Our Parish and the Diocesan Direction of Travel

1. Our Parish and the Diocesan Direction of Travel Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

2. The Invitation Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

3. The Diocesan Vision Prayer As we follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad, we pray that the two million people in our diocese encounter a church that is confident in the gospel, knows and loves its communities, and is excited to find God already at work in the world.  We pray for a church that reflects the richness and variety of those communities. We pray for a church that partners with others seeking the common good, working for justice as people of hope. Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

4. The priorities Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

5. We are [x number] people: • responding to the invitation to follow Christ • gathering to worship on Sunday and during the week • gifted to build the Kingdom • with opportunities to engage our diverse communities in [name of parish or benefice, Fresh Expression or chaplaincy] Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

6. Our vision prayer As we follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad, we pray that the [Xnumber] people in our [parish/benefice of …….]encounter a church that is confident in the gospel, knows and loves its community, and is excited to find You at work already in the world. We pray for a church that reflects the richness and variety of those communities. We pray for a church that partners with others [in this parish/benefice of… .. ] seeking the common good, working for justice as people of hope. Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

7. Our vision • Some questions ….. • Where and how do people “encounter” your Christian community? • How might you and your Christian community be helped to be more “confident” in your faith? • How well do you know your community? What would help you get to know it even better? • Where have you found God at work in your neighbourhood, family or friendship group or workplace? How can you join in? Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

8. Our vision • Some questions ….. • How well does your church reflect the community you serve? • Who are your partners now and with whom could you partner in the future as you seek the common good? • Where do you see a lack of justice in your context or in the wider world and where do you think you can make a difference? • In what ways do you speak of Christian hope to your community? Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

9. Praying for our community We pray that people in our parish/benefice: • See a church that’s confident in the gospel • Meet a church that knows and loves its neighbourhood • Embrace a church that expects to find God at work already in their own lives • Work with a church that wants to be a partner in common good • Hear a church that speaks about justice and hope. Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia

10. Our prayer God of Love, as we follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad, we pray that the [Xnumber] people in our [parish/benefice of ...] encounter a church that is confident in the gospel, knows and loves its community, and is excited to find You at work already in the world. We pray for a church that reflects the richness and variety of those communities. We pray for a church that partners with others [in this parish/benefice of…] seeking the common good, working for justice as people of hope. Amen. Discipleship, Evangelism and Vocation in Modern Mercia