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.
The challenges and gifts of context
Richard described the realities of his parish: families facing the cost-of-living crisis, older residents struggling with isolation, and a congregation largely over the age of 60. “There’s a lot of goodwill,” he said, “but perhaps not the energy to do everything ourselves. That’s pushed us to be more open to partnership outside the church.”
From problem-mindset to possibility-mindset
Joining the Reconciling Mission programme, Richard admits, was initially a surprise. “I wasn’t quite sure why I’d been asked,” he said. But the experience gave him confidence to take what he calls a “Godly gamble”: faith-based risks that open the church to new possibilities.
“Previously, I’d have been much more cautious,” Richard explained. “The programme helped me shift from a problem mentality to a possibility mentality.” That meant asking God questions rather than just church questions, not worrying about numbers or finances, but instead discerning where God was already at work in the community and finding ways of joining in.
Saying “yes” to community partnerships
That openness has led St Anne’s into unexpected opportunities. When a local youth club lost its premises, they approached the church about using its space. Concerns were raised about whether the building would be respected. But the church council agreed to a trial.
“It was a Godly gamble,” Richard said. “If young people need somewhere to go and we have a building, joining those two dots isn’t that hard.” The partnership has since flourished, leading into intergenerational events such as a shared buffet where teenagers introduced elderly church members to VR headsets. “Moments like that wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t said yes,” Richard reflected.
Hopes for the future
Looking ahead, Richard hopes more churches will embrace generosity and collaboration rather than be stuck in anxiety about self-preservation. “The church is at its best when it gives itself away,” he affirmed. “My hope is that more churches will be brave enough to share what they have, partner with people of goodwill, and look to discover where that takes them.”
To learn more about the Reconciling Mission programme visit this website page.