Items filtered by date: June 2025
You may find the following extra resources helpful during this stage:
- Prayer and Worship Resources
Some ideas and models to help keep prayer and worship at the centre of the MAP for Derby Diocese process. - Discerning the Angel of the Church
A creative, imaginative way of helping people describe the character of the church. - Discerning the Angel of the Community
A creative, imaginitive way of engaging with the community and discovering what they think about their own community and the church. - Community Audit Ideas
Plenty of ideas about how to engage with the community and understand more about the people and organisations within it. - Community Listening Exercise
A resource to help you listen to the church's community. - History Audit
How to discover more of the histories of the church and the community, and the wisdom we can discern from their patterns. - Measuring Church Growth and Health
A resource to help church and deanery leadership teams consider how and why we measure the health of churches. - Stakeholder Interviews
How to discover and talk to the key people within your community.
For further help or information on any aspect of using MAP for Derby Diocese, please contact:
Jason Kennedy Diocesan Missioner
e jason.kennedy@derby.anglican.org
t 07539 483733
Derby Church House, Full Street, Derby DE1 3DR
This section gives an overview of MAP for Derby Diocese - the core principles and elements that go to make it up.
If you are thinking of using MAP for Derby Diocese, you will need to download the following resources that give more details and information that are required to use MAP for Derby Diocese well. The Introductory leafet can be used in congregations and PCCs, and gives a single-page summary of the process.
You can download a separate resource that gives more information about the about the Core Principles:
In brief, here are the three core principles of MAP for Derby Diocese.
Principle one: leader commitment
Our experience with MAP shows that the commitment of the church leadership is crucial to the effectiveness of its use. We find this time and time again in churches; the visible, ongoing commitment of the church leadership is vital for the success of its mission and ministry.
Therefore, it is equally vital that the leadership of any church shows a visible, consistent, real and ongoing commitment to the use of MAP for Derby Diocese in the church, if they choose to use it.
Principle two: prayerfulness
MAP for Derby Diocese is concerned with God's Church and His call to it. We recognise that, without God's wisdom and resources, our response to that call will always fail.
For MAP for Derby Diocese to bear fruit in any context, it must always be surrounded by prayer.
Principle three: integration
MAP for Derby Diocese works best when it is integral to every part of the church's life. That means that every aspect of the mission and ministry of the church is included in the MAP process.
Integration means that, as far as possible, everyone in the church needs to be involved at each stage. This ensures everyone feels included and the voices of a wider range of people are heard.
In brief, here are the three core elements of MAP for Derby Diocese.
Element one: the stages
You can see an overview of the stages of MAP for Derby Diocese in the leader's guide and introductory leaflet, downloaded from the top of this page.
Sometimes there is a temptation, when using a process like MAP for Derby Diocese, to skip over some parts of that process if the church believes that they are too difficult, unnecessary or needlessly time consuming.
To get the best out of MAP for Derby Diocese, it is essential that the church completes each stage carefully and in the right order.
The stages of MAP for Derby Diocese are:
- Explore the purpose and character of the church God is calling you to be
- Reflect in your journey toward God's calling so far
- Discern the areas in which God is now calling you to grow and change to meet His call
- Prepare how you will make the changes God requires of you
- Journey toward making the changes God requires of you
Each Stage contains a simple set of questions that help the church engage with the issues that are important for that stage.
Element two: the characteristics
You can download a separate resource that gives more information about the about the MAP for Derby Diocese characteristics, including theological reflections and questions to help churches, groups and individuals reflect on them:
The MAP for Derby Diocese process is designed to help the church become the healthy, flourising church that God intends them to be. The process isn't focussed on doing more things, but rather being God's church.
To do that, we need to understand what that church looks like. In other words, we need to understand its characteristics.
MAP for Derby Diocese is therefore based around a set of eight characteristics of God's church. Those characteristics are:
- Christ-centred in life and worship
- focused on God's mission and purpose
- loving, servant-hearted and generous
- welcoming, open and inclusive
- willing to adapt for God's purposes
- encouraging in Christian vocation and service
- Christ-like in leadership
- valuing children, young people and families
The characteristics have been carefully developed, starting from the work of several different research projects and bringing them to Scripture to ensure that they represent a complete picture of the church God calls us to be.
