The Southwest’s Growing Faith Strategic Leaders Programme (GFSLP) is gathering pace with those involved now halfway through the year long programme aimed at developing leaders to bring sustained change and have a transformational impact on children and young people’s faith formation.
On the 5 and 6 June, participants in this collaborative learning community came together in Taunton to share their learning journey, to be inspired by each other and to hear from keynote speakers, including Dave Knight, Cesca Priestley and Lucy Moore.
Dave spoke about leading change, drawing upon his experience working in marketing with companies like Cadbury and Coca-Cola, and more recently his role specialising in business turnarounds with The Royal Mint, Axminster Carpets and Bristol Waste Company. With a passion for outreach, Dave has been part of a number of mission teams, led over 40 Alpha courses, and been a Street Pastor for 14 years.
Cesca shared her experiences as the Youth Voice Lead within the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Cesca’s work involves her in visiting schools, youth groups and churches to meet with children and young people. She shares what they have to say within her diocese to inform thinking and decision-making, and through her blog, ‘Raising Young Voices’.
Lucy, Head of the Growing Faith Foundation for the Church of England, helped us think about how to instinctively put children and young people at the centre of all we do. She highlighted some of the excellent research which is taking place across the country, and offered encouragement that by creating and embedding strategic partnerships between churches and schools across our dioceses, children, young people and their families can have the opportunity to grow in faith. She highlighted that, ‘Flourishing dioceses lead vibrant worshipping communities which offer children and young people spiritual encounter with Jesus, rhythms of prayer, courageous social action and intentional pathways to discipleship and leadership’ (Our Hope for a Flourishing Schools System: Deeply Christian Serving the Common Good, 2023).
Timi Booy, Bath and Wells Children, families and School Worker in Backwell, said, “"It’s been such a gift to step back from the busyness of everyday life and dedicate two full days to reflect on my own leadership journey. Having the time and space to connect with others, to share honestly about both the joys and the challenges in a safe and supportive space, and to hear their insights has been incredibly encouraging. The thoughtful feedback and different perspectives have really helped me walk away feeling refreshed and inspired.”
Cheryl Govier, lead for the South West regional model of the programme reflects on the days, saying, “it was a joy and privilege to gather some of our amazing leaders from across the South West. It was great to learn together as a cohort, as well as connect as individual Dioceses. The two days helped us think about our own leadership journey and development, through worship, hearing others speak and through honest conversations with others. Having reached the half-way point of the programme, I’m excited to see how these leaders grow and how their learning helps them consider the place of children and young people in their ministry.”
To find out more about the South West Growing Faith Stratgeic Leadership Programme, contact Cheryl Govier – cheryl.govier@bathwells.anglican.org
To find out more about Growing Faith, please visit the Church of England’s ‘Growing Faith Foundation’ website, The Growing Faith Foundation | The Church of England.