Mixed Ecology, Norm?

A “mixed ecology of Church.” Sounds good. But what might it look like? And how might it be achieved?

The Church of England’s vision for the 2020s invites us to be a church where ‘a mixed ecology is the norm - where every person in England has access to an enriching and compelling community of faith by adding new churches and new forms of Church to our parishes, cathedrals, schools and chaplaincies’.

This day will engage with the challenge of the mixed ecology, exploring it theologically and practically. We will draw on examples and experience from the wider church, as well as our own practice and experience of supporting others in enabling a mixed ecology of church.

We hope this day will be encouraging and will enable you to make positive and realistic steps toward a mixed ecology. We really encourage you if possible to bring your ministry teams to this day. The day will give ample opportunity for you as a team to explore, discuss and pray about how this vision might apply in your context.

The day will be led by Rev’d Paul Bradbury and Rev’d Sally Taylor. Paul is an ordained pioneer minister and leader of Poole Missional Communities where a number of mission initiatives and new forms of church have begun alongside the parish system. He is the author of ‘Home by Another Route’ (BRF 2019) which explores some of the challenges of the mixed ecology and is currently researching toward a Doctorate in ecclesiology. Sally is a pioneer curate in the parish of Hamworthy where she has started a church for toddlers and their carers. She is also involved in supporting and enabling new forms of church across the Diocese.