You may well recall that I recently wrote about how both Holy Trinity and St Paul’s had been invited to be part of the Parish Renewal Programme. I just wanted to update you a little about that.

On 15 July, Craig from Holy Trinity and Ian from St Paul’s went to a day on ‘Mission Shaped PCCs’, where there were opportunities to think theologically as well as practically around the following themes:1. The need for a clear purpose2. The need for a big agenda3. The need for an effective team4. The need for an agreed plan

This was led by John Truscott. John is a nationally renowned trainer with an excellent reputation. He has over forty years of experience in equipping churches and clergy to be effective in their structures and organisation, so that they can be focused on mission and growth.

On 17 July, Craig from Holy Trinity, Audrey from St Paul’s and myself attended a launch evening at Whalley Abbey, led by Bishop Philip and Rev. Steve Haskett, which was very informative and inspiring. We heard from two parishes that are at different stages in the programme, who shared their experiences of being part of it and told us how it was working for them in their context and making a difference.

The seven principles fundamental to church growth will be taught at the ‘Leading Your Church into Growth’ conference in November, which are:1. Creating a prayerful culture of growth2. Implementing prayer, presence, proclamation and persuasion3. Practising fruitful evangelism4. Developing engaging worship5. Becoming an inviting and welcoming church6. Making a pathway for seekers to become disciples7. Beginning a planned journey of growth

The conference will be followed up by training sessions every other month at Whalley Abbey, and in between, those attending the course will disseminate the teaching to the PCC and ultimately the two PCCs will plan a long-term vision plan for their respective churches.

Whilst each church and village has its own unique identity, lots of the training will give ideal opportunities for building on the way they already work together.

Rev. Charlie Hill and Rev. Rie Walker that we heard from on the launch evening both said that a huge part of the success of growth in their parishes was down to focused prayer. They said that there is something about the intention to pray for growth that changes hearts, minds and culture and pervades the life of the church and people’s spirits.

So please pray intentionally and often for growth in both of our churches. To help us to reflect more on this journey, I’ve invited Rev. Steve Haskett, the Parish Renewal Lead, to come and preach at our benefice service at Holy Trinity on 30 July. Please do take the time out to come and hear what he has to say and support the PCCs as they take the lead on this.Rev. Tracy