There has been an enthusiastic response to the first of the diocese’s new Stepping Stones for Growth events and there's still time to sign up for a course in November.
The Zoom event for Bolton Archdeaconry took place on the morning of Saturday 7 November, with 170 attending. Feedback from attendees, and comments on social media afterwards, have commented how much people enjoyed the event, which alternates six short videos with breakout groups.
The writer of Stepping Stones is Mike Starkey, Manchester’s Head of Church Growth. He said, "I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s response to the first Stepping Stones. Lockdown is obviously an odd time to be talking about church growth, but we emphasised that it’s mainly about planning for life beyond Covid. And we suggest some simple next steps that could work in helping any local church grow."
"‘People are saying they like the light, humorous touch in the videos - Eve Powers and Andre Adefope are brilliant co-presenters. But they also say they like the practicality of the model we unpack. We emphasise that growth starts with what a local church is already doing. And that church growth, social action and discipleship all belong together. We’re already getting enquiries about Stepping Stones from other dioceses and from the national Church, which is exciting."
Nearly 600 people have already booked in for the four Saturday morning events. Stepping Stones is for clergy, readers, ALMs and any members of churches and chaplaincies with an interest in church growth.
The event on 21 November includes BSL interpretation. People are free to book for an event outside their own Archdeaconry. There are still spaces on the remaining events.