Introduction
Launched in 2014, Mission Action Planning is a central part of Southwark’s Strategy for Ministry and Growth.
In March 2016 the Diocesan Synod overwhelmingly passed the vision for mission statement which relates the Five Marks of Mission to Mission Action Planning.
Overview of MAP
A Mission Action Plan (MAP) is a process of strategic planning that allows local churches to reflect on the opportunities and resources available to them, and helps them to direct their activities and decision-making over the coming years.
All parishes are asked to submit a MAP summary along with their MAP, using the template available in the ‘How To’ guide below. Please e-mail the summary and your MAP to your Area Bishop, Archdeacon and the Mission Support Officer, Jo Gavin. Please include the anticipated timeline for your MAP, the ‘to’ and ‘from’ dates, as we enter these onto the database.
Process
The heart of MAP is a process by which a church comes to understand its mission and put that into effect, rather than the product of a document. We aim to be Christ-centred and outward focused in all that we do.
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| Mission Action Planning: A ‘how to’ guide | Mission Action Planning: Resources and Templates |
People to support Mission Action Planning
Joanne Gavin is the first point of contact for questions and support regarding MAP.
MAP Foundation Training
We run monthly MAP Foundation training sessions to equip and enable you to run and facilitate a MAP away day with your church. Our training sessions take place on a Tuesday afternoon or Thursday evening. SIGN UP HERE
We can also work with parishes and PCCs to support you in developing a vision and plan. Please contact Jo Gavin if you would like help with this, or if you are interested in the role of voluntary MAP facilitator.
Leading your Church into Growth (LyCiG)
We aim to hold a LyCiG Conference here in Southwark annually. Details of this year’s conference can be found HERE
The programme includes opportunities to:
- Learn from experienced practitioners
- Explore practical tools for numerical and spiritual growth
- Be refreshed and encouraged in ministry
- Connect with others across the diocese who share a heart for mission
Hear what previous attendees have to say about the conference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MAP (Mission Action Plan)?
MAP is a 5-stage journey enabled by prayer and harnessing the passions of your church members and local community.
- Where are we now? Complete an external audit to gather data about your locality, the demographics, how your church is known or perceived and an internal audit amongst your church members – what are the areas of growth, challenges, opportunities. You can use this online questionnaire here
- Gather your church community for 3-4 hours in an ‘away day’ to discern a Christ-centred, Outward Focussed vision for your church in 2-3 years time.
- What steps do we need to take to get to the vision? Discern 1-3 priorities where there is some consensus, use the 5 Marks of Mission as a framework for defining mission, with a particular focus on no. 1. ,
- Develop a concrete SMART plan – to give your congregation clear steps and sub groups they can be a part of. Involve as many people to action the plan as possible.
- Timetable the next year: discuss progress on your MAP at every PCC meeting, use subgroups to make progress, hold prayer and update sessions, and set a Review date at 6 months and 1 year. This can be repeated in the second year.
For further information and support:
- Read the Mission Action Planning How to guide
- Attend our one of our monthly online MAP Training sessions for help and support. Details can be found here.
- Book a meeting with one of the team. Email: [email protected]
Why complete a MAP?
Churches in Southwark are encouraged to be ‘Christ Centred and Outward Focused.’ Mission isn’t just individual work: the Church is called to function as one body in its outreach, “joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped.” Scripture consistently emphasises our unity in mission: we are “built together into a dwelling place for God”.
The Diocese encourages every church to have its own plan to be an outward-focused community in its own locality.
For further information and support
Attend one of our online MAP Foundations Training Days, for help and support.
Book a meeting with one of the team to discuss. [email protected]
What pathways does Southwark Diocese recommend for Mission Action Planning?
Southwark now offers churches 4 missional pathways to choose from:
1. Leading Your Church Into Growth (LYCIG)
Leading Your Church Into Growth (LYCIG) provides a dynamic, evangelistically-focused approach which equips church leaders with a roadmap and toolbox for spiritual, numerical and missional growth.
The method:
- A 2-day conference for lay leaders and ordained clergy attended by many different churches
- A six-month process of listening and discussion.
- Three follow-up days to help you form a plan for church growth over the next three years.
- Follow-up support as required; you will be given access to a resource LyCiG Local which is 7 sessions to run with your church.
For more information email [email protected]. Details of the next Southwark-hosted LYCIG conference can be found HERE
2. The Classic MAP
The Classic MAP offers a tried-and-tested framework that has helped churches throughout our diocese discern God’s priorities and develop clear, actionable plans.
The method:
- A six-month period of
- a) listening to your community through various means (external audit)
- b) consulting church members (internal audit) in small groups
- c) collating and disseminating the information ahead of the ‘away day’
- A half day (3-4 hours first time minimum) together as PCC and/or wider church of sharing, mapping and discussion to discern 1 to 3 missional priorities for the next 1-5 years. These should be rooted in the reality of your context, and achievable in your church life together.
3. The Common Good Journey
The Common Good Journey – Built on catholic social teaching, this biblical and practical journey helps church communities
- become better rooted in their community through partnerships
- release their gifts to be Christ’s hands and feet where they live and work.
- Social action, outreach and community engagement is enhanced and local resilience increased.
- Along the way people find a greater sense of vocation and an enrichment in their discipleship journey.
Contact: [email protected] for more info
4. Purpose Driven Church Course
Purpose Driven Church Course – the purposes of the local church explored through the biblical principles of Rick Warren’s book of the same name over 6 sessions. Focusing on the central themes of the early church (Acts 2:42-47) the course helps churches reorder clergy and laity around 5 focus ministry groups (Mission, Magnify, Membership, Maturity, Ministry). This process will likely take up to one year of discussion and will count as your MAP for up to five years. Contact – [email protected] for more info
For further information and support:
- Read the Mission Action Planning booklet
- Attend our one of our monthly online Mission Action Planning Foundations Training for help and support.
- Book a meeting with one of the team. Email: [email protected]
What are the 5 Marks of Mission?
Tell To proclaim the good news of the Kingdom
Teach To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
Tend To respond to human need by lovingservice
Transform To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, & pursue peace and reconciliation
Treasure To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation & sustain and renew the life of the earth
For further information and support:
+ Read the Mission Action Planning How to Guide
+ Attend our one of our monthly online MAP Foundations Training sessions for help and support.
+ Book a meeting with one of the team. Email: [email protected]
How do I facilitate a MAP Away Day?
See above ‘What is a MAP’ for the five stages of the journey.
Read the Mission Action Planning how to guide
Attend our one of our monthly online MAP Foundations Training sessions , for help and support,
Book a meeting with one of the team to discuss. [email protected]
What is included in a MAP submission to the Diocese?
You should include:
your Mission Statement – a memorable short statement/sentence that outlines your vision for mission for the next 1-5 years. This should be shared widely and communicated often.
1-3 key missional priorities for the next 1-5 years and
- a timed plan to work on your MAP with a date for a MAP review at 6 months and at 1 year. A template can be found on page 8 of the Mission Action Planning how to guide.
Where do I send our MAP?
Please e-mail your completed MAPs and your reviewed MAPs to your Area Bishop and Archdeacon, as well as the Mission Support Officer, Jo Gavin. Please make sure you have included the MAP timelines, the ‘to’ and ‘from’ dates, on your MAP document.
