Pray Grow Serve 2035
Pray, Grow, Serve 2035 is our 10-year strategic plan based on the Diocese of Exeter’s vision to grow in prayer, make new disciples and serve the people of Devon with joy.
It is driven by our five missional priorities: missional leadership, missional DNA, vocations, children and families and mixed ecology (varied missional expressions of church).
Pray, Grow, Serve 2035 is being part-funded by a £10m grant to help churches across Devon grow, flourish and serve their communities well into the future.
The grant, which is the largest the diocese has ever received, has been awarded by the Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB). The first phase is a grant of £10m missional investment followed by £2.5m implementation support from 2027 in phase 1. The diocese will then be able to apply for phase two funding of £10m plus £1.5m implementation support in 2028. Overall, the diocese could receive £24m over six years.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said “This is a fantastic springboard for new and creative mission and ministry across the diocese and a real vote of confidence in our plans from the national Church.
“My prayer is that this resourcing might lead many to know the love of God in Christ for them and to grow as followers of Jesus, joyfully witnessing and serving in His name.”
Find out more
Read and download an information booklet about Pray, Grow, Serve 2035 and how it will impact your mission community: Click Here
Read our FAQs Document: Click Here
You are invited to attend a Pray, Grow, Serve 2035 Information Webinar:
Bishop James will be hosting an information webinar about Pray, Grow, Serve 2035 which will include more details about the 10-year plan, the chance to ask questions and find out how you can get involved. The date is:
5 March at 7pm – 8pm
Please click here to book your webinar place
Download the Pray Grow Serve 2035 brand resources kit
Click here to read the Ad Clerum.
Watch a video about Pray Grow Serve 2035:
The grant funding is specifically targeted to help churches grow and make new disciples (one of the Diocese of Exeter’s core aims.) It will be delivered through five key interventions:
The funding will be awarded over six years, and the interventions will be implemented in stages, with recruitment for some of the new parish roles starting in the next few weeks.
Although the funding is ring-fenced for new growth projects, a key part of it will be investments in existing clergy and lay leadership. It’s hoped that it will build on great work already happening across Devon’s churches and its impact will benefit every mission community (group of parishes working together) and their local communities.
Plymouth, as the largest urban centre in Devon with one of the highest levels of deprivation, has a specific plan within the overall strategy which addresses some of the socio-economic challenges facing the city. Click here to find out more about Plymouth 2035.
Watch this message from Bishop Mike as he shares our plan for our diocesan family
