Pastoral Principles

How can we learn to relate better to one another across the differences and diversity that we find in our church communities? This five-session course is designed to help identify the roadblocks that can so easily hinder us from understanding each other better and loving each other more deeply. The course encourages us to find creative ways to grow and learn together in the love of God.

The course is based on the Church of England’s Pastoral Principles for Living Well Together. These Principles identify six ‘pervading evils’ that hinder our growth as Christians, hurt other people and create barriers that stop our churches from growing into Christian communities of welcome and belonging. Each session focuses on one or two of these ‘evils’ and includes resources for Bible study, refection, discussion and worship. Free accompanying videos are available via www.churchofengland.org/PAG

By exploring these in our everyday lives and relationships, the course helps us to play our part in seeking unity in our church communities as well as in the wider community. It can be used to explore particular topics about which there is disagreement, or used simply as a means of becoming a community that lives more fully in the way of Christ.