“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Cor 3:6
The Church Planting Strategy of Durham Diocese
Our mission is to see over 100 new Christian communities established in the next 8 years by growing a vision for God’s preferred future, raising leaders into their God-given gifts and potential, and multiplying the depth, breadth, and reach of Jesus-followers throughout Durham Diocese.
The Durham Diocese Planting Strategy is built around six key values
Evangelism
Emphasising that the planting of churches is not about making church more convenient or attractive for the 1% of church attenders, but about reaching the 99% of those not currently in church.
Health
Encouraging the development of health in existing churches as the route to replication.
Collaboration
Exploring the goal of developing planting partnerships across churches, including ecumenical partners, and another diocese through both resourcing (human, finance, shared learning) and prayer.
Diversity
Embracing and supporting through prayer and mutual encouragement a diversity of church planting models with a variety of traditions, theological frameworks, and cultural contexts.
Safety
Ensuring that all plants and planting churches are safe places for all people of all ages, abilities, and aspirations, emphasising the centrality of safeguarding.
Leadership
Engaging and training church members with locally discerned leadership capacity, with a particular focus on the development of young leaders.
