The Diocese of Birmingham has been awarded over £17million to support church growth.

It’s one of the largest awards from the Church of England's Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board which is giving £30million to support parish revitalisations, new congregations, parish growth and mission to children and young people. The money is being split between four dioceses - Birmingham, Liverpool, Chichester and Salisbury.

In Birmingham, the main focus will be on increasing the number of young active Christians, revitalising Christian communities, supporting parishes with mission and deepening the faith of their congregations. The funding is aimed at around 47 parishes across rural areas, on estates and in places which have the most deprivation.

The city’s Gas Street Church, which now has one of the largest church congregations in the country, will play an important role in the vision. Over the last decade it has helped generate significant growth at other churches across the city and region.

Birmingham has the highest proportion of full-time students of all the Church of England dioceses and a new congregation is planned for a parish near one of the universities.

The Bishop of Birmingham, Rt Rev Michael Volland said: “This significant investment is a great encouragement. It will enable our Diocese to support churches across Birmingham, especially in overlooked communities, to grow in confidence, deepen faith, and share the love of Jesus Christ. I’m excited by the focus on young people, leadership, and diversity, and I pray this will bear lasting fruit for God’s kingdom.”

The Diocese of Liverpool has been awarded £6.2 million, Chichester £1.9million and Salisbury £1.6million. The Bishop of Ramsbury, Rt Rev Andrew Rumsey said: “This award is such encouraging news for the Diocese of Salisbury. I pray this investment will bless the local church and plant fruitful seeds for the future.”