VENTURING IN MISSION
The Diocese of St. David's has a plan to facilitate mission in the diocese. Its focus is:
A Catholic Church with a local focus
We recognise our interdependence within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of God. Equally, we realise that to be real is to be local. Venturing in Mission is not a strategy, but a common dorection. The way in which its principles will grow will depend on local context, circumastnaces and conditions. We are committed to providing clergy and authorised lay ministers to serve local communities.
A Worshipping Church
The Church is defined primarily by its spiritual vocation. Our worship and prayer life is the engine that drives our mission and ministry. We seek to achieve the highest standards possible in our liturgical and worshipping life, acknowledging that a quality worship provision proclaims the gospel in a powerful way.
A Serving Church
As a Church, we seek not to start with ourselves, but with the world we are called to serve. it is only in looking out that we will discover our centre. Faith without works is dead
An Evangelising Church
Within the general mission of God's Church, we recognise the urgent need for evangelism. We commit ourselves to living and proclaiming the Good News of Christ in order to make new disiples. Our desire is to connect others to the source of life in all its fullness.
A Cooperating Church
We recognise that clergy and authorised ministers serving as isolates is not healthy for any Church. We need to move from regarding others as competitors and rivals, to embracing each other as colleagues and partners in the Gospel. Each parish and area will constantly assess whether the current way of providing ministry is the best and most sensible way of doing so.
A Collaborating Church
Whilst clergy have a distinctive place and role within the body of Christ, ministry and mission is not the exclusive responsibility of the ordained and authorised. Each baptised believer is a called person, committed to discover his or her distinctive calling and to grow into that vocation.
A Venturing Church
We are committed to breaking new ground and taking risks. We ask God to take away our fear (of failure, vulnerability etc.) and to have faith in him.
Venturing in Mission Prayer
God our Father, always behind us,
God the Son, always alongside us,
God the Holy Spirit, always ahead of us,
calm our fears and renew our faith,
so that with you we may venture
to break new ground, take risks
and further your mission in this diocese,
to your honour and glory.
Amen
