A church has been handed £11million to support work to “further grow God’s Kingdom”.

The Diocese of Rochester will receive the money over the next five years to serve people across Medway, north and west Kent, Bexley and Bromley.

The funding has been approved by the national church’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB).

It will be used as part of the Diocese’s ‘Called Together’ vision – a nine-year plan aiming to grow the number of people attending church.

The national funding is in addition to £10.9 million of already budgeted investment from the church for work to help “grow a flourishing and well-resourced parish system”.

The Diocese says the new funding partnership with the Church of England will allow more work to be undertaken in a shorter timeframe.

The money will be used to implement an “enhanced mission-orientated training programme” for clergy and lay leaders, as well as a “wellbeing programme”.

Three parish-based “centres of excellence” will be introduced to showcase and support work by children and young people.

An apprentice scheme will also be introduced offering on-the-job experience of children, young people and family work in churches.

The Bishop of Rochester Jonathan Gibbs said: “Our vision is an ambitious, hope-filled plan that aims to better support work on the frontline in our parishes.

“I am delighted that the board has put its full backing behind the programme and endorsed our belief that growth in our churches is already happening and can happen still more.

“There is much to be positive and hopeful about here in the Diocese of Rochester.

“I am incredibly grateful to all those colleagues who have not only worked so hard and prayerfully on shaping our vision and objectives, but in pulling the bid together itself.”

Diocesan secretary Matthew Girt added: “This is not a plan where only a few will benefit but an integrated vision for operational and cultural change, and I am therefore delighted that we have received such a resounding affirmation from the Board.

“I am also incredibly grateful to our parishes as they likewise demonstrate commitment to this vision through their generous giving and their prayers.

“The vision stands on the shoulders of previous post-war pilgrims of the Diocese of Rochester who, also at a great moment of societal change, upheaval and challenge, held a steadfast belief that through their combined endeavour, generosity, and faith, they could grow the Church and God’s kingdom, and everyone has a part to play in making it happen.”