Discipleship
Discipleship is a key priority for the Winchester Deanery - to be able to confidently share our faith with others - and to grow as individuals. It is, however, not just a priority for us here in Winchester, or across our Diocese - but is very much in the forefront of the agenda nationally.
Discipleship - the national view
At the Church of England General Synod in February 2015 the subject of Discipleship was discussed. The subsequent paper - Developing Discipleship - walks through the discussion points in an easy-to-read format. In summary it concludes that further reflection on discipleship is needed, but asks where is it to take place and how will it impact the life and the deep culture of the Church of England? It goes on to say that there are many things which can be done by individuals and within local churches to strengthen and develop our common understanding of discipleship. It suggests that the General Synod paper might helpfully be studied by PCC’s and small groups as a way of beginning that conversation. It then lays out a suggested 'Ten Marks of Developing Disciples'. While they are very much provisional and work in progress, both dioceses and parishes are invited to further develop and explore them as a contribution to good practice. They have been drawn together by staff of the Education Division, MPA and the Ministry Division from research on current good practice across the dioceses in 2013. It says that as presently drafted they describe healthy marks within a diocese. However, all of the marks can and should apply equally to parishes, benefices and fresh expressions of church.
Discipleship - a local view
At the Winchester Deanery Consultation Evening held in June 2014 at the Winchester Vineyard Church, attendees were asked to download all their thoughts, ideas, hopes and aspirations on the subject of Discipleship. These were captured on pieces of flipchart paper on the night and typed up into a long list. The button below will take you to everything captured on the night about discipling others and discipling ourselves. The attendees were a representative group from all parishes across the Deanery, plus local schools, businesses and other key stakeholders. It makes fascinating reading.
Discipleship - Diocesan Resources
The Team at the Winchester Diocese hold centrally a large number of resources for growing disciples. They can be all be accessed via and easy to use download which can be accessed via www.winchester.anglican.org via the button below.