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mission shaped church

a cohesive team that shares the same vision and values, as lack of focus

in this area will cause problems later if it is not addressed. It is very

difficult to sustain energy in difficult times if the team does not share 

the same vision.

resourcing networks

Within the Church of England there are a number of large churches or

networks that actively church plant, or serve as a resource for planting, 

or that provide a model or template for church planting within particular

Anglican traditions. These include New Wine, Holy Trinity Brompton, 

St Thomas Crookes (Sheffield) and Soul Survivor (for youth congregations).

These are an important resource for the mission of the Church of England,

because they combine much needed vision, resources and entrepreneurial

skill. Cultural patterns can be identified that occur in different places

(locally, nationally and globally). It is a source of strength to be able to draw

on insights and expertise from elsewhere, while also seeking to inculturate

the gospel and church within local and networked places and cultures.

It will be essential to develop partnerships in mission between resourcing

groups and individual dioceses. This is already evident in Holy Trinity

Brompton's work with the Diocese of London, and Soul Survivor's work with

the Diocese of Exeter, among others.

A story: St George the Martyr, Queen Square, London

One of the recent church plants of Holy Trinity Brompton has

been to St George the Martyr, Queen Square. It is a parish on

the edge of Bloomsbury with much poverty, as well as both

refugees and young professionals. In spite of sterling work, in

recent years the church had declined to small numbers.

This church plant has been characterized by a sense of

partnership with the existing locals, a careful getting everyone

to feel part of what is happening. Also, the diocese has played

a key role through the local bishop and archdeacon, and the

generous support of the Diocesan Finance Committee.

With careful arrangements for the early retirement of the vicar,

the whole deanery was brought into a consultation process,

and came strongly to support what was being planned. Holy

Trinity Brompton sent two clergy and about 100 people to the

plant.

Two significant successes of the careful negotiations and

partnership are that all members of the old congregation are

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