The CONTEXT:
Rivercourt Methodist Church has been at the heart of the Hammersmith community for nearly 150 years. As we near this landmark anniversary in 2025, the church community is asking what the future should look like and what role it should play in the local community.

Rivercourt is reputed for its open and inclusive attitude to worship, as well as its commitment to supporting the local homeless community through its ‘Glass Door’ initiative. But we cannot ignore the negative impact of various factors e.g. a general decline in congregation numbers across Methodist churches, and an aging congregation at Rivercourt.

Covid-19, and the need for some cosmetic improvements to the vast building space that the church offers – all of these have created a sense that this previously vibrant church may be stagnating in its purpose and action.

To generate forward momentum and a renewed relevance within the community, the congregation has committed to a ‘public consultation’.

A consultation process ensures views are gathered from as many key sources as possible. Talking to those who currently use the church, potential future users and key influencers within the community can provide us with a strategic steer on the next phase for Rivercourt – where we should focus our efforts, and how we can play a central role in the community.

The APPROACH:
The congregation has identified a number of key stakeholders. These stakeholders will be contacted and asked to share their views and opinions in early 2022.

The congregation will consider the feedback and use this to identify 3-5 key possibilities for the future.

A Public Consultation will follow asking members of the public to consider the 3-5 possibilities and give their reactions. The Consultation will be carried out via an online survey and will be publicised through local channels e.g. Next Door, local press, Hammersmith W6 etc.
In parallel with the on-line survey the congregation will undertake 2 in-person, consultation days, at the church and possibly another Hammersmith location. Members of the public will be asked to engage and their responses will be captured online.

The final results and analysis will be used to define the roadmap for the future.

Rivercourt 2025 – The 150th Anniversary of Rivercourt will be an opportunity to celebrate the part the church has played in Hammersmith over its first 150 years and look forward to its role in future years.