Chester and Stoke-on-Trent District has been on a journey with New Places for New People (NPNP). As a district we have a long history of actively engaging and participating in mission. From many of our local churches who have historic roots in the birth of Primitive methodism, hosting a number of fresh expressions of church and Venture FX, and more recently setting our sights on an ambitious five-year church planting policy which concluded in 2022.
However, we continue to recognise that we live in difficult and challenging times. Both for our church – as we continue to ask deep questions about our belief, sustainability and practice, but also, and more importantly in the lives and livelihoods that we all seek to live and share in with our fellow neighbours.
We therefore believe we need to be prayerful, discerning and strategic – allowing ourselves time to discover new and meaningful ways of connecting with people, nurture relationships, and develop our language, images and expressions of faith – that if given opportunity – may begin to rise up in new place.
It is our hope that through the structure of what we are calling Waymakers – a central gathering space within the District – where we aim to resource, meet regularly with those leading in pioneering work. To support one another, coach each other and encourage transformation by attending to our practical experience and ongoing journey of mission. That with this space and partnerships being developed with grassroots emergent projects we will be able to see people begin to discover a new sense of faith and spirituality.
Our vision is to create spaces where lives on the margins are transformed through authentic relationships, grace, and justice. We aim to foster a grassroots movement led by those engaging with their local context, forming natural expressions of faith.
To start with, we have identified three initial projects to partner with – projects where a deep sense of community has begun to emerge – and that by partnering and investing more fully in these spaces – we hope that together we can discover organic ways of talking about and sharing faith.
Alongside this central gathering space, as a district we have also identified two places of real opportunity; The Haven in Crewe and Temple Street in Fenton. These are communities where those on the margins are welcomed, befriended and encouraged. They are places where deep relationships are beginning to emerge and an eagerness to explore faith is rising.
The projects we are initially going to be focusing on are — ‘Dinnerhub’ in Alsager, Temple Street in Fenton, and The Haven in Crewe. Each of these are beginning to show signs of becoming places of belonging particularly outside of our normal church activities. Where people can explore faith in an environment that is authentic, compassionate, and grounded in community. What’s exciting is that these projects are not about adding more church activities or services — they’re about creating spaces where the language of faith can be spoken naturally, and where people can find God in the middle of their everyday lives.
The Haven on North Street, is a commercial café on the site of a former Methodist church. It is a welcoming community space supporting people who feel lonely or isolated. Reimagined after Covid, it is volunteer-run — many whom have additional needs — and offers activities such as craft groups, choirs, and bereavement support. The Haven fosters belonging, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Dinner Hub, seeks to provide free meals and a welcoming space every Thursday. Serving 70–90 young families weekly. Run by volunteers, it offers hot food, crafts, and activities, including a Stay and Play session in partnership with Cheshire East Council, plus occasional clothes and school uniform swaps. Primarily, funded by a local council grant, it has expanded to include a children’s craft club, a youth group with Christian input, and a Friday coffee morning for parents of children with special needs. Dinner Hub has built strong community connections, leading to baptisms, a wedding, and a deep sense of belonging through its kind, non-judgmental welcome.
Temple Street Methodist Church is a welcoming, outreach-focused community open almost 7 days a week. It is committed to supporting those on the margins and responding to local needs with warmth and inclusion. Offering a wide variety of activities with a blend of some being hosted while others run by a group of committed volunteers. There is a real need, hunger and opportunity to offer new and different ways to explore faith and spiritual.
However, the Waymakers forum is about more than just a set of projects — it’s about creating a culture of support, learning, and partnership. We’re building connections not just between these three initial projects but it is our hope – that with time - they will be forged right across the district. By fostering a community of encouragement and shared learning, we believe we can create a ripple effect. What we discover here can inspire and equip others to create similar spaces of faith and transformation in their own communities.
Together, the Waymakers forum, and the projects that it supports, we hope to pave the way for new Christian communities that speak to the hearts of those on the margins, offering a welcoming space where faith ca n grow, flourish, and change lives.
Rev. David Willis
Chester and Stoke-on-Trent
District Mission Enabler