The Church of England has launched a new network of 40 worshipping communities today, furthering its vision of becoming younger and more diverse. The new FLOURISH network will establish partnerships between schools or Further Education colleges and their local churches, aiming to engage a large number of children, young people, and their families.
An initial two-year pilot programme will introduce these worshipping communities through churches partnering with primary schools, secondary schools, and FE college settings across 12 Dioceses, including Bath & Wells.
The FLOURISH network builds on the momentum of leaders dedicated to strategic partnerships between church, school, and home, inspired by the pioneering efforts of the Church of England’s Growing Faith Foundation.
Tony Cook assistant Director of Education and Go Team Lead says, “We are really excited to be part of this nationally funded pilot to explore how worshipping communities might develop in schools, shaped by children and young people. Many churches struggle to engage with children, young people and families on a regular basis, Flourish could offer one way of bridging this.
“In Bath and Wells we will be partnering with a church primary school, a church secondary school and a Multi Academy Trust to help us roll out the Flourish pilot over the next two years. Each location will have an adult Flourish lead who will work with the school students, local church leaders and schools in initiating organic, creative expression of worship that reflects their school community and builds further relationship with local churches.
“We look forward to sharing more with you in the autumn as the pilot begin to take shape.”