Church of England Reports on Successful Mission Funding Outcomes

Church of England’s Strategic Investment Sparks Growth and Renewal

The Church of England is witnessing significant growth and revitalization in its parish churches, thanks to strategic funding initiatives overseen by the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB). The board’s annual review for 2025 highlights the substantial impact of their financial investments in mission and church development efforts.

In an effort to rejuvenate communities and support various mission projects, the SMMIB distributed £98 million across Church of England dioceses, alongside an additional £5.9 million to mission partners. This funding aims to bolster church ministries, youth work, and renovation projects, among other initiatives.

The Church anticipates training 6,000 new leaders, including 100 curates, as a direct outcome of these investments. The SMMIB’s report also shares several success stories demonstrating the tangible results of their funding efforts.

One notable example is All Saints Hove, located in the Diocese of Chichester. Previously, the church had a small attendance of just five children at Sunday services. With additional funding, they could employ a dedicated children’s and youth minister and sustain mission activities throughout the week. As a result, the church community expanded to include a playgroup and a community café. Attendance numbers soared to 140 children, parents, and carers, with 17 baptisms conducted last year—the highest in over a decade.

Similarly, St Luke’s Blackburn has experienced a transformation from a dwindling congregation to a vibrant community with over 100 worshippers attending services each Sunday.

The SMMIB revealed that, to date, national strategic investment programs have facilitated the training of 7,600 new leaders and the establishment of 1,500 new worshipping communities. These programs are credited with attracting 46,000 new members to the Church.

Carl Hughes, Chairman of the SMMIB, expressed his enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “We are delighted to share our annual review for 2025, and to see that strategic investment in local ministry is bearing fruit. There is much to celebrate and praise God for in the stories of thousands coming to know the love of Jesus Christ, and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with parishes, dioceses and mission organisations.”