Church of England in rural Kent: mission plan for Smarden and Biddenden churches

A mission plan for Smarden and Biddenden Churches 2008-2013

In January 2008 we took a day out to look at our churches' vision for the future. What kind of churches did we want to be? From that there came images of a church that is warm and nurturing, open and inclusive, a church without walls.

Since then we have put a great deal of energy into developing a Mission Plan that can turn that dream into a reality. The PCCs authorised a small Process Group under the leadership of the Rector to take the work forward.

The group consulted widely, and people were invited to participate in focused 'Task Groups' looking at particular aspects of our churches' work and mission. The reports from these groups were collated and published during the summer to enable those who had not been involved in the groups to comment and add ideas. As one might expect from such a large 'family', a veritable shopping list emerged. The Process Group then looked at the list and refined it to avoid the duplication and prioritise the ideas according to need, urgency and practicability in the light of the resources required to make them happen. The result of this is the Mission Plan which was presented and accepted by the two PCCs.

Click in the left-hand column to see the mission plan or pick up a hardcopy from the back of either church.

An important next stage will be the Parish Retreat on 24th January 2009, a year on from the start of the process. We have given it the title 'Gifts Unwrapped' and would urge all parishioners to make this day a priority. The Parish Retreat will run from 9.30am till 3pm at the Mission Church, Sandhurst.

Below is a reminder of the questions that faced the Task Groups during 2008:

Task group 1: Growing with God - a holy people

• Please review the current  monthly service plan and make recommendations as to how this could be improved.  Could it include a new monthly 'Children's service? Should we continue with the alternating service times?
  
• Are there physical changes to our buildings can you suggest which will contribute to a greater sense of a 'Church without walls'?
  
• How can we improve congregational singing?
  
• Should we have an annual retreat day?  If you agree, please suggest when and how this should take place. Suggest what focus such a day might have.
  

• What should we do to promote Individual study?
  
• What should we do to promote group learning?
  
• How can new Christians/Christian enquirers be included in small study groups?
  
• What learning opportunities should we offer for young people?
  

• How can we as a church honour the call to care for the Earth, the fifth mark of mission of all Anglican churches?
  
• What are the opportunities we have to celebrate life and the world in the services and worship we offer?
  
• Who in our communities can we share this concern with?
  

• In what ways can develop our Mission through our culture and heritage?
  
• Please suggest two ways in which we can make visitors more aware of the spiritual nature of our faith. 
  
• Please make a recommendation on how we can share the Gospel story with visitors.