In this section you will find out more about creative mission in Cumbria and what networks and support are available to help the mixed ecology to flourish. Whether you’re directly involved in leading something, or praying for your community, we hope that we can support you in being part of the ongoing story of creative mission in Cumbria.
What is happening in Cumbria?
Cumbria has become known for its creative approach to mission across the whole church. Until recently we have focussed on developing Fresh Expressions (FX) of church. FXs often start by listening to the local community and growing new forms of church from there. Following the successful Diocesan Investment Programme Application in March 2025, The Cumbrian Way, we are looking to see this track record of innovation lead to further missional revitalisation and a culture of church planting, and the development of new worshipping communities. The New Worshipping Communities (NWC) definition, from the national Church of England, encompasses both Planting and Fresh Expressions of church, as well as having scope to include NWCs emerging in Time Honoured spaces e.g. through toddler groups, messy churches or cafe churches, to name just a few examples.
What is a New Worshipping Community?
New – The aim of the New Worshipping Community is to reach people who are currently not attending church and to make new Christian disciples.
Worshipping – The purpose of the community is the worship of Jesus Christ and to help people grow in the maturity of their faith. This can be seen through its practices which will have multiple of the hallmarks of worship from: prayer, scripture, praise, sacrament, and acts of service.
Community – Meets together in person or online regularly (i.e. at least once a month), and is connected with the wider Church through the parish church, deanery or diocese.
Networks and Support
We offer a number of networks to help support people across the county. Creative Mission can sometimes be a lonely business and we want to provide opportunities for people to meet others doing similar things to share and learn. We have a number of networks:
- Pioneer Advocates network – a network of those involved in pioneering to hear what’s happening on the ground and give both the opportunity for feedback and influence
- Campfire – a peer support network for those involved in creative mission
- Pioneer Prayer – an online weekly prayer meeting 8pm – 8.30pm on Monday evenings
- Network Youth Church
- Children’s and Families Network
If you want to join these or find out more, please get in touch with Lori Passmore.
The training and resources we offer include:
- Growbag – an interactive training event co-created with local leaders
- Seedbed Grants – small £250 grants to help get missional ideas off the ground
- Garden Planner sessions – sessions built around the Diocese’s garden planner for Mission Communities
- The Tree/Eco-cycle – introductory activities to help start conversations about what is happening/a snap shot of where people are
- Speed Incubator – a speedy idea generator
- Dedicated workshops
We are in touch with pioneers across Cumbria who have expertise in different areas of ministry and are willing to share their experience. We also want to continue to learn from best practice in innovation and creative mission and we know that this is happening and would like to know more. Please get in touch if you have an idea which needs support, or would like to find another church or group who is working in a similar way.
Some of these people are voluntary, lay, ordained or missional entrepreneurs. This means we probably know someone you can chat to about your situation and missional idea.
Who’s Who
Beth Honey
Director of Missional Revitalisation
Beth.honey@carlislediocese.org.uk
Lori Passmore
Missional Revitalisation Support Officer
Lori.passmore@carlislediocese.org.uk
Dan Pattimore
Pioneer Enabler Team Leader
dan.pattimore@carlislediocese.org.uk
Captain Jeff Hill – based on the West Coast
Pioneer Enabler
Jeffery.Hill@carlislediocese.org.uk
