impact of Living Faith in this priority is in doing more to support charities. 35

36 Clergy/LLMs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help make a difference in the world. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. Here are some examples of the comments (clergy/llms): we got involved with Foodbank, collecting Food and clothing involving not only us but the community and other denominations We run a coffee morning in one of our Parishes once a month to raise funds for a nominated charity raises about 200 pm(parish=1800 adults and children. Three of our Churches give every week to the MK Food Bank and one in Leighton Buzzard. We got involved in a Food bank and a homeless project Various members of our congregations have and are taking part in fund raising activities for charities. The Homeless Project continues to provide meals for needy folk and the establishment of a food bank is getting going. The church already actively involved in Christian Aid and other campaigns but Living Faith has probably made us more aware of needs / opportunities in our own neighbourhoods Introduction of Food bank, free activities for families and talk on Fairtrade at AGM 36

37 MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD: OUTPUTS (PCC/CWS) PCC/CWs were given a list of potential outputs and asked which their church had been doing over the last 4 years or so. For each of those selected, they were asked whether Living Faith had had a positive influence on it. (% of all PCC/CWs) The perception of PCC/CWs is that most churches in Oxford diocese are active in making a difference in the world. For PCC/CWs one of the single outputs across all priorities that was thought to be influenced most by Living Faith was engaging more with the community. Living Faith influenced 27% of activity to encourage young people to make a difference in the world. PCC/CWs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help make a difference in the world. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. 37

38 Here are some examples of comments from PCC/CWs: it has encouraged members to do charitable work locally and throughout the wider world arranging community meetings for the elderly We now collect for the local Food Share bank as a result of being aware of the needs of others in the local community. We have made donations to charities providing food and shelter for the local homeless and to charities providing end of life care for those with incurable conditions. We have also supported campaigns to relieve suffering in Africa. The majority of these initiatives were already underway before Living Faith began. I remember signing up to be a Fair Trade church & possibly this came out of Living Faith. Organised a commitment to give to a local food bank and regularly visiting them with groceries. Contributing to funding for a young person to do mission work. A collection point for items to donate to local Food Bank Congregation members were asked whether they had been doing anything themselves over the last four years or so to make a difference in the world. Here are examples of some responses. Praying for global warming to stop. Praying for the repair of the Ozone Layer Working with the special needs children and adults. DIFFICULTIES ENGAGING WITH MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD Clergy/LLMs were asked what difficulties they had in engaging with making a difference in the world. Here is a word cloud summarising the most popular words used. 38

39 There were 51 responses from clergy/llms including comments relating to the fact that their congregations were small, rural or elderly. Here are some examples of their comments The overall scheme is good but it does not take account of where parishes are. The timescales are suitable for a stable flourishing parish, dysfunctional parishes need time and help to adapt the material to where they are. Getting people to understand the relevance of small, local engagement with the wider community, e.g. foodbank. taking individual responsibility for own active faith and its potential for making positive difference even on a small scale. A particular evangelical slant and understanding of mission Compromise with the value of the world, too afraid to stand up for the Gospel, lack of clear understanding of the Scriptures, reluctant to step out of their comfort zone, afraid to take risk, lack willingness to sacrifice. Small congregations in small rural settings are mostly trying to engage with their local community. It is very difficult to move them on to see the wider world. One or two engaged a little by looking at their giving. 39

40 FOCUS ON: CREATING VIBRANT CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES 83% of clergy/llms were aware, 33% engaged 57% of PCC/CWs were aware, 30% engaged 80% of clergy/llms found it easy to engage with and 65% found it useful Here is some more detail on what churches were doing related to create vibrant Christian communities, and some details of barriers to engagement with it. CREATING VIBRANT CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES: OUTPUTS (CLERGY/LLMS) Clergy/LLMs were asked to think about changes in the life of their church since the introduction of Living Faith in 2009, regardless of whether Living Faith influenced those changes. They were given a list of possible outputs relating creating vibrant Christian communities and asked whether their church was doing more, about the same or less of each. If they were doing more, they were asked whether this was due to Living Faith or whether they would have done more anyway. (% of clergy/llms) The single activity, across all five priorities, that churches in Oxford diocese are doing more of is to make the churches more welcoming. This is also the most common activity which is happening more as a result of Living Faith. 40

41 Clergy/LLMs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help create vibrant Christian communities. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments Here are some examples of comments (clergy/llms): We have worked a little harder on welcome helping one congregation to think about being a Vibrant Christian Community to grasp what it means and to look out beyond the walls of the church to the wider parish rather than expecting people to come to church show them, by example, what it means to be church Welcome Teams; welcome table after main Sunday Service; strong pastoral visiting team; redecoration and refurbishment of Church Foyer; 'Everybody Welcome' course Removed most of the pews in one church to enable easier use of the space as a welcoming venue; set up interesting exhibitions which are of interest & benefit to local school children I think Living faith has made a difference in a few individuals lives and it is difficult to measure the corporate impact of its influence 41

