A course to transform the approach of leaders to supporting young people’s faith formation is underway in the south west of England. A pilot of the Growing Faith Strategic Leaders Programme (GFSLP) is being led by the Diocese of Bath and Wells in partnership with the Dioceses of Bristol, Exeter, Salisbury and Truro, and the Growing Faith Foundation of the Church of England. A key goal of the regional pilot is to increase accessibility to the course, especially for largely rural dioceses.
On Tuesday 25 March 2025, more than 30 leaders from across church, schools, trusts, diocesan staff and para-church organisations met for their second face-to-face gathering.
The GFSLP programme:
- Has a transformative impact on children and young people’s faith formation
- Professionally develops leaders, and aspiring leaders, bringing sustained change in a range of contexts
- Provides a space for a collaborative learning community which models the intersections of Growing Faith (church, home and school).
It has been running nationally for the past 2 years, with more than 70 leaders from across the country having completed the programme. The South West is the first area to pilot running the programme as a regional partnership.
Meeting at St James’ Church in Taunton, the day was focussed on casting and acting on vision as part of the first module of the course. The morning session gave opportunity to explore what it means to lead in a Growing Faith shape, particularly in the context of casting vision. The afternoon, led by Keynote speaker Revd Mark Fuller (Pioneer Priest in Portishead), enabled participants to reflect on their own context and to frame their personal ‘how do I…?’ question which will shape their learning and practice during the year long course.
Rev Jenny Nelson, Rector of Holy Trinity Church Bradford on Avon, said, ‘It is a privilege to be part of the cohort for the Growing Faith Strategic Leaders Course through the South West programme. Growing Faith is the movement that places children, young people, and families at the heart of the Church's mission and ministry. Our focus is on cultural change, inspired by aligning vision, purpose, and strategy with action. We look with a new lens on articulating and embodying the vision, casting the vision, and sustaining it. Let's open doors for people to join in the conversation!’
You can find out more about the Growing Faith Strategic Leaders Programme by visiting the foundation’s website or by contacting Diocesan Lead, Mandy Christopher.