More than 120 people gathered at Wydale Hall to mark the conclusion of Revitalise, the Diocese of York’s church growth programme.
Since 2022, Revitalise has worked with 40 clergy across ministry units encompassing 160 church buildings. Part of the diocese’s Living Christ’s Story strategy, the programme has supported churches in rural parishes, market towns, and urban communities to explore opportunities for growth.
The final cohort gatherings took place at Wydale Hall in September, bringing together more than 120 people over two days. Participants reflected on their experiences, with some sharing encouraging signs of change in their churches. Others spoke about gaining the confidence to try new approaches to mission and ministry.
Supporting churches on their journey
Revitalise began in October 2022, when Bishops and Archdeacons invited parishes to take part in a two-year journey exploring growth in mission and financial sustainability.
Each incumbent was joined by up to four lay leaders in the Revitalise Learning Community, with cohorts meeting eight times over two years. Rather than following a fixed course, participants explored subjects relevant to their churches, including leadership, vision, growing younger, prayer, discipleship, and developing new worshipping communities.
Between gatherings, mentors from the Growing Healthy Churches team worked alongside ministry units, visiting PCCs, parish groups, and Sunday services. Churches were supported to develop Mission Action Plans, explore ways to nurture discipleship, and consider opportunities for growth appropriate to their local context and church tradition.
The conclusion of Revitalise coincides with the retirement of two esteemed colleagues involved in supporting church growth across the diocese: the Ven John Day, Growing Healthy Churches Adviser, who led the programme, and the Revd John Lee, who has also worked on the diocese’s Multiply programme.
Looking ahead: renewing churches and communities
Church renewal will be a major focus of the diocese’s Living Christ’s Story strategy as we move into 2027. Building on the experience of programmes such as Revitalise, proposed new investment would help strengthen existing churches, develop new worshipping communities, and support approaches to mission that respond to local needs.
The Revd Canon Mark Carey, Director of Mission and Ministry, attended the final gathering at Wydale Hall to meet participants and hear about their experiences. He will work with the wider team to explore how the opportunities identified through Revitalise can inform the next phase of church renewal.
Working alongside deaneries and parishes, the aim is to develop confident leaders, deepen missionary discipleship, and help churches and communities flourish.
