RESOURCES FOR MISSION

“God’s missionary purposes are cosmic in scope, concerned with the restoration of all things, the establishment of shalom, the renewal of creation and the coming of the kingdom as well as the redemption of fallen humanity and the building of the church.”
Stuart Murray

“The church is both the fruit of Gods mission- those whom he has redeemed, and the agent of his mission- the community through whom he acts for the world’s redemption…
It is therefore of the essence (the DNA) of the church to be a missionary community.”
Mission Shaped Church page 85.

The strategic approach to mission in the Diocese of Ely has been in place since 2003 (following the adoption of the All Good Gifts report), encouraging all parishes to see themselves primarily as mission communities and to put collaborative working at the heart of all mission and ministry.

The policy the Diocese of Ely is for decisions to be made at a local level - the parish and deanery. We believe in the “bottom up” principle and not “top down”.

Therefore in 2008 Mission Action Planning was introduced to the Diocese. Every parish was asked to produce its Mission Action Plan - identifying what they believe they are called by God to do.

The Diocesan responsibility is to help parishes enact their plans. This is done through the work of Diocesan Officers, deanery events and conferences.

For Resources to help with Mission Action Planning see www.ely.anglican.org/mission/mission_action_planning/index.html

In 2009 the Diocesan structure was changed so that common areas of interest were linked.

The Mission Department also includes

• Fresh Expressions
• New Developments in terms of new housing areas and Church Planting
• World Mission
• Parish courses (working closely with the Board of Ministry).
• Stewardship
• Spirituality
• Healing
• Ecumenism

The Worldwide Mission Grouphas in its membership those who are concerned to develop links with the overseas church. These include representatives of the principal Anglican Mission agencies, and those involved in the various Diocesan links. Currently (2004) these are with the German Lutheran North Elbian Church, and (through the Cambridgeshire Ecumenical Council) with the Diocese of Vellore in South India. The Cathedral also has a link with Zanzibar Cathedral. The Worldwide Mission Group also encourages parishes that have developed their own overseas partnerships.

The Diocesan Stewardship Group is concerned not only with the raising of money, but an understanding of Christians’ responsibility to see the whole of their lives as held in stewardship from God.