The General Synod has backed a call for dioceses to develop strategies for sports and well-being ministry after hearing an update on a three-year pilot programme held in areas across the country.
The Bishop of Derby, Libby Lane, the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for sport, spoke of the potential of sport for promoting physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Her remarks followed a presentation to the Synod on the Church of England’s National Sport and Well Being project involving eight dioceses in promoting sport and wellbeing as an integral part of their mission.
Speaking to the Synod, Bishop Libby said she warmly welcomed the work of the project.
“Through engagement with sport and physical activity, the Church of England is building the Kingdom of God – and we might find opportunities to share the good news of Christ,” she said.
She added: “I would advocate that we complement ad hoc local sports ministry with other strategic initiatives and partnerships, diocesan-wide, bolstered by long-term and sustainable funding from the national church.”
Eight dioceses took part in the three-year pilot scheme – Birmingham, Blackburn, Ely, Gloucester, Guildford, London (Kensington Area), Norwich and Rochester.
They helped provide a range of different activities from personal fitness classes to holiday football clubs, outdoor pursuits and even sports quizzes.
Training for lay and ordained leaders in sports and wellbeing ministry was also available as part of a programme led by Ridley Hall, the theological training college in Cambridge.
A total of 40 people have studied on the Sports Ministry Programme at Ridley Hall, 10 of these to degree level.
Sportily (Diocese of Gloucester) became the body responsible for the project from 2023. It is now working to develop national investment in sports ministry projects.
Over the three years of the project – and amid significant social disruption caused by Covid- the majority of the eight pilot dioceses created a ‘significant catalyst for change’ and a “strong foundation” on which future sports and well-being ministry can expand, a background paper to the Synod noted.
“The pilot dioceses have made good progress, but more time and resources are needed in order to consolidate, innovate, and accelerate progress and learning to date,” it said.
The General Synod approved the following motion:
That this Synod:
- recognise the missional potential for churches of sport and wellbeing ministry to reach people in every demographic, to generate opportunities to introduce people to the Christian faith, and to transform lives and communities;
- call upon all dioceses, in partnership with church schools and Christian organisations already active in this field, to develop a coherent and resourced mission strategy for sport and wellbeing ministry; and
- ask the Archbishops’ Council to consider what steps should be taken at a national level to facilitate and coordinate diocesan development of sport and wellbeing ministry and ask the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board to look favourably on diocesan bids for such ministry.
