Mission and Discipleship 

Definition

To oversee the rollout, implementation and development of the Synod’s Strategy, encouraging every area of Synod life to be viewed through a Missional Discipleship lens.

History

The Missional Discipleship Network was created following the Synod’s 2016 adoption of the Missional Discipleship Strategy.  Reporting to the Synod Executive, it’s brief was primarily to oversee the work of the Mission & Discipleship Mentor team, and thereafter to implement Missional Partnerships.  Put into abeyance in November 2019, the network was revived at Synod Meeting, January 2022. A further revised Committee structure was agreed in 2026, alongside occasional open meetings to discuss matters of wider Synod interest.

Role Generally to:

·       Oversee the implementation and ongoing development of the Strategy and review it at regular intervals

·       Oversee the development and distribution of appropriate resources and initiatives for local churches, working through Missional Partnerships

·       Participate in Synod Executive Committee via the Convenor

·       Report to Synod Meeting

Specifically to:

·       To oversee the work of the Mission & Discipleship Mentors and how they work within their respective Missional Partnerships  

·       Encourage the practical work of Mission and Discipleship wherever possible within Missional Partnerships

·       Receive reports from and liaise with the work of the Mission & Discipleship Mentors’ Team

·       Source and advocate resources for a range of synod, partnership and church contexts, including the Flourishing Churches Library

·       Support and encourage the work of the Eco Church group, the World Church group and the Racial Justice Advocates

·       Listen to themes arising from missional activities to detect forward strategies in all areas of synod life

·       Liaise with the Synod’s Communication Committee to encourage appropriate messaging and communication aimed at deepening discipleship and involvement in mission

·       Arrange occasional meetings open to any within Synod to enable wider reflection on matters of Synod-wide interest and concern

Meetings

Meeting every two months (or more frequently when required);  alternate meetings will focus on a particular area of the Committee’s work

Decision making

Membership

Convenor

Revd Richard Bradley

Note taker

Eco Church representative

World Church representative

Racial Justice Advocate

Cumbria Area representative

Central Area representative

Lancashire Area representative

South Area representative

 In attendance

Mission and Discipleship Mentors

CYDO

Ecumenical Officer

Ex officio

Moderator

Synod Clerk

February 2026