This month marks the end of the Multiply project, a six-year initiative that has inspired and equipped leaders to create new worshipping communities across the diocese.
Committed to the Church of England’s vision of “A Christian Presence in Every Community”, Multiply set out to reach new disciples, particularly among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Over the years, the project has helped many discover faith and find a place in the life of the Church
The project aimed to support thirteen new worshipping communities, along with additional funding to appoint part-time lay pioneers, providing frameworks for growth, and guidance from the diocesan team. For many leaders, this support made it possible to undertake work that was previously unsustainable on a purely voluntary basis.
Last month, leaders and their teams gathered for their final away day at Bishopthorpe Palace for worship, prayer, and to share experiences of the joys and challenges of pioneering new worshipping communities.
The Rt Revd Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby, said: “It was a great joy to spend the day with Multiply leadership teams as we heard together so many stories of God at work and considered what the scriptures, research, theories and our experience say sustainability looks like in new churches and at times of leadership transition.
“As we discussed how fragile most new churches (and perhaps many time-honoured churches too) feel, we recalled that most of the images Jesus shares of the Kingdom are of something which starts small, vulnerable and precarious. Such feelings are not a sign of failure but a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
“It was a day of much testimony and so much to give thanks for. Whilst some of the specifics entitled Multiply come to an end, the work and call continues.”
As Multiply draws to a close, we give thanks for all who have served, prayed and supported this work. We hope that the seeds planted through this project will continue to bear fruit in the years ahead, as new communities flourish and the good news of Jesus Christ is shared in fresh ways.
