News

"At the Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches" - Book extract

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…

Commercial: Social franchise and social justice? Here's how...

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...

Congregation: Who let the church... out?

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”...

Congregation: Building people power

24th July 2022

Heartedge churches talk about the challenges of finding enough people to support the great ideas they have - it's a big deal. It can feel demoralising when we have exciting plans but can’t get them off the ground because of a lack of people power.

Culture: Small Gigs - big impact!

24th July 2022

Booking a variety of small gigs or concerts with different genres of music is a substantial boost to your cultural programme but getting a music programme lined up can feel daunting especially without a Director of Music or an events team to pick up the workload. One approach is to get in touch with a music collective near you….

humbler church Bigger God w/c Friday 24th June 2022

23rd June 2022

Christchurch Priory hosts HeartEdge

17th June 2022

humbler church Bigger God w/c Friday 17th June 2022

16th June 2022

Commercial: How to - Coffee Shop & Cafe - tactics / tips

14th June 2022

The church café or coffee shop is a great idea and a challenge - how to go about? Where to start? Her are five tactics and tips yto get started.

Fundraising: Grants Update

14th June 2022

An England update on online grants including lottery, Community Fund, Arts Council plus a look at future funds to watch out for, plus partnerships and resources.

Culture: Lockdown in 30 objects

14th June 2022

"... we kept a tight focus on what we're trying to achieve through this concept, where every visitor can respond live, be democratic and open to this space we wanted to create." Tactics and tips on culture and mission...

Compassion: "all at sea"

14th June 2022

Being “all at sea” has opened new opportunities for compassionate engagement, or a challenge to do compassion differently. The thoughts and questions below are gleaned from conversations with churches trying to set sail again, change tack or navigate the new, particularly with regard to compassion.