Members of the Vale of Charnwood Minster Community recently came together for a celebratory ‘launch’ service in thanksgiving for this newly formed Minster Community.
The Church of All Saints, Thorpe Acre, was packed with people representing the breadth and diversity of the minster parishes, united in worship and gratitude for the faith, companionship and gifts shared across their worshipping communities.
Bishop Martyn led the service, which also included the commissioning of the community’s Interim Oversight Minister, the Revd Ben Gardner.
The Vale of Charnwood Minster Community encompasses the churches of Rothley Parish Church (St Mary the Virgin and St John the Baptist), Grange Park (BMO), St Mary Sileby, All Saints Cossington, All Saints Seagrave, Loughborough The Good Shepherd, Christ Church Mountsorrel, St Peter Mountsorrel, Emmanuel Loughborough and All Saints Thorpe Acre with Dishley.
During the service, a representative from each of the individual worshipping communities brought forward a small plant to represent their commitment to growing disciples and planting new worshipping communities for Christ and His Kingdom.
Bishop Martyn spoke on the theme of partnership - both God’s call for us to be “co-workers” with Jesus in the ministry of reconciliation, and the example of Paul working in partnership with the church in Corinth.
He explored the list of things that Paul did for the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 6:1-10) - 28 different ways in which Paul “opened his heart” to the people of Corinth, and his appeal for them to do the same.
“Only in this spirit of partnership can our churches thrive and grow within Minster Communities,” he said.
People from across the minster churches led the congregation in prayer and thanksgiving.
Talking about the launch service, and his role in the flourishing of this fledgling minster community, the Revd Ben Gardner, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people from across the Minster Community gathered to worship Jesus Christ and commit ourselves afresh to partnering in the Gospel.
“The worship was especially moving - hearing the congregation sing with such passion and volume was deeply encouraging. The Holy Spirit was clearly at work in the room, stirring hearts and drawing us together in unity and purpose.”
Revd Ben said it’s an honour to have been made Interim Oversight Minister, in the support of his fellow clergy, adding: “My hope is that the oversight team - once formed - and I will empower and strengthen mission and discipleship throughout the minster.
“I see this role as one of leading with a light touch but a sharp focus: keeping us centred on the values and mission that have brought us together and ensuring we stay aligned with what God is calling us to do.”
Talking to a member of the Minster Community who was involved in the development process, they described the launch at Thorpe Acre as a particularly encouraging moment, bringing together more than 140 people from across the churches for worship, fellowship and a celebration of their shared journey.
Reflecting on the process, they said that valuable relationships have been formed between churches, and a strong sense of community was felt during both the consultation events and the launch service. While acknowledging that the long-term shape and impact of the Minster Community is still emerging, they noted that its churches are active, well-supported and blessed with clergy leadership, meaning many are deeply engaged in their own mission and ministry. Nevertheless, they expressed hope that the foundations laid through collaboration, friendship and shared vision will lead to deeper partnership.
Despite the challenges of a complex and evolving process, they remain committed to the vision of Minster Communities and pray that God will continue to bless and guide its development, building on the fellowship and goodwill already established.
Sharing where he has seen God on the MC journey to this point, Revd Ben said: “I’ve seen God’s hand throughout this whole process. I’ve watched Him bring together churches who share a deep passion for making the Gospel known and seeing people come to faith. I’ve seen it in the growing desire to work more closely together to reach, resource, and disciple the next generation. I’ve seen it in the early imagination around planting new worshipping communities. There is already so much that God is doing—and yet I’m convinced there is far more He has planned.”
It is clear there is much hope and anticipation for growth in the Vale of Charnwood Minster Community, as Revd Ben concluded: “I hope we will see thousands come to know Jesus through the faithful witness of the local church. I hope we will plant new churches that reach new people. I hope and pray that we will share our resources generously so we can nurture young people in their discipleship.
“God has so much He wants to do, and I can’t wait to see how He grows His church and Kingdom in contexts that we serve.”