How does your church see children, young people and families? How are we listening to their voices? How do we include and value them? What would it look like if we put them at the heart of all we do? What needs to change?
These were all questions posed by Lucy Moore, Head of the Church of England’s Growing Faith Foundation, on her visit to Bath and Wells in November. The events at Taunton Minster and Flourish House the following day, were well received by those who came. Lucy addressed around 80 church leaders representing more than 40 parishes or benefices. Those who attended also had an opportunity to talk together in small groups and were encouraged to take away a gold star as a reminder to pray for a young person or family known to them.
One attendee commented, “Really enjoyed the evening with Lucy Moore. Wondering how to put something to PCC members now!”
Growing Faith is the movement that exists to put children, young people and families instinctively at the heart of all the mission and ministry of the church by changing the culture of the Church of England. It comes from the vision set by the House of Bishops and was endorsed by General Synod in 2019 and is one of the strategic priorities of our central support services team. Growing Faith seeks to bring church, household and school together to enable children, young people and their families to encounter God and develop an everyday faith of their own.
Going forward, the Go Team are keen to work closely with parishes and deaneries, offering advice and support, as together we look to further embed the values of Growing Faith across our diocese. Do get in touch with the team.
This video is a recording of Lucy’s talk from Taunton Minster.