Despite a decline in UK church attendance, the Church of England's recent report reveals signs of growth, particularly in Blackburn, where innovative initiatives are drawing in more children and young people. At St Leonard’s church and school in Balderstone, around sixty people of all ages participated in a creative worship service, collecting natural items to represent the Easter story. This inclusive approach mirrors efforts across the diocese to engage with new worshippers, resulting in a 17% increase in children attending weekly services compared to 2021. The local synod has identified successful strategies for church outreach, including schools ministry and online worship. Over the past five years, more than a hundred new local congregations have emerged, ranging from forest churches to café gatherings, indicating a promising trend of community expansion within the CofE.
100+ new local congregations in the past five years
Written by David Fletcher 18 Apr 2024Additional Info
- Praise: the Lord for these and many other creative and pioneering approaches to church-planting and growth. Pray that the many new believers of all ages will be nurtured and grow in their faith. (Colossians 2:7)
- More: www.premierchristianity.com/testimonies/more-than-100-new-local-congregations-have-sprung-up-in-the-past-five-years/17490.article
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