ENGAGING IN CONTEXTUAL MISSION
How is God calling us to proclaim the good news in our time and place? The way we respond to this question is what we call contextual mission (CM). It is “mission” because we are participating in Jesus’ mission to proclaim the good news. It is “contextual” because the way we do so must be shaped by the realities and concerns of our current context, our time and our place. Our parish ministries do not exist for themselves. Our mission as church is for the sake of the world. We are called to share the love of God in ways that are aware of the cultures and situations of people in the wider community.
Step-by-step guide
You may use these steps in a different order and not all steps may be necessary. Different parishes will have different points of entry, some may discern that God is calling them to renew existing initiatives before starting something new. That’s okay – you know your parish.
Download Step-by-step guideFuture Fund Grant Program
Future Fund Grant Program for Parishes
The Future Fund supports contextual mission and new worshipping communities, aiming to enhance parish engagement with the world through impactful projects.
Listening for Divine Sparks in our Midst
Incorporate Prayers – Add these prayers to your parish’s Prayers of the People and pray them yourself.
Form Prayer Groups – Start or join a parish group that prays for local divine sparks. Synod representatives have been asked to coordinate these efforts, so check with your parish leadership team.
Prayer Resources by Theme – Use these monthly resources to pray, listen, consider and be inspired.
Diocesan Prayer Group Gatherings – Participate in facilitated diocesan-wide prayer group gatherings every 3–4 months to discuss emergent divine sparks. Parish leadership teams will receive details.