Prayer, presence, proclamation and persuasion

Author: The Revd Matthew Price

Published on: 5 September 2022

Bacon sandwiches, time together and great input was a recipe for success as far as our PCC was concerned!

Almost all of the PCC of St Mary Magdalene joined the recent online Leading your Church into Growth course and it was a significant time for us as PCC and, we pray, for our church. The sessions were excellent; thought provoking and well delivered. Then time to discuss together and reflect on how what we had been learning applied in our context was also much appreciated – our PCC gathered together in one room to join the sessions on Zoom, so the break-out discussions were all held in person.

The course was particularly timely for us as we embarked on a new vision setting process of the church. One area that was particularly helpful was what LyCiG calls the 4 P’s – prayer, presence proclamation and persuasion. It helped us to identify where we were strong as a church and where there was room for improvement. Indeed, we have already implemented changes to our missional approach as a result, particularly our approach to being intentionally invitational!

We were also challenged by thinking through the importance of a structured and shared leadership for church growth. As a church we identified that there were steps we could take in order to sharpen and strengthen the leadership structure which we pray will improve the environment for church growth.

What’s more the course was all backed up by excellent course materials which I, as a Vicar, have already referred to a good deal since the course, and which will enable discussions amongst the PCC to continue.

Would I recommend LyCiG to other PCCs? Definitely! But be prepared to be encouraged, challenged and empowered in your service of God and his mission.


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The Revd Matthew Price

Licensed clergy - Incumbent: Vicar, Gorleston St Mary Magdalene (Benefice)

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