On Thursday, 23 April, over 100 ministry leaders from low-income areas gathered at B&A Church for the 2026 CCX ‘Multiply Estates Mission’ conference. The gathering, supported by the Diocese of Bristol’s Priority Communities Network team, provided an opportunity for those with a shared heart to serve estates and low-income communities to connect, receive encouragement and hear stories of God at work in areas like theirs.
The day opened with an opportunity to network with other guests and organisations, including Jesus Shaped People, SWYM, Proximity, and Kick, allowing attendees to connect over their shared experiences of ministry. Following this, the talks and sessions began, opened by Helen Shannon, Estates Mission lead for CCX.
Following Helen’s opening talk, Pastor Fatima Sibanda from God’s House International Centre, Bristol, led a session on prayer and intercession, encouraging participants to pray for God to move in their mission areas.
Later in the day, the Revd Dr Andy Murray, Dean of Priority Communities in the Diocese of Bristol, interviewed Cariad, who is currently taking part in the Diocese’s ‘PREPARED’ leadership and discipleship programme. The course focuses on developing and equipping local lay leaders from Priority Communities to fulfil their callings within their churches and communities, and explores personal transformation, mission, evangelism, and leadership.
Cariad shared how, during a difficult time in her life, she had showed up to church and over time experienced the transforming love of Jesus. She is now taking part in PREPARED alongside her daughter and is volunteering with her Church community. Revd Michelle Taylor, who produced and hosts the PREPARED training, then spoke about the programme and how it is already having a significant impact on those taking part.
This session was followed by a Question-and-Answer slot, where Church leaders Alison Sowton, Rob Smith and Carl Robinson responded to a wide range of topics. During this time, Revd Alison, Vicar of St Mary's, Shirehampton, shared a story about how her church is serving the young people in their estate.
She spoke about a group of teenage boys, known for causing trouble around the estate, who had first spoken with the Church community whilst digging holes in the graveyard. Through the conversation that emerged from this encounter, the boys spoke about the lack of things for them to do in the area. On asking the young people what they would like, they eventually arrived at the idea of starting boxing sessions at the Church. Through funding from the Priority Communities Network, St Mary’s has been able to employ Nat Clark, a youth worker and qualified boxing coach. Sessions have now begun and the young people are able to engage with the church, seeing it as a place where they are welcome to come and be themselves.
Following a lunch catered by B&A meals, everyone was offered the opportunity to come up for prayer before the end of the conference. Mark Tate, co-leader of the Grove Community in London, explored how, particularly in estates ministry, leaders can feel a constant pressure to show the immediate fruit of their work. He suggested that, instead, leaders are called to be like yeast and that what we do can often be 'invisible' to those on the outside, but it is crucial to growth. A team, including some of the PREPARED participants, prayed for all those who came forward and gave them a small packet of yeast to take away, reminding them of their role in God's mission on Earth.
Speaking about the day, Revd Alison said:
"It was such a joy to meet others that share a passion for this ministry. More than that, it means so much to hear the wisdom of others and to recognise the journey, though not always easy, is never walked alone. It was a spirit-filled space and our whole team felt lifted by the day."
Revd Gaby Doherty, Vicar of St Stephen's Southmead, said:
"What a fantastic day we had serving the church leaders across the South West many of whom lead churches in the most economically deprived areas in the country. There were chances for people to connect with helpful agencies, hear specific teaching for our London ministry and receive targeted prayer and support. We also had a laugh and great food as always, hospitality and worship from B and A church. How good it is when siblings dwell in unity and mutual support."
Please join us in praying that those in leadership roles in Priority Communities across the Diocese would feel encouraged and empowered to be the hands and feet of Jesus as they serve God in their areas.