PARISH RENEWAL
New Worshipping Communities
Trevor Hutton
Head of Church Growth and Evangelism
Across the Diocese of Manchester, churches are discovering fresh ways of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and helping people grow as disciples. New Worshipping Communities (NWCs) are an important part of this vision, creating new opportunities for people who are not currently connected to church to encounter faith, build relationships and become part of a worshipping community.
As part of our commitment to parish renewal and church planting, we are encouraging churches to prayerfully explore whether starting a New Worshipping Community might be part of God’s calling for their local context. Together, we hope to see 40 new worshipping communities established across the diocese in the coming years.
Why Do We Need New Worshipping Communities?
Many people today are unlikely to encounter church through traditional Sunday worship alone. New Worshipping Communities create opportunities for churches to connect with people in different settings, among different groups and through different expressions of church life.
Rooted in prayer, worship and mission, they provide new pathways into Christian community, helping people encounter Christ in places and spaces where they already live, work and gather. They complement and strengthen parish ministry, sitting alongside inherited forms of church as part of a vibrant mixed ecology of worship and mission.
Who Can Start One?
New Worshipping Communities are often led by teams of clergy and lay people who share a vision for reaching new people in new ways. Lay leadership is particularly important and is encouraged from the earliest stages.
Any parish, benefice or church community with a passion for mission and a willingness to explore new possibilities can begin the journey.
Examples from Around the Diocese
At our recent CMD Days, clergy and lay leaders shared inspiring examples of mission already taking shape across Greater Manchester.
Brick Church
Led by Revd Hannah Currin, Brick Church is a family-focused worshipping community that combines creativity, hospitality and friendship. Through storytelling, making, shared meals and worship, it provides an accessible environment for families while remaining rooted in liturgy and sacramental tradition.
Sing My Soul and Choral Music
Through a partnership with Sing My Soul, Bolton Parish Church is creating new opportunities for children and families to engage in worship through music. The initiative is championed by Revd Hannah Lane and includes the development of a junior choir led by Sing My Soul scholars, helping young people discover faith through singing and belonging.
Harbour Church
Revd Jack Shepherd and his team are exploring Harbour Church, a new worshipping community designed to bring together people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Kannada Congregation
Revd Solomon John, Senior Church Planter for the Antioch Network, has helped establish a thriving Kannada-speaking congregation in Salford, creating an intercultural expression of church that serves and disciples a growing community.
Campfire Church
Led by Revd Steph Mawhinney, Campfire Church at Christ Church, Walshaw, gathers people outdoors around stories, songs, prayer and community. Through connecting with creation, participants are discovering fresh ways of encountering God and one another.
Investing in Ugandan Young Men
At Ascension Hulme, Revd John-Alex Muyita and the church community are developing mentoring and discipleship opportunities for Ugandan fathers and young men, helping them flourish through support, encouragement and Christian community.
Upcoming Workshops
If you are wondering whether a New Worshipping Community might be right for your parish or ministry context, we invite you to join one of our upcoming workshops.
These practical sessions will help you:
- Learn more about what New Worshipping Communities are
- Explore the process of starting a new worshipping community
- Discover funding opportunities available to support new initiatives
- Connect with others exploring similar ideas
- Find out about ongoing support, peer learning and development opportunities
Resources
We have gathered a range of resources to help churches and leaders explore New Worshipping Communities and discern what might be possible in their own setting.
Good Practice Guide
Starting Something New, produced by Faith in the North, offers inspiration, practical guidance and examples for churches exploring new ways of reaching people with the gospel.
Share Your Story
Some of the most encouraging examples of mission start with simple stories from local churches. We would love to hear how God is at work in your community. Our Story Guide can help you capture and share what is happening in your context.
Find Out More
If you would like to discuss New Worshipping Communities, explore an idea or find out more about the support available, please contact Trevor Hutton, Head of Church Growth and Evangelism:
Explore more
