PARISH MINISTRY REVITALIZATION

Parishes do not need a one-size-fits-all strategic plan; they need the right intervention for their specific reality right now. Whether your leadership team is clarifying future direction, evaluating congregational health, or discerning major structural shifts like amalgamation, shared ministry, or closure, each resource below provides a pathway in which to do this discernment and exploration. Select the option that aligns with your parish's current season to find practical tools, guided frameworks, and direct diocesan support.
PARISH MISSION ACTION PLANNING (PMAP)
A congregational guide to discerning and living out God's mission locally.
This Parish Mission Action Plan (PMAP) is a practical, prayerful roadmap designed to help congregations look beyond maintenance, discover where God is active locally, and focus their energy on 2–3 achievable priorities. Built around an engaging, in-house framework, the process guides your parish through four 90-minute discernment sessions—either over four weeks or condensed into a single weekend retreat—using ready-to-use surveys to strengthen faith formation, revitalize parish culture, and deepen neighbourhood engagement without overwhelming your leaders.     Download printable pdf:  PMAP Guide
MISSION VISION & GOALS
Excavating Parish Identity & Call

This tool is a rigorous audit of a parish's core identity, values, and near-term mission priorities. It delivers a thorough, strategic planning diagnostic to establish concrete goals tailored to your parish's unique future.

Download printable pdf:     MISSION VISION GOALS - STEPS

 

PATHWAYS: EXPLORING PARISH MODELS

Pathways: Exploring Parish Models - A guide for congregational leaders to discern bold, structural pathways for revitalizing ministry within their local context. It helps parishes consider fresh ideas for significant transitions—including amalgamations, ecumenical shared ministries, and repurposing property for social enterprise or community partnerships.

Download printable pdf:   PATHWAYS: EXPLORE MODELS STEPS
THE HEALTHY CHURCHES HANDBOOK
A process for revitalizing your church.

The Healthy Churches' Handbook by Church of England priest, Robert Warren is a practical guide designed to help congregations assess their current health, identify core strengths and weaknesses, and navigate intentional organizational renewal. Grounded in the "Seven Marks of a Healthy Church" framework, the book provides structured processes, diagnostic tools, and collaborative exercises to move faith communities from stagnation toward sustainable ministry development.

(This resource is similar Anglican equivalent to the Natural Church Development resource. It is also substantially less expensive to use.) 

Church House Publishing - Healthy Churches Handbook LINK

FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION
8 Common Factors to Congregational Flourishing

From Evidence to Action is based on the Church of England's Church Growth Research Programme. The guide translates findings into actionable priorities, outlining seven core factors that drive healthy parish development. It posits that church growth is an intentional outcome requiring deliberate strategy rather than passive maintenance. Includes discussion questions and worksheets.

FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION GUIDE (free download)

Revitalization Downloads