Cumbria - Online space for spiritual exploration and church for everyone
Online space for spiritual exploration, welcoming people of all faiths and none. (Strand 1)
Need: Cater to the 80% who identify as spiritual but not religious, engaging them through existing online audiences and social media.
Structure: Two interlinked spaces:
Open Exploration: Diverse online resources and led community spaces for questioning and self-discovery, connecting with "Methodist Way of Life" themes.
Deeper Christian Exploration: Intentional community with discipleship focus,
encouraging service and deeper faith living (online and in person).
Timeline:
Year 1: Pilot project, small team, website launch, monitor engagement.
Year 2 onwards: Expansion based on pilot findings (see PowerPoint slides for details).
Overall Focus: Nurturing relationships, encouraging deeper connections, offering a thriving and welcoming church presence in Cumbria through diverse online and offline expressions.
Create a thriving and welcoming church in Cumbria for everyone, embracing traditional and fresh expressions of faith. (Strand 3)
Focus: Nurturing "culture change" within existing churches to encourage and equip them to:
Appreciate and support: Pioneering and innovative forms of church worship and community engagement.
Reach out: To those not part of existing church communities.
Form NPNPs: Building new Christian communities outside the traditional church setting.
Core Values: Inclusivity, ecumenical partnership, mixed ecology of church forms, faithful improvisation.
Key Strategies:
Emma Richardson, Project Officer: Educating, inspiring, and empowering churches through training, networking, and local success stories.
Year 1: Connect all circuits, develop circuit plans for pioneering initiatives, train key individuals, identify circuit "advocates."
Year 2: All circuits actively engaged in creative mission, develop new NPNP communities, build ongoing learning and support networks.
Vision: A vibrant and diverse church landscape in Cumbria, reaching new people and deepening existing faith through both traditional and innovative expressions.