Pruning for Growth
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15.1)
Pruning is not about punishment, it's about preparation (Bishop Dorrien}
Pruning for Growth is a diocesan strategy that seeks to make a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of every church in the Diocese of St Davids.
The strategy consists of four stages and covers community engagement, education, stewardship, children youth & family provision, governance, buildings, attendance and ministry. An additional Miscellaneous category covers anything that does not fall into any of these but which are deemed relevant.
The second stage involved conversations with key individuals based on the findings gathered in Phase One to drill down into the detail. Phase Three produced recommendations which have been circulated to all LMA Councils.
Under Stage Three, some churches have been marked out as places where there should be growth and where resources should be directed; others will be marked for closure and a number of churches will be noted as to remain open and some will be designated for future review.
Stage Four
It is important that the recommendations that relate to individual churches are reflected upon and discussed by their church committees and any constructive feedback should be fed back to your LMA Council which will also discuss the recommendations and make a formal written response to the Gardening Group. Final recommendations will then be made to the Bishop, Senior Staff, DBF, Standing Committee and Churches and Pastoral Committee.
LMAs are required to submit their responses to their Archdeacon by 30th April 2026. Failure of an LMA to submit a response will not prevent movement to Stage Four.
LMA Role Descriptions