Hopes of accelerating growth in churches across north east and mid Wales have been given a boost, as two major St Asaph initiatives have secured new five-year funding totalling more than £5.6 million from the Church Growth Fund, a new Church in Wales fund.

The first of these initiatives – Mission Hub Churches – has formed a core part of St Asaph’s strategy for growth since the approach was established in November 2021. Proven success with the first four Mission Hub Churches (in Welshpool, Mold, Penrhyn Bay and Holywell) has informed a successful bid to secure funding for six more hubs in key locations across the diocese.

Mission Hub Churches have a structure that harnesses ministry and outreach skills: each is led by an experienced Mission Hub Priest, supported by an associate priest and a lay minister who focus on outreach. Each hub is created to be a centre of excellence for running and growing a church, with people encouraged to come into their church for a range of worship and other activities.

All hubs are in key locations across the diocese, and the introduction of the new hub churches will be phased in two groups of three over the next 5 to 6 years. The next three locations are expected to be: All Saints’ Church, Newtown; Christchurch, Prestatyn; and St Giles’ Church, Wrexham.

The second initiative to receive funding – Rural Pioneer Missioners – is focused specifically on rural areas, especially within the Archdeaconry of Montgomery, in the south of the diocese. This project deploys Pioneer Missioners to regenerate mission and ministry. Rural ministry represents a significant geographic footprint for the diocese of St Asaph, and this initiative specifically engages with the challenges around growth and indeed survival of churches in many rural communities.

The project centres on three Pioneer Missioners, each working within a distinct rural area. Each Pioneer Missioner will support all churches (and communities) in the Mission Area and build capacity for mission and growth in strategic locations.

The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron said: ‘I’m excited to see the Church in Wales backing the good work we’re doing in Saint Asaph to renew and develop our Church life. Churches can be a centre of faith, hope and love in all our communities, and these initiatives underline and cement our commitment to serve the people of north east and mid Wales effectively.’