MAPping at Diocesan House
Mission Action Planning (MAPping) was first introduced to the Diocese of Truro in the autumn of 2009. Since then MAPping has been recognised at all levels of the Diocese as a useful tool in establishing where we are going and how we are going to get there. Rebecca Evans joined the Diocese in April 2011 and will be taking over support for MAPping, working closely with the Archdeacon of Bodmin, Reverend Canon Dr Audrey Elkington who has considerable experience in the area.
The aim is to develop Deanery level networks of information for all those involved with MAPping. Rather than the focus being solely on the document itself, it is hoped that MAPping will instead become a way or working, continually developing as we grow the church. MAPping facilitators will also be able to provide practical support in taking parishes through the MAPping process.
If you are interested in becoming a facilitator who would like support with your Mission Action Plan please contact Rebecca Evans on 01872 274351 or click here to send an email.
Are you on the MAP yet?
In his introduction to Mission Action Planning (MAPping) in the latest edition of Archdeacons' Visitation News, The Revd Alan Bashforth, Vicar of St Agnes and Mount Hawke with Mithian, and Rural Dean of Powder, says: "Parish life in recent years has become something of a sea of busyness. We are all very busy, or at the very least we present to everyone around us that we are. Take a step back and wonder just for a moment what we are busy doing.
"Very often, I suspect, we are in something of a perpetual state of crisis management, responding to the various problems that can inflict themselves upon us, upon our friends and neighbours or even, dare I say it, on our buildings.
He continues, "The question that arises, however, is can we somehow re-direct our busyness in such a way that God's grace could abound all the more? Can we think and plan before we react and as a result not simply run faster and be even busier, but rather bring more people to know God's love in their lives? Might it be possible to even bring them to serve Him as well?"
MAPping, or Mission Action Planning, is a tried and tested method for churches, benefices, clusters, deaneries and whole dioceses to review their mission strategy and to plan their mission priorities and actions. It has already helped churches try new things and to move forward with more confidence.
Beginning the process involves a considering of what resources we have locally. We can then consider the things we already do and wonder how they help us - or indeed hinder us - in our vocation as the Church.
Should we stop doing some of them? A question easier asked than acted upon, yet one we must both ask and act on if we are going to use the resources that we have as well as we can. Finally, what are we trying to achieve and how can we work out if we are achieving it?
Some parishes will already be doing all or some of this. Others will perhaps need a little help. Our own MAPping support material is now available and has begun to be distributed to licensed clergy and PCC Secretaries at the Archdeacons' Visitations. Click for Visitation News.
If you would like to book a presentation about how MAPping could work for your church, benefice or deanery, or to talk about it, please contact Rebecca Evans at Diocesan House on 01872 274351 Ext 214.
MAPping Downloads
Guide to MAPping the vision of the Diocese of Truro 2010 (PDF 128.78kb)
Mission Action Planning Toolkit (PDF 721.94kb)