Element three: the church health check
If you would like to use the MAP for Derby Diocese Church Health Check in your church, you can download all the resources here:
- A5 Introductory Leaflet to the MAP Church Health Check
- Church Health Check Leader's Guide
- Church Health Check General Survey (Short)
- Church Health Check General Survey (Full)
- Church Health Check Leaders' Survey
The MAP for Derby Diocese Church Health Check is the only essential tool in the MAP for Derby Diocese process. It works alongside the characteristics and is threaded through the first four stages of the process, as follows:
- Explore the character of the church od is calling them to be by explaining each of the characteristics in a theological reflection.
- Reflect on the church's journey toward God's calling so far by helping them to examine honestly the evidence we should expect to see in churches exhibiting His desired character.
- Discern the areas in which God is now calling them to grow and change to meet His call by helping the church to see in which characteristic(s) the church most needs to develop.
- Prepare how they will make the changes God requires of them by showing in which areas of each characteristic the church will specifically need to develop and grow.
SUPPORT SERVICE CONTACTS
Safe Spaces – 0300 303 1056 www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the Police or church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Childline (0800 1111) www.childline.org.uk
Childline gives advice and support to children who need advice and support, to whom they can share issues and problems and find a listening ear.
Derbyshire Mental Health helpline (0800 028 0077)
24 hours a day service offering support and a listening ear.
Galop (0800 999 5428) Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity
Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti abuse charity. They work with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence.
MACSAS (Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors – 08088 01 03 40) https://macsas.org.uk
MACSAS supports women and men who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy, or others in the guise of the Church. Telephone and email support for survivors and their families.
Mankind (01823 334244) www.mankind.org.uk
Support for male survivors of domestic abuse, they provide an information, support and signposting service to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former wife, partner (including same-sex partner) or husband. This can range from physical violence or object throwing to abuse such as constant bullying or insults.
Mind (0300 123 3393) www.mind.org.uk
Offer support for mental health problems, signpost to local support, raise awareness of treatment options and offer an advocacy service.
NAPAC (08088 0103 31) https://napac.org.uk
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) An organisation supporting adult survivors of any form of child abuse.
Rape Crisis (08088 02 99 99) www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Rape Crisis is a national organisation with local contacts and groups, offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
Refuge (0808 2000247) Refuge – For women and children. Against domestic abuse.
Supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse offering place of safety, advice and support.
Samaritans (Derby and District - 0330 09 5717) https://www.samaritans.org
Offer a phone, email 1:1 and a self-help app to support individuals who are feeling suicidal and desperate.
Stop it now (0808 1000 900) Stop It Now! UK and Ireland | Preventing child sexual abuse
Confidential help and support, via a helpline, live chat or secure email support
Survivors Voices Survivors Voices
Offer peers support and private support groups on facebook
SV2 (01773 746 115) SV2 - Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence - Home
A local 24 Hour service supporting victims of sexual violence in Derbyshire, advice, counselling and therapy available after assessment.
The Survivors Trust (08088 01 08 18) helpline@thesurvivorstrust.org
The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK and has been providing infrastructure support to our members for the past 20 years. We have 120 member agencies based in the UK and Ireland providing information, advice, support and therapy to over 80,000 individual survivors each year. Our services work with victims and survivors of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members. The Survivors Trust and its members are committed to the fair treatment of people regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or physical/learning disability.
Victim support (0808 16 89 111) www.victimsupport.org.uk
Offering those effected by any crime support and advise.
LOCAL SOCIAL CARE CONTACTS:
Derby City Social Care
Childrens 01332 641172
Adults 01332 642855
Out of Hours 01332 956606
Derbyshire (Adults and Children)
Call Derbyshire 01629 533190
Out of Hours 01629 532600
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) undertook an audit of the Diocesan Safeguarding arrangements in June 2017.
The report concluded that the safeguarding team is well-resourced and well-established with experienced staff with a good skill mix, who provide sound safeguarding advice and judgments.
They were particularly impressed with the level of decision making regarding case work, and complimented the Diocese on its own self-evaluation, which highlighted realistic areas of development.
The auditors felt the Diocese was committed to learning, and were impressed that a review commissioned by the Bishop had led to the expansion of the safeguarding team, which included a new Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Committee, who in addition to a number of other roles was the Head of Public Protection for Derby Constabulary.
