Church School: A place for mission and discipleship?

Mission-what is it? Defining mission matters Church Schools already deliver high quality worship and bible centred RE with a strong emphasis on Christianity Is this mission? Balancing non-proselytisation and a missional focus What does this look like-implicit/explicit evangelism Missional opportunities using schools Church based Admissions criteria, invitational services, festival services School based Clubs and activities, school services in church, a place in the structure for church individuals/incumbents Mission-what is it? evangelism, witness, proselytisation-brief discussion with delegates Define implicit and explicit evangelism Discuss the opportunities their benefits and draw backs

What can’t you do? Convert on the state! At no point can state money be used for the furtherance of faith. Therefore, all Christian activities must be extra-curricular Worship is legally required to be broadly Christian and daily RE is required to be taught in line with the Trust Deed no assumption of faith Clarify the limits of the church in schools

What you can do? Use our vision for schools We are committed to ensure that each of our children and young people have the following attributes and confidences as they leave our schools and make their way in the world: Reference vision

know how to pray know the Christian belief that they are loved by God understand the story of salvation revealed in the Bible and fulfilled in Jesus Christ have explored, and know how to explore the Christian faith

be guided by a spiritual compass based on gospel values and the person of Jesus love their neighbour and seek to serve them, to bring justice, and to embrace both sacrifice and service understand the life-long transformational effect of God for individuals, communities and nations

We are equally committed to seeing these attributes and confidences develop in our wider school community

What is the role of the parish with church schools in faith development. Key Question: Where does mission stop and discipleship begin? Key Question: Where does mission stop and discipleship begin?

Worship Accessible worship in church and school Narrated services Exploring symbolism Shared hymns/songs Assuming no understanding of faith and church Welcome How to build good relationships- importance of talking and sharing Don’t expect HTs to attend your church on a regular basis Don’t expect the school to fill your church on a Sunday

Discipleship with children Discipleship opportunities (JAM club, Christian Union, Bible challenge) Confirmation Discipleship with adults Teachers (understanding the Christian faith) Parents (school based Alpha) Community (invitation services, events) Discuss options for different discipleship activities Who can do it? Not always incumbent, how to support and equip teachers or TAs or volunteers Adult discipleship is linking the church to school events and intentionally engaging with the community and parents. List examples

Linking effectively with staff, parents and pupils Examples of good practice List ideas for being known as church with the parents and community-exploiting the link Ie . Meet and greet. School gate, parents evening service and support etc

Shared use of buildings Benefits Church and school are one and the same No extraction of faith from the school Unchurched feel it is a safe space-comfortable Relevant and at the heart of community Efficiency-Shared costs Examples of how it can be Opportunity to physically do work to connect the two buildings where possible-conditions and considerations

Headaches Demarcation of church and school Funerals Church events Choices of presentation What to do when the personalities change The importance of written agreements Share our pain- advise on how to avoid the same issues in future

School church plant or new congregation What can it look like? Best times? Connecting with the wider parish comminute Emphasise the need to do things differently Church at a basic enquirer level-active and engaging Bold steps! Drop a Sunday service and move to midweek at the school-discuss

The role of the vicar Balancing the multiple hats of the incumbent as governor, pastor, spiritual leader for the parish and school trustee Power or influence? Pressure points for clergy Quick wins Don’t do everything Don’t interfere-influence THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP Spirit of service not control- not easy with some HTs

The role of lay members of the church How to engage? Prayer groups. Sponsor role Open the book Worship team Learning through the church building List ideas and amplify as necessary

Questions