Over recent weeks we have been reconnecting with past participants of the Reconciling Mission 18-month long programme. Their reflections highlight the programme’s lasting impact and underline why we are pleased to be recruiting our next cohort for 2026.
For many clergy, mission can feel like it is measured in numbers, pressure, and decline. Reconciling Mission offers something different.
A new way of seeing mission
Revd Gill O’Neill, Acting Archdeacon of Southwark, describes the Reconciling Mission programme as:
“A redirection of missional thinking and values… away from anxiety and towards being salt and light, with the church as a ministry of reconciliation. It reduces anxiety and gives a positive view of the Spirit’s work both inside and outside the church.”
Participants say the programme has not only deepened their personal sense of call, but also reshaped how their churches connect with communities.
Revd Gill explains:
“A shift in the confidence of leadership inevitably leads to a shift overall. We now think more about partnership working, with schools, with the Youth Justice Board, with community groups.”
Revd Richard Westwood, Team Vicar of St Anne’s Church, Chasetown, Diocese of Lichfield reflects:
“It is great to see the church being welcomed by the community, especially since participating in the Reconciling Mission programme. Our church is more trusted and less fearful of saying ‘yes’ when invited into community partnerships, even when we can’t yet see how we might do what is involved.”
Other participants speak of the personal impact of the programme.
Revd Canon James Shakespeare, Vicar of St John the Evangelist, Hills Road, Diocese of Ely, said:
“Reconciling Mission has been transformative for me. It’s helped me reflect deeply, face difficult situations, and discern a Kingdom-centred vision for local ministry, enabling growth of our Church community here in Cambridge.”
Very Revd Canon Frances Burberry, Dean of Edinburgh:
“Through connections made in Reconciling Mission, our congregation launched Project Care and English language classes for refugees and asylum seekers. Some have since come to faith and been baptised at St Ninian’s.”
What is the Reconciling Mission programme?
The Reconciling Mission programme is a transformative course aimed at equipping clergy and their churches to enhance and deepen their missional engagement with local communities. Developed with insights from practical theology and a focus on community engagement, this course goes beyond traditional church outreach.
Key features of the programme:
- Practical and hopeful theology: Inspiring action and hope, rooted in the Gospel’s call to reconciliation and creativity.
- Focus on justice and community engagement: Learning to move beyond meeting basic needs to addressing systemic inequalities and fostering greater reconciliation within local communities.
- Leadership development: Equipping clergy with insight, tools, and ways of thinking to lead congregations in connecting with neighbours and organisations.
- Supportive learning community: Participating in peer learning groups using a structured coaching process to provide support and appropriate challenge.
Programme structure:
- Week-long residential: An initial residential course offering a range of insights and approaches to facilitate deeper community engagement.
- Ongoing coaching: Regular online sessions to support implementation, nurture growth and provide encouragement.
- In-person conferences: Two day-conference, providing opportunities for interaction and encouragement, fresh learning and networking.
Why might your diocese or district join this next cohort?
This programme gives church leaders:
- Freedom from pressure – shifting from anxiety to new hopeful possibilities.
- Confidence in community – exploring how to partner with what God is already doing.
- Space for reflection – to renew joy and vocation in ministry and leadership.
For senior staff who might sponsor a group from their diocese or district, the programme offers a way to contribute to positive change across a group of local churches.
Be part of it
We are now recruiting for the next Reconciling Mission cohort to begin the programme in May 2026. If your diocese or district is hoping to offer fresh impetus to missional engagement in local churches, then you will want to consider sponsoring a group to be part of it.
Please do contact our director, Revd Dr Alastair McKay, at director@reconciliation-initiatives.org, for further information and guidance on how to assemble a suitable group.
To get a glimpse of the experience of previous participants during the opening residential, watch the video below: