This part of the plan proposes working with 50 benefices over the next 5-7 years to develop individual co-created Benefice Development Plans seeking to respond to their unique mix of missional opportunities and challenges across their communities.
We would seek to apply for a large pot of national funding to help fund each Benefice Development Plan in full or in part (depending on context and need).
To support this work, Benefice Development Advisers would be appointed to walk alongside benefices as they develop and discern their local plans, providing challenge, support, advocacy and expertise.
Benefices will be able to draw on an evidence based menu of costed potential support packages, interventions, training and tools to assist benefices in improving core areas of their health and vitality. A particular focus on youth, children and families will be encouraged.
Each Plan would be tailored to the needs of each benefice and could include a range of support such as funding for additional staff posts (such as a children’s pastors or administrator), training and development for the incumbent and ministry team, support in welcome a revitalisation team from a resource church, or funding for resources for local ministry and mission plans.
The aim of each package of support would be to help the benefice grow and move up at least one category on the Health and Vitality scale.