churches in norfolk and waveney

The Challenge in Norfolk

Norfolk is home to over 650 Anglican churches, many of them historic and beautiful, forming a rich part of our local heritage. But despite this, a growing number of these buildings are underused or even empty, and congregations are shrinking.

  • Across Norfolk, 150+ churches are not in regular use, and dozens of others are at risk of closure.

  • Nationally, the Church of England faces thousands of under‑utilised buildings, with 3,000–5,000 churches largely unused.

  • These empty or underused spaces represent both a loss of mission and an opportunity for community.

At NOMAD, we see these buildings not as a problem—but as a chance to raise up young leaders, activate local communities, and bring life back into these spaces.

in norfolk as in heaven

We partner with local churches that long to see young people and young adults encounter Jesus and grow as disciples.

By joining with NOMAD, you welcome trained, supported leaders into your church who will:

  • Serve and disciple your young people

  • Build authentic, life-giving community

  • Reimagine discipleship for a new generation

All of this happens while remaining fully rooted in the life, worship, and oversight of your church, bringing fresh energy without disrupting what already works.

the story

Norfolk has the largest concentration of medieval church buildings in the world, yet many churches feel stretched when it comes to reaching young people.

Across the Diocese, the same challenges come up again and again: limited capacity and finances, few youth workers and volunteers, and little existing connection between young people and church.

We want to come alongside your church and listen. What is your mission in your community? What has God already placed in your hands?

Together we build simple scaffolding that makes youth ministry possible, helping you try something new and create something your local team can own and lead — whether that’s a youth group, young adults gathering, multigenerational service, or house church.

The church is stepping into new territory for a new era, discovering new geography in our imagination.

Our hope is to see churches grow deeper in ways that are sustainable, relational, and responsive to the Spirit’s leading. We long to see a movement of rooted, mobile youth leaders, supported by the wider church, helping the Diocese grow younger and more diverse.