2. Risk taking

Some risks are worth taking. In order to be connected to people, both their communities and their cultures in new ways, we will need to foster ministries to people who are linked by interest as well as by geography. We will need networks of people with particular gifts for each outreach, church plant, cell church, strategic partnerships with parachurch agencies, ecumenical partnership, and other fresh forms of mission and Christian community. Parishes, which cooperate effectively, can form teams of clergy and will be in a position to consider how they can release one or more clergy posts for engagement in new areas of work.

We also need to explore the opportunities for outreach through our work in, and service to, the wider community. Such ministries are an important part of the gospel. They help people who are distant from the Church to understand the authenticity and relevance of the gospel. For example, our agencies build ministry partnerships with local congregations providing essential resourcing and training at a local level. Our schools explore low-fee options and seek to integrate students into local congregations creating links to Christian community that may extend beyond school life.

We must greatly extend the 'New Ministry Grants' programme and develop other funding programmes to resource specific initiatives to help explore some innovative forms of ministry. Our leaders should be released to observe and experience 'cutting edge ministries' in other places. We must build a network of support and advice for the leaders of innovative ministries in the Diocese.

We must take risks with people. Many will bring great blessing if they are nurtured, resourced and released into the exercise of their gifts and talents.

transformingLIFE means a commitment to risk taking.

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