Encounter Stoke arises out of a desire to see Stoke-on-Trent revitalised. As a part of a wider project from the Diocese of Lichfield, we aim to create six satellite locations across the city, forming joint ventures between local churches, schools and community groups. Eventually, these locations will establish a new worshipping community.
What we do
Our Encounter locations are busy! Each local team shapes events around the needs, desires and character of their area. From cafes to kids clubs, Bubble Church to youth groups, the activities run by each location keep at their heart the desire to build connections within communities and meet the needs of local people.
Explore what our locations are getting up to:
Our structure
Encounter Stoke is a project of the Diocese of Lichfield.
Alex Wolvers is the Encounter Stoke project leader. She supports the local oversight groups in each location as they develop and grow, working with a team of mission & discipleship enablers.
The local oversight groups are made up of:
- The incumbent (vicar) of the parish
- The Principal of the school and another relevant staff member
- 2 PCC representatives from the church
- 1 Governor representative from the school
- 1 community representative
- 1 Encounter team representative (responsible for reporting to the project board)
- 2 pupil and young people representatives
The new worshipping communities will be led by a team from both the church and school, along with a member of the Encounter team.
What does the local oversight team do?
The main purpose of the local oversight team is to act as a critical friend who will prayerfully support the vision, direction, and mission for the Encounter location.
They hold the group accountable to the goal of the Encounter locations in establishing new worshipping communities that reflect, serve, involve and embrace the local community.
The team foster a healthy culture and leadership structure, holding personal wellbeing and safeguarding at the heart of the location’s work and outreach.
Finally, they help connect groups within the communities they serve, making sure all local voices are represented and heard.
