Christ Church Upper Armley in the Leeds area has received a national Growing Faith Foundation grant.
Being designated as a Learning Hub, the church will have funding of £20,000 to spend over two years, giving them the chance to trial, reflect and re-develop different outreach and discipleship methods, improving consistency between home, church and school life.
The Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, said: “I’m delighted that Christ Church will be working alongside local schools to promote faith development among our young people.
“I look forward to seeing the results!”
With these resources the church will establish a safe space for young people to be creative, and will also promote faith formative activities in senior and primary school alongside a developing programme for empowering parents and children for discipleship at home.
Alex Burbidge, Diocesan Growing Faith Lead, said: “The Diocesan Children, Young People and Families team are enthusiastic to see this grant awarded!
“We’re looking forward to a wide impact as the hub develops and shares their learning as they explore discipleship at home, support transitions from primary to secondary school, and create youth provision shaped by the voices of young people.
“We are excited to see how this commitment to partnership between church, home, and school will nurture faith, build confidence, and transform the community.”
Through drawing on its strong connections and partnerships with local community organisations, Christ Church hope to provide more opportunities for encounter and growth amongst young people in an area that faces considerable challenges in opportunities and deprivation.
The Revd Phil Arnold, Vicar at Christ Church, said: “This gives us an opportunity to work alongside the schools, Leeds Faith in schools, and Parenting for Faith, to provide young people with every opportunity to grow in faith.
“It’s exciting!”
The programme will begin in January 2026.
To find out more about diocesan support for Growing Faith, please click here.