Pilgrimage has long been part of the Christian tradition, offering a way of deepening faith through intentional journeying. For churches today, it remains a rich opportunity for both mission and discipleship. At its heart, pilgrimage is about learning to notice God’s presence in places, in people, and in our own lives, and responding with prayer, reflection, and formation.
Engaging with pilgrimage can help churches connect more deeply with their communities. It offers a gentle form of welcome and invitation, creating space for people across the community and beyond to encounter faith. At the same time, it supports discipleship by encouraging us to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the stories, rhythms, and practices that shape our shared life in Christ.
Churches can engage with pilgrimage in a variety of ways. This might include mapping a simple journey through the church building itself, developing local walking routes that link nearby churches, or offering creative and reflective resources for use at home and in everyday life. Some churches may choose to work together across a benefice or deanery to create shared routes or seasonal pilgrimage events. Others may focus on small, regular opportunities for reflection and prayer within their own context.
To support this, a Pilgrimage Toolkit has been developed, offering practical guidance, ideas, and advice. Alongside this, a small group resource offers five weeks of material, reflecting on the spirituality of pilgrimage, and can be used in home groups or other gathered church settings. You can download these below.
Pilgrimage Toolkit
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Small group resource
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Church leaflet – overview
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