Self-Reflection and Development Tool

Take an honest look at where you are

Every church has its own story. Some are growing in confidence. Some are stretched. Some are facing difficult questions about people, money, buildings, leadership, or welcome.

The Self-Reflection and Development Tool helps your church step back and look clearly at what is happening now.

It is not a test. It is not about comparing your church with another. It is a practical way to notice what is going well, name what feels hard, and decide what support may help.

Living Christ’s Story begins in real communities, with real people, in real places. This tool helps churches ask: what is God already doing here, and what might we need next?

See the bigger picture

The tool helps your church reflect on the whole life of your church, not just one pressure point.

It invites you to look at areas such as:

• worship and discipleship
• welcome and community life
• children, young people, and families
• mission and outreach
• leadership and volunteers
• buildings and practical resources
• finance and sustainability
• safeguarding and safer practice

You can use the whole tool, or choose the sections that are most useful for your context.

At the heart of the tool are 40 questions about church life. These questions help you think about what is going well, what is growing, and what may need more thought, time, or support. They are designed to prompt honest conversation, not as extra paperwork!

Get the right support for your church

Once you have used the tool, your church should have a clearer sense of where support may help.

That support could come from:

• your deanery
• diocesan teams
• neighbouring churches
• training, networks, or learning communities
• national or external resources
• local partners in your community

The clearer your reflections are, the easier it is to find the right next step.

Using the Self-Reflection and Development Tool

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Download the tool

Use the Self-Reflection and Development Tool to begin a clear, honest, and hopeful conversation about your church’s life and future.