Greenhouse gathers people together who are exploring how to do church differently, to learn, plan, find mutual support, swap ideas and see their new congregation grow.
We provide a safe space to nurture these new communities and help people develop their pioneering skills - as a greenhouse does for plants.
Greenhouse will help both for those who already have a Fresh Expression or New Christian Worshipping community of some sort, or those who are thinking of starting or restarting one, through a process of accompaniment.
No prior experience is necessary to join; just a commitment from your church to be part of the learning community for two years.
What people say
Greenhouse offers us all an engageable, sensible, accessible (even) pastoral cycle that can be used with teams to enable focus and refocus as we develop both the project itself but crucially in the teams discipleship as well. The organic references do enable folks to take a more holistic approach to a project and give time and space for God - its a serving process rather than a process to be served. It also gives ample room for trial and error!
Bruce Faulkner, IlchesterWhen much of ministry and mission can feel reactive, Greenhouse has offered the opportunity to be proactive, to step away from the coalface and to seek that wider perspective as a team. It has shaped our thinking in ways we could scarcely have imagined ahead of joining the community and I can already see how I could replicate the listening first missional journey with other emerging teams in our benefice as moving forward we seek to develop new worshipping communities alongside our existing ones.'
Dan Crouch, Holy Trinity YeovilGreenhouse has given us permission and confidence to try new things, space to reflect on and learn from the things that haven’t worked and to be more intentional (and patient!) as we travel with people, working with what is and journeying at God’s pace, not ours!
Natalie Wainwright, Ilminster"Greenhouse has created helpful space for us as a team to pray, reflect, and plan. Each time we meet, Richard has helped us dream ("What could be?"), and then to plan ("What will be?"). The "Listening First Missional Journey" offered by Greenhouse has helped us join in with God's mission in our local context. The regular coaching Richard offers has been invaluable to me as the leader of a New Worshipping Community. He is proactive, prayerful, and insightful. I would encourage others to consider taking part in Greenhouse."
Jon Ball, Orchard Grove Taunton
What's involved
- Gather a team from your local church who want to start, restart or develop a new Christian worshipping community.
- Join a learning community: meet twice a year with other teams to learn, share knowledge and plan your next steps.
- Use just in time learning: we use materials called Godsend (web based or in a book) to help you take the next step as you need it. It uses the wisdom and experience of thousands of people who’ve learned to pioneer before.
- Accompaniment/coaching: experienced pioneer enablers offer support between the learning community gatherings.
The 'listen first' missional journey
A foundational principle of Greenhouse is 'listen first'.
We encourage a simple process that enables a new Christian worshipping community to evolve.
Listen to God and your community - respond with loving service - Growing community - Exploring discipleship/share faith -Evolving worship/church
Who to contact
Richard Priestley, New Christian Communities Development Lead (p/t)