Resource Churches
A Resource Church is a church that exists to evangelise and plant churches. They aid our vision of seeing parish churches thrive.
There is no specific style of Resource Church, although recently most have been more informal in style with an emphasis on contemporary worship, which often attracts young adults. Whatever the style, Resource Churches greatly value welcome, relationships, hospitality and generosity.
Resource Churches can be of any theological tradition in the church, from evangelical to catholic. There is a rich history of church planting in each of these traditions, which Resource Churches often recaptures.
A Resource Church will:
- work with their bishop in intentional partnership
- be part of the diocesan strategy to revitalise mission across a wider area
- have the vision and capacity to revitalise and plant other churches
- have a culture of growth through evangelism, discipleship and leadership development
- connect with a wider network of churches which support this task.
A Resourcing Church is aimed primarily at young adults. As well as empowering the wider ministry of the Diocese of Manchester, these churches are central to the vision of the Church of England, which is: to be a church for the whole nation, that is Jesus Christ centred, shaped by the 5 Marks of Mission, and is a church that is simpler, bolder and humble.
Resourcing/Hub churches in Manchester include:
- Saint Philip’s, Salford
- St Werburgh’s Chorlton
- Nelson St Church, Rochdale
- Fabric Church, Manchester
Support
Resource churches in our diocese are particularly supported by:
Bishop Matthew Porter, Bishop of Bolton ( Lead Bishop for Church Planting and Revitalisation), contact: BishopMatthew@manchester.anglican.org
The Revd Phil Cansdale, Director of Mission and Ministry, contact: philcansdale@manchester.anglican.org
Church Planting
Resource Churches provide training to people, who then help to set up new Church Plants. Such plants typically occur every four years, as a Planting Curate accompanies a team when they revitalise an existing church, or perhaps start a new one.
We are keen to encourage the planting of new churches, including plants outside traditional church buildings. Our main initiatives are:
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Antioch Network, which focuses on planting new small churches. These are planted mainly on estates and in culturally diverse areas. They particularly welcome people with no church background.
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Church Revitalisations, when we encourage established churches to inject fresh energy into another parish which is struggling, to assist in revitalising the life and witness of that parish.
Church Growth
We have a strong commitment to growth in numbers and depth of faith through new initiatives designed for church growth.
Revitalisation Funding for Churches
Churches within the diocese can apply for funding of up to £3,000 to support initiatives and projects that contribute to church revitalisation. This funding is part of the Diocese Transformation Programme, which supports the delivery of the Diocese’s 10-Year Strategy for long-term church growth. The programme is funded by the Church Commissioners.
The purpose of this funding is to enable churches to grow through revitalisation efforts that align with the diocesan strategy. If your project involves capital expenditure, you must clearly demonstrate how it will contribute to revitalisation and future growth.
Applications must be made via your Deanery Transformation Support Officer (DTSO). They can offer guidance on your proposal, help with the application process, and advise on alternative funding sources if this particular fund is not the best fit for your project.
In order to be considered, all applications must be supported by your Area Dean and Mission Community Leader.
Stepping Stones for Growth
Stepping Stones for Growth is a practical and inspiring church growth toolkit designed for both ordained and lay leaders across the diocese. It focuses on providing accessible ‘stepping stones’ to help those exploring faith take meaningful next steps on their spiritual journey. All the resources you need to run courses in your parish, mission community, or deanery are available here.