Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence is a long-term programme, with much to come in the next weeks, months and years.
Barnabas is all about building partnerships; walking with one another to decide together what help parishes may need.
Barnabas gathers resources in one place to provide the right support for churches, based on local contexts.
This autumn, we will be piloting a tool to help churches identify their strengths and the areas in which they may need more help.
Having used the tool, churches can work to decide on the right next steps.
The tool will assist churches by offering four potential paths forward as guidelines: Engage, Nurture, Disciple or Lead.
Support in deciding the best way forward may be provided via a Mission Accompanier or mentor, or through the web-based resources on the Barnabas section of the website.
Our Mission Accompaniers will be a volunteer team established in 2024.
Mission Accompaniers will work with groups of clergy and lay together to identify a church’s next steps in mission.
Mission accompaniment will be offered to those who are struggling with missional energy and strength, providing close one-to-one support so that a church can confidently decide and share their next steps in mission.
If you believe you could be part of our team of Mission Accompaniers, please get in touch with the Revd Jude Smith, Director of Church Revitalisation, for a chat, by emailing jude.smith@leeds.anglican.org.
These strands of support reflect the broader approach of Barnabas, valuing strong relationships and working together to create confident Christians, build growing churches and be part of transforming communities.
To find out more about Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence, please click here.