---
title: Growing participation
date: 2026-08-12T11:48:00+01:00
author: Polly Taylor
canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/resources/courses-for-churches/growing-participation"
section: Pages
---
---

 

  

# Growing participation

These practical tools from CUF and the Centre for Theology and Community help churches enable journeys of deepening participation and discipleship, and grow meaningful connections through intentional conversations.

 

 

          ![A man being interviewed in front of the altar of church](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_1008x567_crop_center-center_82_none/Mark-1.00_01_19_19.Still002.jpg?v=1786955022)  

 

 

 

1. 1 For church leaders and leadership teamsPractical tools for engaging the wider community
2. 2 Increase participation and deepen discipleshipReflections and questions to help individuals think about their journey
3. 3 Encourage deeper listening and build relationshipsConversation questions that encourage a relational and participatory culture
 
 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

### Download the guide and activities

 

 

**This tool comes with a guide split into two sections, printable conversation cards and short video clips of individuals sharing their own experiences:**

1. **Participation and discipleship**: Reflections and questions to help you think about participation and your journey of discipleship. With a separate handout for individual or group reflection.
2. **Intentional conversation questions:** A set of questions that encourage deeper listening and conversations to build a relational and participatory culture.

 

 

 [  

 Growing participation guide  PDF 2.0 MB  

 ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Growing-Participation-Guide-1.pdf?v=1787216117) 

 

 

 [  

 Flow of discipleship diagram  PDF 1.2 MB  

 ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Flow-of-discipleship-diagram.pdf?v=1787216116) 

 

 

 [  

 Conversation cards  PDF 677 KB  

 ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/121-conversation-cards.pdf?v=1787216116) 

 

 

### Videos

 

 

 [  

 Stepping into participation through community organising (opens in a new tab) 

 ](https://youtu.be/aHEJG33juTU?si=GTFfWZpPahPhwaQL) 

 

 

 [  

 Using the flow of discipleship (opens in a new tab) 

 ](https://youtu.be/q3AqG2YVzRQ?si=9kuTdTC2zajwQUxW) 

 

 

 [  

 Using the 121 conversation cards (opens in a new tab) 

 ](https://youtu.be/SIyzxUCObP4?si=bYRFVEavKS1W-CZS) 

 

 

## The Centre for Theology and Community

Find out more about the Centre for Theology and Community and their work equipping congregations, training leaders and transforming communities.

 [ www.ctcuk.org ](https://www.ctcuk.org/) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

## More resources for churches

 

- ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/SDP6363-1124.jpg?v=1786699798) ### [Growing Good](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/courses-for-churches/growing-good-course)
    
    A free, practical course helping churches deepen their understanding of their local community, grow in discipleship, and turn faith into meaningful action.
- ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/20251205-_DSC4135.jpg?v=1787222280) ### [Head Heart Hands](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/church-resources/head-heart-hands)
    
    An activity to help you identify your own gifts and skills, and those of the people around you.