42 CREATING VIBRANT CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES: OUTPUTS (PCC/CWS) PCC/CWs were given a list of potential outputs and asked which their church had been doing over the last 4 years or so. For each of those selected, they were asked whether Living Faith had had a positive influence on it. (% of total PCC/CWs) Whilst three in four PCC/CWs claimed that they were making their church more welcoming, only one in three were talking to the community about how to do this. However, Living Faith was having a positive influence on over a quarter of activities in both of these areas. PCC/CWs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help create vibrant Christian communities. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. 42

43 Here are some examples of comments from PCC/CWs: we have tried to arrange services at different time and in different guises to get more young people into the church keep going with ideas about re ordering the interior & installing toilet & servery Welcomers rota on Sunday mornings. A special needs group provide coffee for the community every Tuesday morning. Redesigning the notice boards to give better information about church activities. Displaying Living Faith booklets. letting the building to community and providing a community noticeboard We have a new kitchen, a new Friends of the church group who now organise the fund raising and we are planning a disabled toilet & shed. In addition we now have a Harvest dance which is open to all and have a Passover meal. Making access to the church easier i.e. creating parking. Also plans for kitchen and toilet which will enable us to use the church for other events in the community Engaged with local community arts group to put on a joint production of HMS Pinafore. Also have become very involved as the beginning and end point of the local Roald Dahl festival. Invited schools in fir tours and art/iconography talks and activities. Congregation members were asked whether they had been doing anything themselves over the last four years or so to help make their church a more vibrant, welcoming community. Here are examples of some responses: As we are a Church Community of 5 or 6 people we have and still do support each other as far as we are able and have reached out, and largely been rejected, by members of the community who do not feel that church life has anything for them. Helping to welcome families of children at the Church Primary school when they come to church for events. Promoting Church events at the School. Being a link as a school governor, volunteer teacher's assistant and familiar face about in the village. Spending more time with newcomers in the church. We hold a drop in coffee morning for the local community,; it is held in church 43

44 DIFFICULTIES ENGAGING WITH CREATING VIBRANT CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES Clergy/LLMs were asked what difficulties they had in engaging with creating vibrant Christian communities. Here is a word cloud summarising the most popular words used. There were 55 responses from clergy/llms, including comments relating to the fact that their congregations were not at all vibrant or that they had little time to engage with it or that it takes time to create a vibrant community. Here are some examples of their comments: An overwhelmingly elderly congregation in one church, who don't feel at all vibrant! A very small congregation in the second church. It is difficult to create vibrant Christian communities when our own community is so small and parishioners do not wish to engage with the church. Finding sufficient vibrant people It's a very woolly term and we have not had much that's of use from the diocese to help us pin it down to some practical ways forward. The new clergy team has inherited a culture of church going rather than belonging to a vibrant community Too many outward looking initiatives are seen as the responsibility of the clergy alone or at best the area of specialists rather than all member ministry. 44

45 FOCUS ON: SHAPING CONFIDENT COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP This is currently the weakest of the five priorities: 78% of clergy/llms were aware, 25% engaged 40% of PCC/CWs were aware, 18% engaged 50% of clergy/llms found it easy to engage with and 60% found it useful Here is some more detail on what churches were doing related to making disciples, and some details of barriers to engagement with it. SHAPING LEADERSHIP: OUTPUTS (CLERGY/LLMS) Clergy/LLMs were asked to think about changes in the life of their church since the introduction of Living Faith in 2009, regardless of whether Living Faith influenced those changes. They were given a list of possible outputs relating shaping leadership and asked whether their church was doing more, about the same or less of each. If they were doing more, they were asked whether this was due to Living Faith or whether they would have done more anyway. (% of clergy/llms) In the priority area of leadership, churches are doing more to use people s gifts and skills to help the church, but are perhaps neglecting the development of both existing and potential leaders through encouragement and support. 45

46 Clergy/LLMs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help shape leadership. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. Here are some examples of the comments (clergy/llms): Living Faith Group deliberately involved eight people aged 30 to 50 in a significant leadership role for three years. encouraged people to attend leadership courses and pastoral courses. Strong existing ethos of shared leadership now supported by the LF theology and material. This is in its early stages. We are developing 'Focus task groups' who come together for short to medium term tasks so that people don't feel they have a job for life, but will help with a task that has an end date. This is a core priority and we are working on it over a sustained period both in core leadership and growing the leadership of our home groups and pastoral groups. Living Faith helpfully frames both priority and conversation but we need to change culture, and that takes time. Reorganized structure of PCC and created more action groups. Living faith is important as it helps to encourage and remind leaders of the importance of working together 46

47 SHAPING CONFIDENT COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP: OUTPUTS (PCC/CWS) PCC/CWs were given a list of potential outputs and asked which their church had been doing over the last 4 years or so. For each of those selected, they were asked whether Living Faith had had a positive influence on it. (% of total PCC/CWs) As with clergy/llms, in the priority area of leadership churches appear to be doing more to use people s gifts and skills to help the church, but are perhaps neglecting the development of both existing and potential leaders through encouragement and support. PCC/CWs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help make disciples. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. 47

