How can we help our church thrive?

On 31 May, a group of 80 people will gather at Brimscombe Mill to ask a deceptively simple question: How can we help our church thrive?

Titled ‘Thriving Church‘, this gathering is about real people, from real places all over the diocese, exploring deeply about what a thriving church could look like in their own church context.

It has been designed to work around our 9 deaneries — recognising that what God is doing in the Forest of Dean might look very different to what’s going on in Cheltenham. Throughout the day, participants will sit in deanery groups, engaging with their own strategic plans, asking what to focus on together, and where their collective energy can make the most impact.

The organiser of the day is Kate Stacey, Collaborative Lead for Life Long Learning, who said: “When I first came into the role of Collaborative Lead, I spent time simply listening – visiting synods and chapters, hearing what was stirring. And again and again, I heard the same question: how can we enable our churches to thrive? It was such a common concern. That’s what gave rise to this day.”

Bishop Rachel will open the day in prayer, and Carrie Myers, Lay Ministries Officer for the Church of England, will be in attendance to help participants explore how can release each person into their God given ministry, using their unique gifts.

The afternoon will be guided by George Lings, author of Seven Sacred Spaces. The concept of Seven Sacred Spaces will thread through the day – not just as theory, but lived reality. From the cell (where we meet God in stillness), to the cloister (where unexpected conversations happen), to the garden (where creative community work takes root), this ancient framework helps communities see their life together more fully.

“If we only imagine ourselves as the chapel, we miss our role as the library, or the refectory, or the garden. That’s where we become impoverished,” Kate said.

There’s also space being made for imagination. George Lings’ work in Wales has seen churches thrive in surprising, pioneering ways. The hope is that some of that creative spirit will be sparked here too.

Kate said: “We are hopeful that it will be a gloriously sunny day. We’ll sit by the river, eat good food, and do really good work. A day like this can save months. It’s about being nourished: spiritually, relationally, even physically. Because thriving is about wholeness.

“My biggest hope is that people come away feeling they have less to carry; that sense of, ‘this is what’s mine to do,’ rather than feeling like everything rests on them.”

If you would be interested, please contact Kate Stacey to join the waiting list for a space.