In every generation, the Church is called to be both faithful and fruitful, anchored in the gospel and courageously reaching into a changing world. In the Diocese of Melbourne, this means we are committed not only to planting new churches in communities where people are not currently being reached, but also to revitalising existing congregations where the light of Jesus has grown dim. These two approaches are not in competition; rather, they are essential companions in our commitment to Kingdom growth.

Our ecclesial tradition reminds us that the Church is the Body of Christ—gathered and sent by God, sustained by Word, sacrament, and prayer. We are grounded in the historic faith and continually renewed by the Spirit to engage in God’s mission. This dual calling challenges us to hold together tradition and innovation, deep roots and outward reach.

A SHARED VISION: CHURCH PLANTING AND REVITALISATION

Church planting has gained momentum in recent years, and we have seen new communities flourish when formed with clarity of vision, cultural contextualisation, and missionally shaped leadership. Yet planting alone cannot address all the challenges we face. Many existing congregations are experiencing long-term decline, demographic shifts, or a loss of missional energy. These churches remain part of the Body, and to neglect them would be to neglect our calling to every member of it.

The Diocese of London has demonstrated that replanting into existing churches is among the most strategic ways to bring about renewal. They have shown that declining churches can become vibrant centres of worship, discipleship, and mission when they are entrusted to leaders with fresh vision, supported by a committed team, and encouraged towards renewal. This can be through intentional revitalisation, or replanting something new, while still caring for existing congregations. This is not about discarding the past but honouring it – hold tradition in one hand and bold hope in the other.

Such an approach echoes a deeply Anglican instinct: to renew without severing from our roots. The Church is not a static structure but a living body, shaped by Scripture and sacrament, and reformed over time by the Spirit. Jesus spoke of bringing out treasures both old and new (Matthew 13:52), and we are invited to do the same. Revitalisation and church planting are both treasures.

WHAT MIGHT A DIOCESAN STRATEGY ENTAIL?

If we are to take revitalisation seriously at a diocesan level, we must develop a strategy that is both theologically grounded and contextually responsive. Such a strategy might include:

1. Honest, Compassionate Assessment

Not every declining church is destined to close. Some are poised for renewal. Like Nehemiah surveying the broken walls of Jerusalem, we need leaders who can discern with courage and care where revitalisation is possible. Where is the Spirit already stirring? What might be possible with new leadership and a renewed vision for mission?

We need to honestly assess the needs of a church, which requires building a culture of openness and support rather than ‘shame and blame’ so that we can most effectively discern the best way forward.

2. Leadership for Ecclesial Renewal

We must invest in raising and releasing leaders who are equipped specifically for revitalisation. This form of leadership differs from that required in planting. It calls for high levels of emotional intelligence, spiritual resilience, adaptive capacity, and pastoral imagination. These leaders must be capable of walking with congregations through seasons of grief and change while inviting them into new life.

Training has historically focused on high levels of intellectual knowledge, or specific ministry skills (such as preaching), which while essential, are not the only skills needed. We need leaders with soft skills, relational skills, change management skills, cultural and situational awareness, who can care for and lead a community 3. Cultures of Collaboration, Not Competition Revitalisation and planting must not be siloed. They thrive when pursued in partnership, in part because sometimes the most effective form of revitalisation takes the form of replanting (often termed ‘repotting’). A healthy diocesan culture will allow for mutual learning, shared resources, and the cross-pollination of teams across these areas. A revitalised church may go on to plant; a planting team may help breathe life into an existing parish. We belong to one Body and we will each need to play our part to see the whole church built up into maturity.

4. Flexible, Sustainable Models

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some revitalisations will resemble grafts or replants. Others may be best served by forming networks with stronger parishes or through reimagined ministries that respond to the needs of their context or particular people groups. Our structures must serve our mission—not the other way around—and we must be ready to adapt as the Spirit leads.

The church in the book of Acts comes in many forms: larger public gatherings, smaller house-based gatherings and missionary bands. We need to be open to different models to reach different people in different contexts.

5. Prayerful Dependence on the Spirit

Ultimately, revitalisation and church planting are not the product of strategy alone. As Paul reminds us, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Renewal is God’s work, begun and sustained in prayer. As we root ourselves again in Scripture, sacrament, and the power of the Spirit, we can trust that God will bring life to new communities and renew life where there has been loss.

A VISION FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH

The future of the Church in our diocese will not be found in choosing between planting or revitalisation. It will be found in a generous vision that embraces both. We are called to plant and to prune, to graft and to grow—as God leads.

We are not preserving an institution; we are proclaiming a gospel. The Church—ancient and new, inherited and emerging—is the bearer of good news in our generation.

As we align ourselves with the Spirit’s work of renewal, we can trust that God will continue to raise up a faithful, courageous Church—sent out in joyful witness to the risen Christ.

Rev. Bree Mills is Canon for Church Planting and Revitalisation, Anglican Diocese of Melbourne.