Amber Jackson

Over the past 18 months, clergy from the Dioceses of Bristol, Leeds, Lincoln and York – our 4th cohort – have completed the Reconciling Mission programme. This course helps participants reimagine traditional parish ministry through being more attentive one’s neighbours and what God is doing in the local community.  Programme participants gathered last week at Coventry Cathedral to mark the conclusion of the 4th cohort’s journey, and the mid-way point for the 5th cohort, from Durham, Newcastle and Southwark Dioceses.  For many, the programme has provided some sanctuary from the intense busyness … Read more

In this conversation, Alastair McKay (UK) and David Brubaker (USA) sit down to discuss their new book, Reconciling Mission. Drawing on decades of experience working with congregations on both sides of the Atlantic, they explore how churches can embrace a more human focus: neighbourliness. Instead of trying to “save” the church through better music or … Read more

Next week, Bishop Moira Astin, Chair of Trustees, and Revd Dr Alastair McKay, Executive Director of Reconciliation Initiatives (RI), prepare to travel to Kenya as RI hosts its first-ever residential training for bishops and their spouses from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).  The conference will take place from 27 October to 1 November, bringing … Read more

In the latest and final episode of the Reconciling Mission podcast season 1, host Mina Munns sat down with Revd Lydia Morey, priest-in-charge of St Peter’s Penhill and St Philip’s Upper Stratton in Swindon, to talk about why failure isn’t something to fear.  Listen here >> Lydia serves in what’s known as a ‘priority community’: … Read more

The latest episode of the Reconciling Mission podcast features Revd Richard Westwood, Team Vicar of St Anne’s, Chasetown in Lichfield Diocese who reflects on how the Reconciling Mission programme has reshaped his church’s approach to community engagement.  Listen here >> The challenges and gifts of context  Richard described the realities of his parish: families facing … Read more

The Reconciling Mission podcast has released a new episode exploring the role of coaching within the Reconciling Mission programme.  Listen here >> Host Mina Munns was joined by Rebi Hedger, mentor, coach, and founder of Colab, which equips individuals, churches, and organisations to collaborate by sharing gifts and resources. Rebi is passionate about creating safe … Read more

In this episode we speak with Rachel Schaeffer, a priest from Newcastle Diocese who has been through the Reconciling Mission programme. She reflects on what she’s learned about leading from behind and discovering the treasures already present in her community.  Rachel first joined the Reconciling Mission programme at the invitation of her diocesan Bishop.   Rachel … Read more

The Reconciling Mission podcast returned with an episode exploring asset-based community development (ABCD). Host Mina Munns was joined by Revd Al Barrett and Paul Wright, facilitators on the Reconciling Mission residentials at the outset of the programme.  Listen here… From deficits to gifts  Traditional church grant applications often start by asking: what’s wrong? Paul explained … Read more

In the first episode of the Reconciling Mission podcast, host Mina Munns, Network Lead for the Reconciling Mission programme, sat down with Alastair, the creator of the initiative, to unpack how churches can engage more meaningfully with their local communities.  The Reconciling Mission programme is more than just an educational framework. As Alastair explained, many … Read more

What does mission look like in the church today? For some, it still feels like hard work, carrying the weight of responsibility, chasing numbers, and striving to bring more people into the pews. The Reconciling Mission programme offers a different vision. It helps clergy and communities rediscover mission not as a burden, but as a … Read more