Growing Consensus

Of course, there's still a long way to go before this new programme is up and running, but recent conversations, including with the Congregational Federation Training Board, have given a positive sense of a growing consensus about the purpose and nature of 'Growing Disciples'. Namely:
1. This resource is not about the development of individual vocations, but helping churches to be churches - how can churches grow together, in confidence, with a shared sense of purpose?
2. While it is being designed as a coherent programme, which will make connections between the various parts of a church's life and experience, it will allow for churches using it in different ways - with a range of formats - and each church will be encouraged to decide from the start: What do we intend to get out of this process? So it will help churches evaluate what they get up to.
3. Because it serves a different purpose from other bits of CF training, it will not be designed to set people off on particular training tracks - it serves its own purpose, to build up churches' confidence and sense of purpose as communities of disciples, which is valid and essential in its own right.
4. We want churches to feel this is for them, whatever their circumstances, so it will be emphasised that it can be used in different ways - with support from the CF Areas, and resources and a forum on the website.
5. Its corporate learning will be underpinned by a constant Congregational ethos, inviting churches to reflect on what it means to be Congregational today - how does our form of church shape the way in which we communicate and demonstrate the Gospel?
6. The programme materials will be attractive and varied. If you want your church to help pilot them, get in contact. Piloting will begin towards the end of 2009, and the launch will be next May.
So - watch this space, follow the story, start spreading the word - a programme to help Congregational churches reflect on what they're doing and grow in confidence is coming soon ...