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Renewing church life amongst estate communities
Hi everyone!
This page celebrates ministry on estates across our diocese and the growing network of churches and people committed to this work. The Chelmsford Diocese Estates Churches Network exists to connect and equip clergy and lay people who minister on and with estate communities, areas of social housing, and lower‑income neighbourhoods. Anyone serving in these contexts, or simply wanting to grow in understanding of this ministry, is warmly invited to join us.
We recognise that our estates and low‑income communities are places of vibrancy, creativity, family and joy. They are full of life and full of gifts. We also know that many face significant challenges, and that for some of our neighbours and friends, hope can feel fragile or far away.
Yet we believe these very places are where Jesus is found, where He chooses to dwell, and where He continually calls His Church to be present. After all, He told us that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and to set the oppressed free.
Whether you’re a minister, a church member, or a resident; whether you’re already serving on an estate, exploring this calling, or simply curious, - we hope this page offers insight, encouragement, inspiration and practical resource as together we seek Christ in the margins, the corners, and the hidden spaces.
Growing up on East London estates himself and having over 25 years of experience with youth work in this context, Alan understands the challenges of Estates Ministry. He has particular experience with detached youth work, providing safe spaces for those at risk of exploitation and gang culture.
Alan has also seen first-hand the positive impact that estates ministry can make. He wants to help others serve their communities’ most vulnerable people, bringing hope and renewed faith.
Revd Dan Scott
Revd Dan serves as Estates Churches Missional Advisor, alongside being the Lead Minister at Christchurch Three Mills and heading up the Chelmsford Diocese Estates Churches Network (CDECN).
Christchurch Three Mills is an estate church near Stratford in East London, pioneered by Dan and his family over the past 5 years. It is now a flourishing local church, rooted in it's context and making a meaningful impact at the heart of the local commnunity.
Dan cares passionately about reaching all communities and supporting those from lower income backgrounds. He would love more and more lay and ordained ministers in estate churches to feel able to connect with the network, learn from each other and support one another in this demanding but incredibly rewarding work.
If you would like to contact Dan please email: estatechurchnetwork@chelmsford.anglican.org
Next Steps Conference
The Chelmsford Diocese Estates Churches Network (CDECN) holds conferences to bring co-workers together to share their thought-provoking insights and ideas.
Our last conference had over 40 attendees from across the diocese and was a great success. We celebrated together, shared our stories, challenged one another, and recommitted to centring the margins, hearing the voices of the silenced and following Christ in joining with and serving our neighbourhoods.
Thanks to all who took part.
Date of next conference: COMING SOON
Building Networks and Resources
We are collaborating with several partners to build a network, share experiences and upskill those who want to learn more.
Proximity Hub
Proximity Hub supports urban missional work, equipping churches, leaders and those on the ground through online content and in-person community. They are bringing the proximity of the church closer to under-altresourced communities, offering a breadth of materials, from stories and prayers to blogs and podcast. Discover the resources here
The Estates Evangelism Task Group (EETG)
The Estates Evangelism Task Group is a national group chaired by our own Bishop Lynne Cullens (Bishop of Barking) and who’s members are estates practitioners and key partners committed to serving estates communities.
In February 2019, the General Synod took a historic decision to back a motion that commits the Church of England to having a loving, serving, worshipping Christian community on every significant social housing estate in England. This will mean offering enhanced support to existing estates churches and finding ways of planting back onto the hundreds of estates from which we are currently absent.
To find out more about The Estates Evangelism Task Group and their strategy click here or you can contact Rev Dan Scott estatechurchnetwork@chelmsford.anglican.org who serves as the focal lead for Chelmsford Diocese to the EETG.
Parish Twinning
One of the ideas the EETG have identified as successful is Parish Twinning. Watch the video to see how the estate parish of Over Darwen near Blackburn, twinned with the financially wealthier and semi-rural parish of Brindle some 9 miles away resulting in positive outcomes for both communities.
Interesting Reading
Finding the Treasure brings together stories and theological reflections that reveal the strengths nurtured when local churches engage deeply with their neighbourhoods. Featuring voices from local ministers, theologians and estates residents, it explores joy and grief, hope and good news.
Rooted in the real-life contexts of these local communities Finding the Treasure offers inspiration and practical guidance for readers willing to engage in similar deep listening within their own communities. In areas that have all too often been labelled 'needy’, 'failing' and 'deprived’, this book shines a spotlight on an abundance of wisdom and resourcefulness, faith, hope and love that can be all be found in our estates and estates churches.
Join our Newsletter
We’re pleased that Estates Ministry is starting to get more recognition, but we welcome anyone who wants to join us in the work we do, or who wants to find out more.
To stay up to date with the latest Estates Ministry news, events, resources and more please email us at: estatechurchnetwork@chelmsford.anglican.org