The world of safeguarding nationally has been experiencing a period of important and sometimes rapid change and the Diocese of Derby along with the Church of England is determined to offer a secure environment in which everyone can thrive, and which earns the confidence of all who are entrusted to its care.
The report states that the Head of HR is supportive, considered and committed and understands the importance of safeguarding. The auditors found that safeguarding operates within a clear line management structure, and a well-functioning Diocesan Office.
The auditors noted that there are strong links between the Diocese and Derby Cathedral. The DSA and safeguarding team provides training for the Cathedral, and a member of Chapter responsible for safeguarding is also a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Team.
Some areas were highlighted for further development by the Diocese.
There remains a backlog in the numbers of people who require training and although there is a plan in place it will need close monitoring by the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Committee.
Since the audit took place, a new part-time Safeguarding Training Officer has been appointed to deal with the training backlog.
The report also highlighted that work was required to develop the overall functioning of the team so that everyone gets an appropriately prompt level of service. Again, since this audit took place, a part-time Safeguarding Administrator has been recruited to deal with general administrative queries.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has been commissioned to undertake an audit of the safeguarding arrangements of each Diocese of the Church of England. The aim of these audits is to work together to understand how safeguarding is working in each Diocese, and to support the continuing improvements being made.
The audit process in each Diocese involved examination of safeguarding leadership arrangements, local policies and practice guidance, the quality of case work, recruitment and training.
The auditors also looked at the progress being made in reaching nationally agreed standards, informed by central House of Bishops’ approved policies.
An action plan has been produced and agreed by the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Committee to address findings and considerations of the report.
To read the full safeguarding audit for the Diocese of Derby, click here.
To view the Action Plan for the Diocese of Derby, developed in 2017, click here.
Your Deanery Administrators said it would be useful to have a preparation checklist, so that the responsible person(s) in each parish can pull together information and documentation before attempting to update the data - I hope this will help.
What is the Parish Giving Scheme?
The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) is a direct debit system set up to help parishes in the Diocese of Derby encourage and grow regular donations and is offered to all churches in the diocese free of charge.
Donations can be made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis by Direct Debit online, on the phone, or using a PGS gift form.
PGS manages the donation process to ensure all donations are delivered quickly and safely to the parish, and will process the gift aid on those donations meaning the parish receives regular gift aid payments each month.
A unique feature of the scheme is the option for the donor to commit in principle to increase their gift annually in line with inflation.
Whilst this is a voluntary decision, it is one that could potentially have a huge impact on the life and future of the church by tackling static giving.
See also: Giving and Generosity
Parish Giving Scheme Key Benefits
The Parish Giving Scheme is a modern and efficient way of managing planned giving to your church. Tried and tested, this scheme will:
- Improve cash flow through the efficient reclaiming of Gift Aid
- Overcome static giving with the option of donations automatically uplifted by inflation each year
- Offer an opportunity for parishes to re-engage people in thinking about their own level of financial generosity
- Reduce the time your Treasurer and Gift Aid Secretairies need to spend on administration
How does the Parish Giving Scheme work?
The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) enables a planned giver to donate to any parish registered with the scheme. Donations can be made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. They are collected by Direct Debit on the first day of the month. The donations are then passed on to the specific parish by the tenth of the month. The Gift Aid is then remitted to the parish once the PGS office has received the money from HMRC. The timing of the Gift Aid payment will accordingly vary each month.
Here is what the process looks like. based on an example gift of £50 a month:
Managing inflation
One of the biggest challenges faced by many of our churches is that of 'static giving'. Churches like every organisation and household, are affected by inflation, eroding the value of your gifts. The Parish Giving Scheme makes it easy for doners to agree, in principle, to increase their donation in line with inflation each year.
Encourage Giving and Generosity in your parish
As well as the benefits listed above, the introduction of such a scheme offers a clear and excellent opportunity to engage people in thinking about leveles of financial generosity.
We are recommending that a Church commits to a stewardship initiative when they join the Parish Giving Scheme.
Parish Giving Scheme resources
Hard copies of all the materials below - plus the PGS Donor Direct Debit Gift Form, Parish Registration Form and PGS Token are available from:
Steve Johnson
Living Generously Advisor
steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org
07359 067631.
