Project 32: A Journey of Renewal and Transformation

Laying Foundations

In June 2021, a vision took shape within the British Province of the Moravian Church. Recognising the need for revitalisation, the Provincial Synod established the Project 32 Implementation Board, chaired by Br Stephen Maxwell. This initiative sought to breathe new life into the Church, focusing on growth, spiritual renewal, and sustainability.

By 2023, an essential element of this renewal began to flourish - the Holy Habits initiative, led by Br Edwin Quildan and a faithful team of Holy Habits Champions. This movement aimed to nurture core spiritual disciplines and deepen the faith journey of individuals and congregations. Meanwhile, on 1st June 2023, a crucial milestone was reached with the appointment of the Project 32 Co-ordinator, setting the stage for structured implementation.

Listening and Understanding

To build meaningful change, the first step was to listen and observe. From July to September 2023, a thorough analysis was conducted - examining statistics, surveys, and past initiatives. It became increasingly clear that prayer was foundational to any transformation. With this conviction, the Province committed to a biannual Provincial Prayer Day, a spiritual discipline designed to strengthen and build collective faith and perseverance. These prayer gatherings began on 6th January 2024, followed by 17th June 2024, and the 6th January 2025. Watch out for June's initiative soon and be intentional about participating in person and in your local church.

By October 2023, Project 32 sought a metric to assess church health - something beyond mere numbers, capturing the heart and vitality of congregational life. The Moravian Church adopted the Natural Church Development (NCD) approach, a tool to measure spiritual health and tailor strategic plans for each church's unique needs.

Educating, Empowering, and Equipping for Change

As 2024 unfolded, the work intensified. Throughout the year, Project 32 Champions were appointed in each participating church, receiving training in four key tranches: January, April, September, and December. With each training wave, churches embarked on the year-long NCD process, beginning with a Health Survey based on eight key characteristics of a thriving, sustainable church. This was followed by strategic planning, practical implementation, and periodic reassessment to track progress and measure impact.

Looking Ahead through 2025

With a firm foundation laid, 2025 marks a pivotal moment in Project 32's journey. The final round of the first annual process of NCD surveys is nearing completion, with the last eight churches expected to finish by April 2025. This means that, for the first time, a comprehensive health assessment of 26 churches across the British Province will be available, offering invaluable insights into strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. In the coming months, we will examine the findings and their implications in the Moravian Messenger, working under the Provincial Board to contribute to plans and strategy.

From Diagnosis to Action

With data in hand, the next crucial step is analysis and diagnosis - identifying key evidence, recognising symptoms of decline, and discerning the underlying root causes. The challenge ahead is both urgent and needing patience requiring courageous yet measured action. Project 32 is not merely about identifying problems but about actively tackling the causes of decline and fostering sustainable growth.

This period presents a critical window for transformation, a moment in history where decisive action can pave the way for lasting renewal. With the Project 32 Implementation Board serving as a catalyst, each Moravian congregation and every member is encouraged to embrace change with faith, wisdom, and boldness.

Measuring Impact and Continuous Improvement

The journey does not end with assessment. Instead, under the leadership of our conquering Lamb, communicating His will through the presence of the Holy Spirit, the focus shifts toward continuous learning and improvement. As churches and members implement changes, they can track their progress, learn from mistakes, plan their approaches, and ensure that renewal efforts lead to meaningful, long-term growth.

Project 32 needs to be more than another exercise. We want it to become a movement of faith, prayer, outreach, commitment, and hope. To bring glory to God, by being a testament to the power of prayer, the importance of listening, and the unwavering belief that, with God's guidance, the Moravian Church in the British Province can move into a healthier, spiritually enriched and sustainable future.

Br Peter Dornan

Project 32 Coordinator