Apprentice youth workers, youth ministers, children and families workers and chaplaincy aimed at students in further education are to be funded as part of major awards to dioceses announced by the Church of England.

Plans by a diocese to double the number of children and young people in its churches, develop 100 new worshipping communities and renew parishes have been given support in the first round of grants awarded by a new Board set up by the Church of England.

New 12-person board to oversee £350 million of grant funding to support mission and outreach

Awards of nearly £13 million have been made for dioceses to help churches reach more children, young people and families, from toddler groups to apprentice youth ministers, in the latest round of grants for mission from the Church of England.

The General Synod has backed the parish as key to the spread of the Christian faith, in a debate where the local church was described as ‘at the very heart’ of God’s mission.

More than 700 young adults have taken part in the Ministry Experience Scheme, General Synod members have heard, as it marks its 10th anniversary.

The Church of England has appointed Rev Canon Nick McKee as its new National Director for Ministry.

A community organising project which has increased the number of children and young people attending inner-city churches is to be expanded to more parishes following a grant from the Church of England.

The Church of England published its latest research into clergy well-being today.

Independent research into the wellbeing of clergy from working class backgrounds has been published as part of a 10-year programme into how clergy can flourish in ministry.