Our Vision

“I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the full.”
(John 10:10)

A message from Bishop Rachel

As we continue our LIFE Together, I hope and pray for an even more kingdom-shaped panorama across the Diocese of Gloucester.

I pray that in the coming years there will be a rich variety of sustainable and diverse worshipping communities, long-established and new, celebrated as living and breathing beacons of love, hope and justice. Our worshipping communities will be enabling the Body of Christ to grow, be strengthened and to participate in God’s work amid joy and pain, such that new and existing baptised followers of Jesus Christ of all ages, backgrounds, colour and accent, are increasingly confident in living and sharing their stories of faith in their everyday contexts, rooted in prayer.

Stories of faith will be growing through strong links between pre-school groups, schools, homes and local worshipping communities, and we will be at the forefront of caring for creation.

Across the diocese we will be partnering with organisations, and making connections with people committed to the care and transformation of lives, communities and the environment, grounded in our desire for God’s kingdom to come on earth as in heaven.

As we serve and engage with the struggles and delights of the people and places of this diocese, people of all ages and backgrounds will be inspired to discover Jesus Christ and life in all its fullness, and become disciples.

10:10

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Life to the full

10:10 is a Diocese of Gloucester initiative for Christian leaders of charities and social enterprises. Inspired by the words of Jesus in John 10:10, it brings together a network of creative thinkers and do-ers who are passionate about social justice and community transformation. It is for those who carry bold ideas but sometimes feel the tension of limited resources, or the fear of getting things wrong.

10:10 exists to say ‘Let’s have a go anyway.’

10:10 is not about always getting it right. It is about seeking to make the Kingdom of God known in new and creative ways, sharing learning along the way, and building something that lasts. Some of the impact from the work we do now might not be seen for 10 or 20 years and that’s okay. This is about the long term.

What 10:10 offers

10:10 brings people together through four interconnected areas of support:

Network Breakfasts: Informal bi-monthly gatherings for leaders from across the diocese. A chance to connect with like-minded people from different sectors, be encouraged in your work and discover potential partnerships and collaborations. See below for more information.

The 10:10 Circle: Our annual leadership and learning cohort. A small group of leaders coming together across four sessions to develop their vision, test their ideas, and grow together. See below for more information.

Masterclass Training Days: Practical, focused learning days on topics relevant to leading Christian social impact work.

1:1 Mentoring and Coaching Personalised support from the 10:10 team, for leaders at any stage of their journey.

Network Breakfasts

The Breakfasts are an opportunity to meet like-minded leaders from across the diocese – people from different sectors, with different approaches – united by a shared passion for enabling others to flourish.

Who are they for? They are open to Christian leaders of charities and social enterprises whose work is focused on helping people have life to the full. We also warmly welcome those who are sympathetic to the Christian ethos of their organisation, even if they do not identify as a Christian themselves.

Breakfasts are a place to be encouraged, find support and explore potential partnerships and collaborations across the network.

Please note: Network Breakfasts are not generally for clergy or church leaders, unless you run projects or are part of organisations that serve people beyond your own parish, or you have previously taken part in a 10:10 Circle and are part of the 10:10 network.

Breakfasts are held bi-monthly, from 9.30-11.30am, initially on a Friday morning at The Grace Network’s site at Brimscombe Mill, Stroud. They are free to attend, and the dates are below:

22 May 2026

10 July

18 September

13 November

22 January 2027

The 10:10 Circle

Do you have a great idea but aren’t quite sure what it might look like? Are you wondering whether it has merit, or how to get it off the ground? Are you curious about building partnerships and collaborative working?

If that sounds like you, the 10:10 Circle could be just what you need!

The 10:10 Circle is an annual leadership and learning cohort that brings together Christian leaders from across the diocese to develop their vision, test their ideas, and grow a network of like-minded people. Everyone benefits from the collective wisdom in the room and the encouragement to try something new.

What’s involved?

The Circle runs across four sessions, led by Will Mansell (the Grace Network), Catherine Pearson (Goodmakers’ Society) and the Revd Canon Dr Sandra Millar, Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry.

The four core themes explored are:

Why? Digging deeper into the motivations and passions behind the work you want to do

How? What makes your idea or organisation different? Exploring the attitudes and cultures that shape your work

What? Unpacking the detail – how will it work in your context, and how might it be sustainably funded?

Partnership and collaboration: Bringing together everything learned to think creatively about partnerships and collaborative working

By the end of the programme, members will have developed a vision and plan for a project, partnership or scheme and will have built relationships and networks that carry on long beyond the sessions themselves.

Is the Circle for me?

You don’t need a polished proposal or formal leadership experience. You need curiosity, passion and a willingness to try. You might hold a leadership role in a Christian organisation, be a member of a church with a vision for something new, or be a lay or ordained leader ready to take an idea seriously.

The Circle is for people who say: “We think we’ve got something, we’re just not sure yet what it might look like. But if we don’t try it, we’ll never know.”

The 10:10 Circle runs annually. The next one starts in October 2026 and applications are now open. We just need a short written submission about your organisation, idea or project. We’d like to know what you’re hoping to gain from being part of the cohort. Up to two people from the same organisation may apply together, and provide two references.

The next cohort will be running on four days, between 9.30am and 3.30pm, at Brimscombe Mill, on the following dates. Applicants need to be available to attend all four sessions. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

19 October 2026

26 November

21 January 2027

24 February 2027

To find out more about the 10:10 Circle please read our 10:10 Circle information booklet

For more information about 10:10 please contact Kathryn Warner on ku.gr1780319292o.coi1780319292dsolg1780319292@renr1780319292awk1780319292

 

To make an application to become part of the 10:10 Circle click here.

 

LIFE Together: introductory speech at Diocesan Synod, November 2021

The LIFE Together vision