Plant UK: building towards a fresh wave of UK church planting
planting 100 new churches in 20 years - where do you begin?
Our vision for the UK - ‘UK 100:40’ - is to ‘stimulate a fresh wave of church planting into UK cities, towns and villages resulting in 100 new churches by 2040.‘ It’s a hugely important question, and one of the answers was Plant UK - an online conference that aimed to facilitate and inspire church planting conversations, and help both potential pioneers and sending churches explore future steps.
On 20-21 November, many people from Relational Mission and even beyond gathered together (albeit online) for two days of teaching and discussions around many pioneering topics.
With such a big vision, we cast the net wide
This event, and future ones like Plant Europe and Plant Global, aim to gather and inspire as many pioneers as possible. Anyone with even the slightest interest in pioneering was welcome to Plant UK - no matter their stage of life, no matter how tentative their interest, whether going or sending.
Main sessions covered the whys, hows and wheres of church planting. You can catch up on those below. Forums delved into the practicalities of planting: exploring the many different expressions of pioneering, from gospel plants, to church plants and multi-site, plus a track for elders exploring how to best send pioneers out from their churches.
God is moving hearts and feet!
In one session, participants were encouraged to begin sharing locations that were on their hearts to pray for, or to go to. The resulting list covered the length and breadth of the UK: from Broadstairs on the southeastern tip of England to Carlisle in the very north; from the Isle of Man and Wales to Belfast, Northern Ireland, and everywhere inbetween. It became clear that a church planting wave will touch every part of UK: from neighbourhoods and villages, to towns and cities. Nothing will miss God’s attention.
Craig Prentice led a sessions on locations: existing and tbc!
Thinking of pioneering in the UK?
Remember: you don’t need to be experienced, or a born leader, or married. You only need to be available.
Contact annice@relationalmission.com to be put in touch with the UK pioneering team.
Main Session Recordings
1. Setting the Scene - Stef Liston & Gordon Watson
2. Why Plant Churches in The UK? - Stef Liston (starts at 10:45)
1. How Will We Plant Churches in The UK? - Gordon Watson
2. Dreaming About Locations - Craig Prentice (starts at 20:42)
3. Who Will Plant Churches in The UK? - Stef Liston (starts at 31:07)
Coming up: Plant Europe
Our next event will focus further afield on those interested in planting in mainland Europe. If that’s you, register for Plant Europe, taking place on 5-6 March 2021.
