Mixed Ecology Conversations

A priority in the Church of England’s vision and strategy for the 2020s is to become a church where mixed ecology is the norm.

CCX invited a group of church leaders to discuss and unpack their thoughts on the Mixed Ecology – where every person in England has access to an enriching and compelling community of faith. The result is a frank, honest conversation of what they’ve each experienced within the Mixed Ecology, what they’ve struggled with, and where they’ve seen God’s provision at work.

Episode 1: Setting the scene

Will Foulger, Director of the Centre for Church Planting, Theology and Research at Cramner Hall, Durham, asks the panel of Father Matthew Cashmore, Linda Maslen and Phil Hoyle to share their experiences of the Mixed Ecology.

Episode 2: Gaining permission to try new things

Will Foulger, Father Matthew Cashmore, Linda Maslen and Phil Hoyle share their experiences of what the Mixed Ecology affords them permission to try – and the challenge that can come of allowing ‘things to fail quickly’.

Episode 3: How do we share and learn from each other?

Mixed Ecology does encourage a range of church styles – but presents a danger that we can become siloed in our unique expressions of church. Will Foulger asks how we might share with and learn from one another across this Mixed Ecology of church.

Episode 4: How can we cultivate a mixed ecology of church?

The conversation turns to asking how we can cultivate a mixed ecology of church well, and the challenges that emerge from a diverse expression of church. Will Foulger is joined by Helen Shannon, Dave Lloyd, Linda Maslen and Phil Hoyle.

Episode 5: What should ‘church’ be?

The group discuss the tensions that can arise within a mixed ecology due to the structures of church, and different interpretations of what ‘church’ should be.

Episode 6: Where has the mutuality of church relationships worked well?

The church leaders share stories of where they have seen the mutuality of church relationships, of investing in each other through relationship and sharing of resources, work well in their own contexts.

Episode 7: What would you say to others?

Advice is shared on what each church leader would say to someone looking to develop a mixed ecology approach to church in their context.

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Episode 8: Stories of leadership journeys made possible by the Mixed Ecology structure

As the Mixed Ecology Conversation draws to a close, Will Foulger asks the church leaders to share stories of individuals they know have stepped into a leadership role that wouldn’t have been possible without a mixed ecology structure.