Catalyst Magazine: July 2025

Strengthening Leaders ⚫

Jubilee+ ⚫

Multiply ⚫

Reaching The Lost ⚫

Pray1000 ⚫

Apostolic Hubs

#Revival

Catalyst Festival in West Africa

African Churches United on Mission #Community

Celebrating Female Leaders in Catalyst and Beyond #Missions

Notes of Hope in the Hospice

God at Work in the Workplace

Catalyst

Magazine Multiplying Churches, Disciples and Extending the Kingdom

#Featured

What to do in response to the Quiet Revival?

A Growing Openness, A Timely Call

Perhaps these are early signs that something is shifting spiritually.

July 2025 Issue 17 Catalyst Magazine - 1

Hello and Welcome

Catalyst Magazine: Issue 17

In this edition, you’ll read accounts of lives being transformed, churches being planted, and bold steps of faith being taken in all kinds of contexts.

These stories remind us that we are part of something far bigger than ourselves—a Spirit-led family of churches carrying the good news of Jesus into every corner of society.

It’s been so encouraging to see fresh momentum as leaders are equipped, teams are sent, and new partnerships emerge. God is clearly on the move, and we hope this magazine fuels your faith and helps you stay connected to the wider Catalyst family.

Let’s keep playing our part together in this unfolding story.

Catalyst is an apostolic movement, starting and strengthening churches that multiply disciples to see God’s Kingdom fill the Earth.

With love, Simon

Giving to Catalyst Simon Holley Leads the CatalystTeam

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Our work around the world is supported by generous gifts from churches, families and individuals. To find more about giving to Catalyst, visit the About page on our website.

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Contents

Welcome 08 Resources and Events 12 Highlights and Stories

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Worshippers 15 Courage and Calling in the Horn of Africa 17 Worship Learning Community 2025

Community 19 Interview with Artina Morava 20 Women in Leadership

Mission 23 The Quiet Revival in Historical Perspective 26 Cross-cultural Living and Mission in Jordan 28 Notes of Hope in the Hospice 30 Sputnik 32 Jubilee+

What to do in Response to the Quiet Revival?

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Got a story to share?

Send it our way at stories@ catalystnetwork.org and it could become a feature in the next Catalyst Magazine.

Catalyst Magazine - 3

Introduction

What to do in response to the Quiet Revival?

A Growing Openness, A Timely Call There is potentially a quiet revival happening in some churches in the UK—it’s small, under the radar, and not necessarily impacting every church.

However, reports such as the Quiet Revival (2024) from the Bible Society suggest that there has been a marked increase in spiritual openness and curiosity about the Christian faith since the pandemic.

The report reveals that one in five UK adults now say they are more open to exploring faith and interest in the Bible is also on the rise, especially among young adults. Many people aren’t walking through church doors just yet, but they are seeking answers—and often, they’re turning to Scripture and spiritual conversations to find them.

Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer, sees these signs as deeply significant. Reflecting on this moment, he writes in Premier Christianity: “This is not just hype… When I hear this anecdotal stuff in my own networks… when I see public intellectuals and the cultural debate shifting in our favour… I have a reason for hope and encouragement to be praying with a little bit more faith.”

“We long for revival—and perhaps these are early signs that something is shifting spiritually, just not in the way we expected.”

This hunger is backed by other recent research.

The Talking Jesus report (2022) found that 33% of non-Christians would be open to learning more about Jesus if a friend shared their faith. That’s one in three people we already know. The same report showed that monthly church attendance has increased by 56% since 2018. Theos Think Tank’s Religion and Relevance in the UK (2023) found that practices like prayer, silence, and spiritual reflection are becoming more common—especially among Gen Z and Millennials.

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For Catalyst churches, this is a pivotal moment. We long for revival—and perhaps these are early signs that something is shifting spiritually, just not in the way we expected. Are we alert to what God is doing in this quieter move of His Spirit?

Here are two implications for us:

Equip our People Most spiritual curiosity will be met not by pastors, but by ordinary Christians.

However, The Quiet Revival research reports that, the more Gen Z study and explore the Bible, the more they lose confidence in it. A third said that their confidence in the Bible is more likely to be shaken by culture and the media.

