Last updated 25th August 2023

Preston Resourcing Parish

Thanks to £1.5m of Strategic Development Funding (SDF) from the Church of England an exciting new era for The Church of England in Lancashire began in the City of Preston with the launch of the Preston Resourcing Parish in September 2019. 

​​​​Bishop Philip led the team that pulled together the SDF application, which was developed in partnership with Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) home of the well-known ‘Alpha’ Christianity discovery course.

The resourcing parish of people from two different Anglican traditions underpins the work of sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Preston through words and deeds and it will also be a resource for churches across the city and county

The fresh focus includes specific remits for the congregations of the Minster and St George’s to reach out to those with no current church connection, including the local student population, utilising a.combination of an outward-looking focus, sacrificial generosity, excellence, boldness, hospitality and creativity.

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.

Spring 2023 update

There are over 200 regular worshippers at Preston Minster and 50 at St George's (up from a combined 40 at both churches in the year before the project started). 

Sam Haigh recently announced that he would be handing over leadership of the Minster in autumn 2023 as the church moved from the 'pioneering' to 'growth' phase. 

As well as continuing to work with the first plants out from the Minster to both Blackburn St Luke's and Blackpool St John in 2022 (See LightingUp New Generations), consultation has started on a potential revitalisation of another parish within the city. 

St George's continues to be transformed in to a beacon of Anglo-Catholic mission through its mission to the people of Preston, improving the building's welcome, hospitality and sacred spaces and the creation of a new ordination formation opportunity (in association with Emmanuel Theological College) at Ladyewell House.

Last updated, August 2023, Ronnie Semley