Our vision

Our vision is for our church community to be place of vibrant Christian faith, connecting with our local community, and supported by collaborative sustainable ways of working together. Here we outline our five priorities to bring this vision alive in all our church.

Drawing children and young people into the life of our church communities. There is no doubt that children are a priority for Jesus: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”’ (Matthew 19:14) As a church community, we are already working in our schools: St Mary’s CofE Primary School and Sir William Romney; and this will continue and grow. Over time we are getting better at inviting children and young families into our worshipping communities where they can draw closer to Christ and grow in faith. We are looking at every aspect of our church life and ask how it can be more “child friendly”; and ask what we can learn from other churches and organisations about engaging with children and young families.

2. Finding more effective ways to communicate. Jesus is clear he wants us to communicate well: ‘“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a bushel basket, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.”’ (Luke 11:33). We are looking at our communications both within and between our church community, and with the wider community so people know who we are, what we are doing and how to join in. This work will include looking at the image we present, and what we want to communicate about ourselves, as well as the practicalities of effective communication: what we do now and what we can learn from other churches and organisations.

3. Growing disciples. Peter’s second letter describes our “precious faith” and says: “May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2). We now offer ways for people to grow as disciples of Christ —to learn more about faith and to share our experiences. We will continue to explore ways to extend this invitation, drawing others into relationship with God. This includes opportunities for enquirers to ask about our faith; more opportunities for learning and sharing together; and ways of enriching our worship.

4. Providing loving pastoral care within our local communities. Jesus says we are blessed when we care for those who are hungry and thirsty, lonely and sick, in need and in prison (Matthew 25: 34-36). Many people in our churches are already involved in visiting and supporting people in their community. We will asking: what is going on in each of our church communities and what can we learn from each other; where are needs not met and how can we respond; how can we invite other people to get involved; and how can we celebrate and better support everyone involved in pastoral care?

5. Finding imaginative ways to use our buildings so they become / continue as a hub for our local communities. Jesus commands us to love one another as he loves us (John 13:34). Using our building as a community space is a loving act: it provides opportunities for people to get to know one another, and builds relationships in our community. And we hope it makes our churches a place where people feel welcome and at home – and so more likely to come back! We continue to explore to make our beautiful church building welcoming and accessible, providing opportunities to use this space in creative ways.