Let’s equip our church members to read the Bible with non-Christians, share their testimony, and answer questions about Jesus. In other words, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Accessible Discipleship We probably have a plan for nonChristians to discover faith, such as Alpha, but do we have a clear pathway to disciple people into maturity?

At Mosaic Church, we use several tools, including the Commands of Christ Discovery Bible Study course that highlights the specific Catalyst Magazine - 5

Awakening: A Call to the Church A timely message from Pete Greig responding to signs of a quiet revival in the UK.

“Let’s equip our church members to read the Bible with non-Christians, share their testimony, and answer questions about Jesus.” commands of Jesus in the gospels and gives key steps of obedience like repentance, baptism, prayer, making disciples, loving others, partaking in the Lord’s Supper, giving, gathering with other believers, and continuing in long-term discipleship.

Does your church have clear next steps for those who come to faith?

As Pete Greig reminds us, this is not a time for hype, but for hope. Let’s be ready—and responsive—as the Spirit of God quietly draws people back to Himself.

Matt Hatch Leads the team at Mosaic Church in Leeds and Catalyst Leeds Hub. 6 - Catalyst Magazine

In light of the recent report from the Bible Society, Pete unpacks a powerful prophetic word calling us to wake up—to rise from spiritual slumber and respond to the Spirit’s urgent invitation for personal and corporate awakening.

For over two decades, Pete has championed prayer and revival through the 24-7 Prayer movement and Wildfires Festival. Now, he invites us to pause, reflect, and consider how we respond to what God might be doing under the radar.

Watch and share with others who long to see spiritual awakening in our time.

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Leadership & Theology Course A two-year course to deepen your theology and develop your leadership What happens when strong theology meets Spirit-filled leadership?

This course will stretch your thinking, sharpen your preaching, strengthen your pastoral gift, and equip you to lead in a way that brings lasting impact. You’ll journey through biblical theology, church history, Ephesians 4 ministry, and more — with mentoring and practical support along the way.

Applications now open for September 2025.

APPLY NOW

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Events & Resources

Discover What’s On

God’s Big Story Course

God’s Big Story is a oneyear, part-time video course exploring the Bible from Creation to Revelation, featuring speakers like Simon Holley and Andrew Wilson. Could your church host it this year?

Contact alecs.atkinson@ kingscommunitychurch. co.uk LEARN MORE

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Revive School of Ministry Oct 2025 to July 2027

ID: Intentional Discipleship From September to July each year Open to anyone 18+, ID is a one-year, church-based discipleship programme designed to help you walk with Jesus and step into His mission. You’ll receive teaching and training while serving in ministries that develop you.

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Revive is a two-year, part-time course to equip revivalists, leaders, church planters and disciples of all ages to deepen their theology, grow in kingdom authority and leadership.

It launches on 10 October and runs during term time until July 2027.

LEARN MORE

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Open Up The Gates Worship Album

Open Up the Gates is a live worship album from King’s Community Church Southampton, filled with original songs that express a deep hunger for God’s presence. It invites listeners into passionate praise and authentic encounter.

LISTEN NOW

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Train1000 Course A two-year programme for aspiring leaders and church planting teams. Open for applications.

LEARN MORE

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Holy Spirit Series Podcast

Listen to a conversation about how the Holy Spirit empowers mission—not just moments in church meetings. In this episode, Tom and Tim explore how the Spirit moves in everyday life: in families, churches, and the ordinary rhythms we often overlook in favour of the “glamour stories.”

LISTEN NOW

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Building Multicultural Churches Podcast Listen to a conversation with Tony Thompson – church planter and leader of Hope Church Luton – as he unpacks what it means to build truly multicultural churches that reflect the beauty and diversity of God’s kingdom.

LISTEN NOW

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Servers

Assemble We need help to make Catalyst Festival 2026 happen! Could you volunteer to serve?

BOOK YOUR TICKET

Norfolk Showground 23 - 26 May 10 - Catalyst Magazine

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Catalyst Festival couldn’t happen without an incredible team of volunteers.

From setting up the site to serving in kids and youth teams, stewarding or hospitality — there’s a place for you.

