---
title: Growing Good
date: 2026-07-28T11:37:00+01:00
author: Mani Bae
canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/resources/courses-for-churches/growing-good-course"
section: Pages
---
---

 

  

# Growing Good

A free, practical course helping churches deepen their understanding of their local community, grow in discipleship, and turn faith into meaningful action.

 

            ![Older woman and younger man stood chatting and smiling in a community cafe](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_576x324_crop_center-center_82_none/SDP6363-1124.jpg?v=1786699798)  

 

 

## About the course

 

 

This research-backed, seven-session course helps local churches grow and better serve their communities by exploring six core themes: presence, perseverance, hospitality, adaptability, justice and participation.

Each session includes a guide for group leaders and a video to spark conversation and action. You’ll also find top tips from previous users, plus a customisable poster to help promote your course. All content can be downloaded for offline use.

 

 

## How the course can help

 

 

1. 1 Gain knowledge about your local communityDiscover more about the individuals and institutions in your community, the challenges they face, and opportunities for building connection and partnerships.
2. 2 Increase confidence in your local missionCelebrate the strengths of your church and explore new possibilities for mission and service.
3. 3 Grow hospitality and relationshipsExplore how hospitality can deepen relationships, strengthen community connections and create opportunities for mutual support and growth.
 
 

 

          ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_895x503_crop_center-center_82_none/WJ-CUF-150526-35.jpg?v=1786522949)  

## Access the course

Sign in or register for free to access the Growing Good course including session guides, short videos and tips for group facilitators.

 [ Sign in ](https://cuf.org.uk/user/login?returnTo=%2Fresources%2Fcourses-for-churches%2Fgrowing-good-course) [ Register ](https://cuf.org.uk/user/signup?returnTo=%2Fresources%2Fcourses-for-churches%2Fgrowing-good-course) 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   79% are more aware of the needs in their community

  80% are more aware of the strengths and assets in their community

  92% have taken action to further integrate social action and discipleship in their context

  

 

 

      ![Revd Naomi Oates stood outside her church](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_356x356_crop_center-center_82_none/27-IMG_8516.jpg?v=1786702472)  

I would really recommend Growing Good to a church that wants to plug into the local community, understand the local community and serve the local community.”

Revd Naomi Oates, Tonbridge Road Methodist Church

 [  

 Growing local presence 

 ](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/growing-local-presence) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

## Frequently asked questions

 

 

   Do I need training to use the course in my church?

 No. The session guides and films are all you need. We’ve also created a Training Hub for groups leaders which includes tips and practical suggestions to help you run the sessions. If you would like any further support in running Growing Good in your church, please contact us [here](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/contact-us).

 

 

 

  Who should I involve in my Growing Good small group?

 We encourage you to involve a variety of people from your church who will bring different perspectives. The material is accessible and engaging and does not assume any theological training. A group of 6–8 people works well, but you can include more or fewer. You can use the material in a small group Bible study, ministry team, or PCC.

 

 

 

  Will it work in my church?

 The course can be used by churches of all traditions. Whether your church is big or small, urban or rural, well-established or brand new, we believe this resource is relevant for you and your community.

 

 

 

  Do we have to use all the sessions in our church?

 No. You are welcome to use all the sessions, or to pick and choose the sessions that are most relevant to your context right now.

 

 

 

  Who developed the Growing Good course?

 The course is based on three years of research by Theos and Church Urban Fund. The research looked at over 60 churches all across England, to better understand how social action, discipleship, and growth fit together on the ground. In developing the toolkit content, CUF involved church leaders, ministry training coordinators, and community workers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

## More from Growing Good

 

- ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/CUF_GG_Youth_Church_Support_Hub.jpg?v=1786696890) ### [Growing Good: Youth](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/courses-for-churches/growing-good-youth)
    
    Growing Good: Youth is an engaging, empowering journey for youth groups, taking young people from discovery to action as they explore their gifts and make a difference in their community.
- ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/20230524_134758.jpg?v=1788268345) ### [GRA:CE project report](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/evidence-and-insight/grace-report)
    
    Based on three years of extensive research, this report explores the relationship between social action, church growth, and discipleship in the Church of England.