CAPTION: A participant says, "I cant wait to see how this impacts the life of the whole church."

Regional Model of Growing Faith Strategic Leaders Programme Launches in the South West

Posted: 4th February, 2025

At the beginning of January 2025, just over 30 leaders from across the South West gathered in Taunton for the launch of the regional Growing Faith Strategic Leaders’ Programme (GFSLP).

The GFSLP programme has a transformation impact on children and young people’s faith formation, and it develops leaders, and aspiring leaders, bringing sustained change in a range of contexts. The programme also provides a space for a collaborative learning community which models the intersections of Growing Faith between church, home and school.

The programme 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.

The Diocese of Exeter is partnering with the dioceses of Bristol, Bath and Wells, Salisbury and Truro to run the programme. Each diocese has between 4 to 8 participants taking part. Participants hold a wide range of roles, including school chaplains, youth and children’s workers, clergy, diocesan support staff and school leaders.

Throughout the year long programme, participants engage in online learning in their own time, take part in a range of coaching sessions, and gather in person.

Sue Lockwood, Director of Education at the Diocese of Exeter who is also taking part in the programme, said, “It is exciting to be working with diocesan colleagues from across the region as we bring the Growing Faith Strategic Leaders Programme to the Southwest.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our eight participants to work alongside others and be empowered to lead and embed a culture that enables children, young people and families to be at the centre of all we are and all we do, and to follow this through with actions as we seek to live out our diocesan vision of pray, grow and serve.”

Sharon Blyth, Children and Families Mission Enabler, who is taking part in the course said, “I’m so excited to be part of this new course, especially as making links between schools and churches and community is an absolute priority for our work in ministry and mission.

“From the first session, we were challenged to rethink the way we view our work with schools. Being around others who work in churches and schools creates a fantastic energy, and the reading materials are both exciting and challenging.”

Rev’d Tandy Ruoff, Chaplain at West Buckland School is also participating in the course. Tandy said, “I’m so excited to be part of the Growing in Faith and Strategic Leadership Programme.

“I have had over twenty years in Christian leadership, working with children and young people as a trained teacher, chaplain, children’s pastor, and vicar, and I have also attended countless training and courses. Yet, this programme stands out, pushing me to think in ways I never imagined.

“My faith is being profoundly deepened, and I am gaining invaluable insights about myself and others. This journey is not just about personal growth, it’s about transforming our church culture and seeing the church flourish.”

“I am excited for this year ahead, and I am looking forward to being part of the transformative changes both within our church, community and in schools.”

Rev’d Fran Bliss, a Chaplain for Ilfracombe Academy and also participating in the programme, said, “I am so delighted and relieved to be getting to know and work with others that have same sensitivity and hope for the future of the church.

“I sense that Jesus might be up to something, so watch this space. I can’t wait to see how this impacts the life of the whole church.”

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