Volunteers get a free or discounted ticket, depending on the role. Join the team and help bring the Festival to life!

A few years ago, God started speaking to me about stepping up and using the gifts He had given me in contexts beyond my local church — where I’ve worked as Communications & Planning Officer since 2014. So, I bit the bullet and spoke to Abi about joining the Festival Comms team in 2024.

I’ve loved every minute of being involved — from weekly Zoom calls with the Core Team in the lead-up to the Festival, to finally meeting everyone face to face and it instantly feeling like family.

It was also amazing to see and support the behind-the-scenes work, coming alongside a bunch of incredibly talented creatives and not feeling out of place.

I’ve already signed up for 2026 and I’m really looking forward to it!

Faith Miller Comms Team

Scan to book your tickets.

Getting to lead a team of amazing volunteers and see nearly 200 children discover more about the kingdom of God and how they can be part of spreading God’s word was such an amazing adventure. We had so much fun playing games, doing crafts and making new friends. It was such a great way to meet people from many different churches and learn from each other. Can’t wait to do it again.

Anna Hurst Kids Team

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Highlights & Stories

Catalyst Festival in West Africa Catalyst Festival unites West African churches in worship, mission and breakthrough moments From 16–21 July, Martin and Felix from Woodside Church in Bedford travelled to Benin for Catalyst Festival – West Africa 2025, a significant gathering that brought together leaders and churches from across the region. Both spoke at the event, alongside Pastor Sam Amara from Nigeria, a long-time friend of Woodside and Catalyst.

The festival, held under the theme In Christ Alone, was marked by a powerful sense of God’s presence.

On the very first night, nine people responded to the gospel during the

opening Revival meeting — a clear sign that God is at work across West Africa.

In recent years, we’ve seen remarkable growth in church planting in Benin and Togo, where progress had once been slow. This trip provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen and encourage these churches. We’re grateful for all God has done and continue to pray for lasting fruit in the region.

Malawi Mission Trip In June, a small team from the UK visited Lilongwe, Malawi, to reconnect with the Holy Dwelling Place Church. They took part in activities including village youth conferences, school visits, and orphan care projects. A key focus was supporting the Holy Dwelling Place Youth Conference, which welcomed over 500 young people, with more than 60 responding to the gospel for the first time.

The team also visited a borehole funded by Well Church and encouraged staff and students.

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Highlights & Stories

What is God doing where you are?

There are many hands and feet at work across the Catalyst family, faithfully sharing the gospel in their local communities. Be encouraged as you read some of their stories:

Breakthrough Healings in Hull

Over the May bank holiday weekend, River City Hull saw a powerful move of God, with three to four significant and instant healings. Three people experienced relief from long-term back and hip pain — and remarkably, two of them weren’t even directly prayed for! One individual later reported some return of the pain, so prayer continues for full healing. After a season of intentionally pursuing healing, this felt like a real breakthrough.

s t or i es Encourage others by telling your story.

Email us at stories@ catalystnetwork.org You can also read more stories on our blog.

READ BLOG

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Strengthening Leaders in Pakistan

Changing Lives Locally and Beyond

David Devenish and Simon Holley recently travelled to Pakistan to serve at a leaders’ retreat and connect with churches across the region. It was a powerful time of encouragement and equipping for local leaders. Jeremiah is doing a fantastic job leading the team serving our churches in Pakistan. Please continue to pray for him and for the growth and impact of the church in the region.

Re-Track, a social action project from King’s Arms Church in Bedford, is making a real difference. Recent efforts include donating laptops to schools, delivering Christmas parcels to vulnerable community members, and sending a third van of aid to support those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. They also distribute food parcels to those in urgent need and help with local initiatives like litterpicking.

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A community of worshippers on a mission together

r wo s hip pe r s The next section in the magazine will follow the theme of being worshippers and are based on Catalyst’s apostolic foundations.

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Worshippers

“I Would Rather Be Sitting Under the Word of God Than Anywhere Else” Horn of Africa leaders gather amid persecution, courage, and God’s undeniable presence

The title of this report comes from a dear friend who had recently been released from prison after eight months—his only “crime” being his faith in Jesus. Arrested at night by masked, armed men, he was beaten, thrown from a moving vehicle, and denied access to a court hearing.

