Developing new models of church life

Many parts of the Church in Western Europe are in decline and nowhere is this decline sharper than in the poorest communities. In this area of work, the Priority Areas Committee supports a range of activities which are designed to help local Christians and congregations to share the Gospel in more  appropriate and inspirational ways resulting in growth and deepening of faith.

Buildings

Our church buildings which have the potential to be one of our great assets are, frequently, one of our greatest problems. Working with others we are trying to change this. One of our projects, Chance to Thrive, is helping communities to see how their community could thrive.

You can read more about Chance to Thrive here.

Priority Areas have also produced 'Letting it happen!', a handbook for priority area parishes (and the wider church) to help them manage and develop the use of their buildings.

Leadership

Leadership has been emerging over the last few years as a critical area of work within priority areas. In 2010 we developed a Leadership Strategy for Priority Areas in order to more clearly define the kind of leadership we want to support and develop.

You can read the Leadership Strategy here.

Key areas of work currently being undertaken include Coaching, Training and Formation and the Women’s Leadership Network.

Worship

The development of worship in priority areas is an increasingly important focus of our work which is supported in a number of different ways, including Weaving Worship, Healing Ministries and Unlock Glasgow.

Read more about Worship, Health and Healing in Priority Areas here.