Why set up a Mission Area?

We believe that something special happens when churches serve God together. Mission Areas are expression of local collaboration in mission. They are part of our diocesan vision for Humanity Reconciled, Creation Restored, and our strategic outcome to have a form of church in every community, and a church in which all can participate, thrive, and belong. The body of Christ really is better together. Could God be calling you to join with others in this intentional way?

What is a Mission Area?

Mission Areas provide new ways of churches working together to resource mission and ministry to fulfil the diocesan vision and priorities.

A Mission Area brings together parishes committed to developing a coordinated approach to mission across a wider geographical area; to focus, share and multiply mission resources and practice; and to provide a context in which new leaders and ministers can explore vocation and develop in a mission focused setting. They are focussed on meeting the national and diocesan visions of creating simpler, humbler and bolder church structures, that set our people free for mission.

The Mission Area might be focussed on the following key elements:

  1. Enabling every worshipping community to grow the work of proclamation and evangelisation.

  2. Enabling churches to teach, baptise and nurture people on a journey from first contact, through to committed Christian discipleship within a community.

  3. Supporting every-day faith, so that people can live out their faith and service in their own daily context, recognising and developing their vocation.

  4. Developing work with children and young people, across home, school and church.

  5. Relating to a geographically or demographically relevant context in which the church can be recognised as a partner in the public square and seek to transform unjust structures and pursue peace and reconciliation.

  6. Supporting creation care, so that churches and individuals can transform their practice and seek to renew the life of the earth.

What are the benefits of building a collaborative Mission Area?

By working together as a Mission Area (MA), we can better embody our values of Openness, Generosity, Creativity and Bravery. Discerning the location and forms of an MA can be a life-giving, energising exploration of collaboration. Even if an MA does not proceed in a particular area, we hope that the process will bring people together and lay groundwork for future possibilities.

The Diocese has supported the development of three sustainable Mission Areas in different contexts:

  • An expanding new town area (eight churches in Yate and Fromeside)

  • An established mixed suburban/outer estates area, including four parishes in the 20% most deprived in the country (five churches in Avonside)

  • A rural context (33 parishes in six benefices in North Wiltshire)

A forth MA is currently being built in Chippenham. 

Hear from Yate and Fromeside Mission Area about how their joint efforts have seen a positive change for mission and ministry in their area.

Ten Principles for Mission Areas

People and communities seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, discerning when and how to flex in changing circumstances.
They are designed to enhance the mission of the church; deepen the discipleship and faith of congregations; and have an outward focus on the local community in service and evangelism.
They are fruitful for the Kingdom of God and make a difference in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
They are not imposed, nor a preliminary to pastoral organisation. They arise from the voluntary agreement of local clergy and lay people.
They cross boundaries, make the most of sharing resources, and maximise synergies. They are built on the foundations of existing church structures (parishes, Bishops Mission Orders, Fresh Expressions of Church, church plants) to enable better working together rather than to replace existing structures.
They foster good relationships and involve lay people and clergy working together for the good of the local community.
They include a shared commitment to a geographical area; a variety of church traditions; and a large enough number of benefices to enable a variety of voices to be heard.
They support and take forward diocesan priorities and local deanery strategies. They relate to and are mindful of other pieces of work, especially under Transforming Church. Together.
In terms of mission, personnel and finances.
They set targets, plans, and agendas and review their performance against these.

Where do I begin?

Each Mission Area is centred on a a parish that has been fruitful in making disciples, growing leaders and engaging younger generations, that has the right kind of leadership and a wider vision for their area to become a church that resources the wider area.

If your parish is interested in setting up a Mission Area but you are struggling to know where to begin, there are two possible routes to take.

You can raise the conversation at your Deanery Synod, or alternatively, get in touch with your Archdeacon who will be able to connect you with the right people and provide more information on how to start a Mission Area. Get in touch below.

Get in touch with Ven. Becky Waring (Bristol)

Get in touch with Ven. Christopher Bryan (Malmesbury)

Read the latest news about our Mission Areas 

Find out more about Mission Areas in the Diocese of Bristol

Avonside

Yate and Fromeside

North Wilts covenant signing

North Wilts

 

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