For Donors:
- A better way to give financially to your local church - the Parish Giving Scheme explained
- Living Generously - Giving regularly to support mission and ministry in the local church
- Frequently asked Questions by donors
For Church Leaders:
- Parish Giving Scheme Implementation Handbook for Local Churches
- 'Our Annual Review' brochure
- Parish Action List
- Stewardship - Annual Review
- Giving in Grace - Why Preaching Matters
- Frequently Asked Questions by PCCs
Other Resources
The Diocese of Liverpool "Giving in Grace" programme: www.givingingrace.org
An enormous resource for encouraging giving and stewardship. Alongside practical tools for reviewing giving, it includes theological reflections, preaching notes and Bible studies.
The Church of England's Parish Resources Website: www.parishresources.org.uk
Access to a wealth of practical resources to support the life and work of parishes.
Encouraging Giving and Stewardship: www.parishresources.org.uk/giving
Preaching and teaching on giving and stewardship; re-imagining the offertory, moving from 'collection' to 'offering', and helping to generate a sense of joyful offering in responce to God's generosity; and parish-based programmes to review giving and encouraging stewardship (including the parish Funding programme, Giving in Grace, a Simple Giving Programme for Smaller Churches, and Giving for Life).
Gift Aid: www.parishresources.org.uk/giftaid/
Factsheets about Gift Aid, the government scheme that allows parishes to relaim the tax paid on donations, including the Small Donations Scheme.
The Church Legacy website: www.churchlegacy.org.uk
Information about how to encourage individuals to remember the Church in their wills. Parishes receive over 5,000 legacies each year - gifts to finance mission projects, maintain beautiful church buildings and grow faithful communities. These gifts make a real difference to the future work of the Church - as regular giving often concentrates on maintaining the existing mission and ministry.
For further information, please contact:
Steve Johnson, Living Generously Advisor,
steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org
07359 067631.
Simply put, the review will report on what buildings we have, where they are, what state they are in and are they enabling the mission and ministry needs of the church, in the communities in which they sit.
Why are we having one?
In the words of the Chair of the DAC – ‘for our buildings to be an asset and not a burden we need to understand, manage and fully incorporate our property portfolio (Church buildings, halls, centres, etc.) into our Diocesan mission planning’. The Diocese is taking its lead from the nation churches Buildings Review Group; follow this link for Scope & Context
How will parishes be involved?
Almost all the buildings across the Diocese are either owned or managed locally with the Parochial Church Council holding the responsibility for their care. PCCs know their buildings best and understand their significance and their maintenance needs; what facilities they have and the uses to which they are put. The best outcomes for your Parish and community are very much in your gift. There will initially be a lot of information and data that the Review Group will need to pull together – some to complete a partial picture we already have and some that will paint a broader picture.
The Review Group is already in conversation with Deaneries looking at how we can minimise the impact and provide as much assistance as possible to enable parish engagement.
What will it produce?
The Strategic Buildings Review aims to deliver several positive outcomes for Parishes, Deaneries and the Diocese.
- A better understanding of what we have and what we need
- Options for sustainable ways forward in every parish
- Updated heritage and ‘church near you’ records
- Identification of ‘significant churches’ to become resource centres for mission
- Refocused tools and other resources to support parishes in making their buildings fit for mission
So, what next?
The data collection phase is the foundation of the review and will happen over the next 6 months. After that we envisage the following stages, culminating in a report for consideration by Diocesan Synod in Spring 2019
- The statistics: their accessibility and use
- Identifying the role and status of churches – categories
- Developing options and models for change – case studies
- Developing practical tools and other resources to support maintenance, insurance, faculties, fund raising and clergy training – developing resource
- Action Planning including Deanery Development Plans
Consultation will enable each stage to progress, but don’t wait to be asked – if you want information or clarification on where the review is up to or would like to make a positive suggestion or other contribution, then you can contact the core group on the following email: DDSBReview@gmail.com
Diocesan Synod ran an initial session in March, the output of which has been written up and has been informing some early discussions about Parish thinking regarding buildings and mission. Click here to download this report
Becky Clarke, Director of Cathedrals & Church Buildings Division, spoke at Synod Click here for her presentation