48 Here are some examples of comments from PCC/CWs: it has encouraged members of the congregation to become more involved in the worship and ancillary issues We have run Growing Leaders twice and are looking to run it again in the autumn...several of the participants have gone on to leadership roles...family service, church warden We encourage church members to lead intercessions and other duties during the Sunday service. Recruited and trained two groups of welcomers. Created, evaluated and strengthened cluster groups. Evaluated Team pastoral needs, volunteers recruited, interviewed and trained. I think the general ethos of living faith has made this easier and I have used the resources. But it is difficult to specify how LF has directly motivated us. Congregation members were asked whether they had been doing anything themselves over the last four years or so to help strengthen the leadership of their church. Here are examples of some responses. by helping leaders taking the services in our church. encouraged others to explore their vocations It has given me the courage to stand for Churchwarden We are developing a number of training sessions in Leadership. DIFFICULTIES ENGAGING WITH SHAPING CONFIDENT COLLABORATIVE LEADERS Clergy/LLMs were asked what difficulties they had in engaging with making disciples. Here is a word cloud summarising the most popular words used. 48

49 There were 66 responses from clergy/llms, including comments relating to the fact that their congregations were small/rural/elderly, or that the current leaders were not open to collaboration, or that they had people with leadership potential but who were too busy to take on leadership responsibility within the church. Here are some examples of their comments: A diverse understanding of collaborative it isn't just about clergy sharing their role but about everyone sharing ministry and using their own unique gifts as well. Personalities have got in the way Not many people want to commit to a leadership role. too few doing too much and some who are very controlling about their role and won t let go. again, some direction and help from the diocese on encouraging volunteers and vocations. This is difficult just because it is difficult to get busy people who are confident collaborative leaders at work all day to also be confident collaborative leaders at church in the evenings and at weekends as well. In very small rural churches, finding willing people to be involved in leadership is increasingly difficult. So they won't engage with such material No understanding of, or desire for, collaborative leadership on the part of the incumbent. it's not always easy to "shape" volunteer leaders This does not fit with the incumbent vicar's style. It is inefficiency rather than any dictatorial attitude. He does not so much delegate as fail to perform and then someone picks up what needs to be done. Often this means the churchwardens though sometimes it is the LLM i.e. me! 49

50 FOCUS ON: ENGAGEMENT WITH SCHOOLS ENGAGEMENT WITH SCHOOLS: OUTPUTS (CLERGY/LLMS) Clergy/LLMs were asked to think about engagement with schools since the introduction of Living Faith in 2009, regardless of whether Living Faith influenced engagement with schools. They were given a list of possible outputs relating engagement with schools and asked whether their church was doing more, about the same or less of each. If they were doing more, they were asked whether this was due to Living Faith or whether they would have done more anyway. (% of clergy/llms) Most respondents claimed their churches were doing more to engage with schools, particularly encouraging schools to visit the church and providing input to collective worship. This is largely being done without the direct influence of Living Faith. Clergy/LLMs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to engage with schools. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is the more it was used in respondents comments. 50

51 Some respondents pointed out that much engagement with schools pre dated Living Faith and happened regardless of it. Here are some examples of comments (clergy/llms): WE actively engage with our three local school anyway... so no great addition but perhaps we were more encouraged Engaging children in the churches choir and music development. Having a strong relationship with our schools has meant that they are open to new suggestions as to how they can become more involved with church events It has motivated me to introduce the REInspired project into the local community schools in the parish WE have employed a part time children s and family worker with the specific brief to engage with the local C of E primary school and young families We do now visit the only school in the benefice, there is a new Head Teacher who is very responsive. We hold messy church in his School and Community Hall. ENGAGEMENT WITH SCHOOLS: OUTPUTS (PC/CWS) PCC/CWs were given a list of potential outputs and asked which their church had been doing over the last 4 years or so. For each of those selected, they were asked whether Living Faith had had a positive influence on it. % of total PCC/CWs The findings show that most churches are engaging with local schools, particularly by encouraging them to visit the church. For each activity, Living Faith has had a positive influence on around one in four. 51

52 PCC/CWs were asked whether Living Faith had motivated their church to do anything else to help engage with schools. Here is a word cloud of the most common words used in their comments. The larger a word is, the more it was used in respondent s comments. Here are some examples of comments from PCC/CWs: A Church Trail for Children of All Ages is nearing completion and local junior schools will be invited to try it out. Church infant school encouraged to lead family worship in all age service on Sunday regularly Developing a joint choir with the school. Developing regular services for the reception class in church alongside young mums and toddlers Establishing prayer spaces in schools has been a recent innovation. We also have a school assemblies team, who have been very well received. Our youth pastor has led a number of Alpha courses in school. It has encouraged even stronger links with the local CofE E primary school. It has possibly challenged us to think creatively about engaging at a deeper level with schools 52