Last updated 22nd November 2024

Outer estates ministry

We are prioritising Diocesan resources to support the delivery of Vision 2026 in parishes with 'Outer Estates'; broadly defined as places where people 'live on' rather than 'live in'.

Outer Estates Leadership in the Diocese of Blackburn

In December 2017 our application to the Church Commissioners' Strategic Development Fund (SDF) to financially support three models of leadership development as well as growing new worshipping communities in four of our Outer Estates between 2018 and 2024 was approved:

• Freedom Church, Mereside, Blackpool and Blackpool Ministry Exerience
• Hope Community Church, Grange Park, Blackpool 
•  Urban Evangelists in Lower and Over Darwen, Blackburn and M:Power Training Hub 

We are also grateful for the regular financial contribution from the Benefact Trust towards some of the diocesan costs not covered by the SDF grant.

Autumn 2024 update

Hope Community Church:

Hope Community Church continues to grow with Rev Matt Rowley as curate-in-charge.

Urban Evangelists/M:Power:

• A network of M:Power ‘graduates’ met for the second time to provide continuing peer support.
• 30 participants joined M:Power in autumn 2024 across four centres: Blackpool, Lancaster, Preston and Briercliffe

The new local congregations based out of the library on the Roman Road estate and St James' church/shops on the Over Darwen estate continue to meet the spiritual and practical needs of their communities.

Freedom Church Blackpool

The Freedom Centre hosts an active programme of both church and community events during the week under Rev Rachel Sheehan's leadership. 

The derelict St Wilfrid's church building was demolished during summer 2024 creating a secure outdoor space for Freedom Centre users and plans are being drawn up for a memorial garden and outdoor classroom. 

Last updated November 2024, Dave Champness