The objective of Touring West Yorkshire (TWY) was to reach as many members of the West Yorkshire District as possible and enthuse them to reach out to other members of their circuits and motivate them in turn. We were looking especially to build confidence in Faith-sharing, and helppeople rediscover a church shaped for mission.

The District was divided into ‘clusters’ each of which chose it’s own way of operating and they each produced events which were very different although they all contained a presentation of ‘core material’ prepared and presented by members of the Mission Enabling Team designed to move people into ‘Mission Mode’. The method of planning the cluster events using teams drawn from each of the circuits involved seemed to give ownership to the events in most cases. However there were notable exceptions where circuit leaders did not really engage with the process. Where the cluster meetings worked well, they gave good space for imagination and a great deal of thought was given to the shape and content of the ‘events’.

The initiative came about after conversations around the District had identified that people were tired and confused There was recognition of the need and enthusiasm for change but a sense of not knowing where to start. Each cluster identified a target group and worked hard to engage with those who were not amongst the usual “Mission Enthusiasts”

Over 1,000 people attended the four different events and the clusters were brought together in a District Day in Ilkley with Martin Atkins. We were initially disappointed with the numbers of people who had booked in – as it turned out we realised that the number was just right for the event we had planned!

A second objective of TWY was to produce some material for study which could be used in groups and churches across the District. Over 100 packs of the Study group material were used around the District.

Relationships both within the team and with others in the District have grown and the profile of the Mission Enabling Team has been raised within the District. Various circuits have arranged follow-on events and a Mission Shaped Intro Course has been run in Halifax in 2009.

In conversation with people across the District we have discerned a change; in the past there was a general understanding that Mission happened elsewhere and evangelism was what happened locally. There seems to have been a change in that perception with more people appearing to understand that Mission happens locally (and perhaps there is a need for evangelism in the church!) as we recognise the need to help one another engage with “The Story”.

TWY led us to a new District focus on developing discipleship. This is the focus of the team’s work over the next 12 months.