For so long our parishes have played a central role in the lives of many. It was the place where many went on a Sunday. It was the place many socialised, met their life partners. As we have moved into the new millennium the role of the parish has changed vastly. Sadly it no longer holds the importance for many it once held in peoples lives. However while the role of parish has changed its message is still as fresh and relevant - that is Jesus Christ is still 'Good News!'. We still have a gospel to proclaim and a Kingdom of God to build in the here and now. With this in mind a program called Forward was set up across the dioceses in 2004. Its aim is to encourage parishes to look at how they 'Do Church' so that each can build upon old things and do new things and grow in a healthy and God honouring way.

 

The Second Phase of FORWARD! 'Still Growing 2009-2012' was launched at the Diocesan Synod in October 2009.

 

Forward operates at two distinct levels. There are the occasional diocesan level 'big events' which are designed to encourage, inspire and equip us in our Christian journey together, but perhaps even more important are the ways in which individual parishes are using FORWARD! as a tool to prompt thinking about how they can do new things and grow.