LIFE: Diocese of Gloucester Vision 2017 -2022 Developed to guide our common work in going out and sharing the transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ across the Diocese Building on the previous vision- “Journeying Together” - which was developed in 2012 Identifies four key themes for our work, and 14 priority areas

Developing our LIFE Vision Ascension Day – Pentecost 2016 – a period of prayer and reflection across the Diocese Pentecost – 20 July 2016 – all worshipping communities were invited to participate in conversations within congregations, in the wider communities and in schools about where God was calling Diocese Approximately 6000 people participated in these conversations Bishop Rachel led a team of people to collate all the feedback, read it and prayerfully reflect upon it Emergence of LIFE themes and priorities

The context of the LIFE vision Doesn’t name everything we do “Turns up the volume” on some specific areas, help us make decisions around where to spend time and energy Guides priorities for Diocesan bodies of governance In worshipping communities, not everyone will engage with all priorities – need for discernment about what is most important locally Can’t do it alone – will need to work with others and support each other

Leadership: committed to transformation Developing diverse lay and ordained leaders from the communities we serve Piloting liberating models of leadership and ministry, especially in multi-parish benefices Creating learning networks for lay and ordained leaders

Imagination: Opening new paths to faith Investing in our engagement with baptism families to spark an amazing adventure with Jesus Christ Placing schools at the heart of our mission with creative connections between churches and schools Encouraging new and courageous ways of worshipping, in different places, which connect with more people Approaching the use, upkeep and future of our church buildings in bold and creative ways

Faith: Living as adventurous followers of Jesus Christ Enabling people to discover new depths to prayer and spiritual growth, individually and together Nurturing confident disciples to live out their faith seven days a week Sharing our stories in new and different ways, including through digital media

Engagement: Living out Christ’s love and hope Being advocates for human flourishing, through initiatives which combat injustice, environmental destruction, exclusion and isolation Using sport, music and art to build relationships and share the Christian faith Connecting with new housing developments in innovative ways Investing in people and programmes, which excite young people to explore and grow in faith

LIFE: A party to which all are invited The vision was launched on 26 November with a party, to which everyone was invited 600 people came, and together danced, ate and drank, created beautiful artwork, sang, played games and enjoyed LIFE in all its fullness

An invitation to continue At this start of the LIFE journey, every worshipping community, school, chaplaincy, fresh expression, and individual is invited to pray, reflect and discuss what the vision might mean for them There may be a particular theme or priority that resonates with something you are already doing which can be developed, or there may be something new to be started Groups will also be coming together at Diocesan level to develop common efforts on the different priorities – email vision@glosdioc.org.uk if you would like to know more

As the Holy Spirit breathes life into what this vision will mean for each of us, we will find joy in the unknown and familiar. We can be confident that each action we take, big or small, will transform lives and communities.