The Growth Project
The Growth and Renewal project has created ideas and resources useful to
congregations who are interested in increasing their numbers. We have included this
material below. If you have any questions about this initiative, you may ask a question by
clicking here.
Growth Web Pages
- The Congregation Growth Scheme
- Lift Pitches
- Summary from Growth session at Annual Meetings 2009
- Summary from Growth session at Annual Meetings 2008
- Summary from Growth session at Hucklow Summer School 2007
Background
Growth and Renewal has generated great energy and enthusiasm throughout our Unitarian communities in this 21st Century as church-going declines in the UK alongside an increase in the hunger for spiritual growth.
In 2006, following 4 years of consultations, the General Assembly transformed its leadership and governance processes and, for the first time, elected an Executive Committee of 8 people and a National Treasurer.
One of the priorities which emerged from the consultations was the issue of Growth & Renewal and the new Executive Committee gave this a high priority when setting strategic direction for the General Assembly.
At the Annual Meetings in 2008, a change was made to the usual programme giving most of 1 day to Growth and Renewal. The focus of the day was asking Unitarians what they really mean when they use these words in the context of their Unitarian communities in order to establish a common understanding. Individuals were also asked to make a personal commitment to an action related to Growth & Renewal which they would take during the next 12 months.
A brief summary of the outcomes from this day can be seen by clicking here.
During the Annual meetings in 2009, a second day was held to explore the next stage of Growth & Renewal. Rev Jane Dwinell of the Unitarian Universalists Association led a lively session and led the Assembly into discussions in District Association groupings to generate ideas about collaborating on the practical ideas generated. Participants were also asked to write their own 'lift pitch' - a one sentence response to the question 'Unitarian - what's that?'
Again, a brief summary of this day can be seen by clicking here and the lift pitches by clicking here.
Growth and Renewal is at the heart of all we do - to ensure that the opportunity to follow an individual spiritual path in an accepting and supportive community remains available for all people everywhere.
You can send a message to these involved in the Growth and Renewal project by clicking here.
