Chesterfield North Mission & Ministry Area
Since 2003 Church leaders have been working together to realise a vision for revitalising the way in which churches serve communities throughout Derbyshire. The Renewing Ministry project proposals asked churches to work in partnership to serve groups of parishes called ‘Mission and Ministry Areas’ (MMAs).
The Chesterfield North MMA consists of the parishes of St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton; St John, Newbold; St Lawrence, Great Barlow; St Bartholomew, Old Whittington; St Barnabas, New Whittington; and Loundsley Green (since 2010).
The MMA was inaugurated on Advent Sunday 2006 during which the Area Vicar and church representatives were commissioned. The Area Vicar’s role is to oversee the life of the MMA, inspiring and enabling the churches to explore a vision for working together. The MMA Council is both a think tank and a planning and coordinating group.
The MMA is organic, rather than imposed. It has more chance of succeeding if it adapts to what is needed. We are not trying to do too much too soon, and we cherish the different practices and traditions of our church communities.
The MMA exists to support and help the churches individually and collectively to thrive and grow in promoting the Gospel – the Gospel that enables us to live with delight, and encourages us to do all we can to enable everyone else to do likewise.
