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We are delighted to share that the Church of England has confirmed £2.3 million in Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment funding for the Diocese of St Albans, announced today. This investment will make a real difference in parishes by supporting new leaders, revitalising churches, and strengthening mission in schools and communities.

This award forms part of a wider £3.5 million bid shaped through extensive consultation with clergy and lay leaders. Our focus is clear: enabling mission and ministry where it matters most, in local churches and communities.

What this means for our diocese

The confirmed funding will allow us to:

  • Expand leadership development through The Alban Way, a discipleship pathway for children, young people, and young adults
  • Strengthen mission in schools, including collective worship and pupil leadership of worship across the Diocese
  • Provide the coordination and resources needed to deliver leadership development and education
  • Progress plans for church planting and revitalisation in Hatfield, Luton, and Watford. We are working with the national team to refine these proposals, so they deliver the greatest possible impact in local communities.

These steps will help churches welcome new people, grow younger and more diverse, and serve their communities more effectively.

Future plans

We are also developing proposals for the remaining elements of our bid, primarily focused on children and young people’s workers across Hatfield, Luton, and Watford. These roles will help churches reach families and nurture faith locally. Updated plans will be brought to the national Board for approval in the coming months.

The Bishop of Hertford, the Rt Revd Jane Mainwaring, welcomed the news, saying:

“This funding is about enabling mission and ministry where it matters most: in our parishes and communities. We are committed to equipping leaders and revitalising churches so that more people can encounter the hope of the Gospel.”

Next steps

Further discussions with the national Vision and Strategy Team will take place later this month to agree next steps, with local briefings planned in February.

Please continue to pray for wisdom as we seek God’s missional purposes for our diocese. We will share updates on progress and opportunities for involvement in the coming weeks.

Read a follow up post from the Revd Dan Drew, Assistant Director for Mission and Ministry, here.