Our network embraces those shaped by habits of pastoral ministry fostering in them an aptitude and appetite for translating these interests into compassionate, cultural and commercial opportunities.
25th July 2022
Our [church] cultures grow out of the stories we tell. As churches tell stories — or stay silent — about access, participation and the sins of ableism, they tell disabled people whether or not we are imagined and wanted among their communities…
24th July 2022
Franchising faith-based social justice commercial models is nothing new – Food Banks and Your Local Pantry have been doing it for years. But what is a bit unusual is to buy a secular franchise and adapt it to a faith-based context. Poynton have done just that, and perhaps provided a template for commercial franchising for social justice in the process...
24th July 2022
For HeartEdge the aim of the church is to reimagine itself in relation to society, moving into new spaces, discerning how God is at work beyond the church. Pioneers have a key role to play in letting the church out. The words “pioneer” and “parish” have sometimes been pitted against each other. That is changing with the growing recognition of pioneer ministry and emphasis on developing a “mixed ecology”...
HeartEdge is about recognising the activity of the Holy Spirit beyond and outside the church and about a church that flourishes when it seeks to catch up with what the Spirit is already doing in the world.
There was a time when church meant a group that believed it could control access to God – access that only happened in its language on its terms. But God is bigger than that, and the church needs to be humbler than that. Kingdom churches anticipate the way things are with God forever – a culture of creativity, mercy, discovery and grace – and are grateful for the ways God renews the church through those it has despised, rejected, or ignored.
‘humbler church Bigger God’ is the title for our ongoing online festival of theology, ideas and practice. We’ve developed this in response to our changing world. The church is changing too, and - as we improvise and experiment - we can learn and support each other. This is ‘humbler church Bigger God’’ - talks, workshops and discussion - hosted by HeartEdge. Created to equip, encourage and energise churches - from leaders to volunteers and enquirers - at the heart and on the edge.
The online programme includes:
Find earlier HeartEdge sessions here.
Congregations developing open, hospitable, welcoming approaches to day-to-day communal life, liturgy and worship.
We think it’s possible to be a church without being defensive or closed-minded. The Holy Spirit works as much beyond the church as within it - we look for God at work and join in.
God wants us to live before death as well as after.
HeartEdge is about deepening and widening the congregation.
Engaging local need and addressing social justice.
We do unbelievable things when we start with our assets rather than deficits.
It’s possible to be compassionate with those excluded or in trouble, in a way that enhances community.
Care comes not from altruism but recognition of our own need, and desire to be transformed by the strangers God sends us.
Visual and performing art and ideas, re-imagining the Christian narrative for the present moment.
Exploring new avenues of arts from expand and encourage new cultures within church and the community.
Commercial activity generating finance, creatively extending and enhancing mission.
We think it is possible to have commercial activities available within Church that demonstrates a wider understanding of the Faith.
By allowing our assets - likes buildings and facilities - to broaden and appeal to a larger market we remain at the centre of our community, valued and considered by all.
Day-to-day communal life, liturgy and worship
Congregations developing open, hospitable, welcoming approaches to day-to-day communal life, liturgy and worship.
We think it’s possible to be a church without being defensive or closed-minded. The Holy Spirit works as much beyond the church as within it - we look for God at work and join in.
God wants us to live before death as well as after.
HeartEdge is about deepening and widening the congregation.
Partnering with others in forming relationships, releasing the gifts of strangers
Engaging local need and addressing social justice.
We do unbelievable things when we start with our assets rather than deficits.
It’s possible to be compassionate with those excluded or in trouble, in a way that enhances community.
Care comes not from altruism but recognition of our own need, and desire to be transformed by the strangers God sends us.
Re-imagining the Christian narrative for the present
Visual and performing art and ideas, re-imagining the Christian narrative for the present moment.
Exploring new avenues of arts from expand and encourage new cultures within church and the community.
Finding income streams to achieve financial sustainability and grow flourishing programmes
Commercial activity generating finance, creatively extending and enhancing mission.
We think it is possible to have commercial activities available within Church that demonstrates a wider understanding of the Faith.
By allowing our assets - likes buildings and facilities - to broaden and appeal to a larger market we remain at the centre of our community, valued and considered by all.
Log-in to access resources. Share what works for you and what you need, and make useful connections with other churches. HeartEdge is about sharing what we have and finding what we need. Start here:
Make contact and connections via a growing collective. Find help for your church developing commercial, cultural and community activity.
Find insight and knowledge to help your practice, learning from others with lived-experience and alternative approaches.
Find those with lived experience relevant to your situation. Learn from other stories and grow solidarity.
Not a consultancy selling techniques, we will take time to locate and introduce you to possible mentors with lived experience and professional support useful for you.
Update on gatherings and events useful to your context.
Not a single branded technique - find a mix of useful videos, access books, articles and newsletters and the latest HeartEdge publications.
Update on activities and alternative approaches, trying out something new (or old or borrowed).
Sign up for our email update letter - a smorgasboard of stories, ideas and news delivered each month to your inbox.