In the country where he lives, it is technically legal to change religion, but authorities often avoid court proceedings altogether to sidestep the law, especially in regions where Islamic law is heavily promoted.

It was only when the central government intervened that he was

released.

Despite having been free for less than a month, his desire to be with fellow believers and sit under the Word of God compelled him to come to our leaders’ gathering. He told me, “That would do more good for me than anything else.” His words were humbling and deeply moving. It was a joy to embrace him and some of his family, to pray with them, and by the end of the week, to hear them laughing and joking once again.

We’ve arranged trauma counselling for them, as even now, each knock Catalyst Magazine - 15

Worshippers

on the door brings a moment of severe panic.

Originally, we planned a smaller gathering with just 15 people due to security concerns, but it grew into a beautiful meeting of 40 leaders.

Among them were five leaders from another country in the Horn of Africa—four of them attending for the first time. One of the women who came is considered a “mother in the faith” in her country, having walked with Jesus for many years.

Yet just last year, she had fallen into a very dark place after a well-known Christian organisation working with the persecuted church published her testimony online without sufficiently anonymising it. She was quickly identified, sent into hiding, and has since faced ongoing mistreatment.

Just days before the gathering, four masked men dressed in Islamic clothing attempted to break into a man compound during the night.

Another leader was arrested the day before the conference on a false charge brought by a devout Islamic official working in immigration. She 16 - Catalyst Magazine

“The cost of following Jesus here is immense—but the joy in His presence is greater still.” was only released when a senior government figure intervened. In many of these countries, even where freedom of religion exists in theory, people still take the law into their own hands.

The cost of following Jesus for believers in this region is immense, yet their joy in God’s presence is even greater. Their resolve is firm: to see His Kingdom come above everything else. What a privilege it is to serve and minister to such faithful saints—true giants in the faith.

One friend, who leads work in a key city, shared that there is now a thriving underground church there.

Believers can be found in every part of society—from the lowest positions to the highest offices. He spoke especially of the courage of women, who boldly share their faith.

Their full covering actually works to their advantage, allowing them to speak about Jesus and slip away unnoticed—God truly uses all things for good.

Simon Fry Simon leads ChristChurch Hailsham and helps plant churches in East Africa.

Worshippers

Worship Learning Community 2025 Gathering worshippers across the nation to be renewed, reconnected, and reignited Worship Learning Community 2025 was truly a day to remember! We came together full of expectation— and God didn’t disappoint. This year, we reconnected with churches who had joined us before and welcomed new faces into the growing WLC family. One of our favourite parts of every gathering is simply being with people in our community and walking with them in their worship journeys.

It was amazing to have over 20 churches represented! The day was filled with main sessions and seminars led by a brilliant lineup, including Simon Brading, Nick Herbert and Zo Ross-Waddell. In the evening, we created plenty of space to dwell in God’s presence, and the Holy Spirit was undeniably tangible in the room. Many of us encountered God afresh and left feeling renewed and revived, ready to return to our churches and lead others in worship.

We’re seeing God move powerfully across our nation. We believe He has called us to gather His worshippers

annually at WLC—to provide a space to be refreshed in His presence and to remember that we are His children first, before any role or responsibility we carry. We are called to lead from a place of encounter, and our heart is to create that space of reset and re-gathering through WLC. We’re excited to announce that we are already planning our next gathering for 2026! The date will be posted on our socials, so make sure you follow us on Instagram @ worshiplearningcommunity to stay updated, otherwise send an email to alecs.atkinson@kingscommunitychurch. co.uk.

Alecs Atkinson Catalyst Theology & Leadership Administrator and part of the WLC Team Catalyst Magazine - 17

A community of worshippers on a mission together

c om m n u ity The next section in the magazine will follow the theme of community and are based on Catalyst’s apostolic foundations.

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Community

Celebrating Female Leaders in Catalyst and Beyond Interview with Artina Morava

WATCH VIDEO

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This year, we launched a new blog series celebrating female leadership across the Catalyst family and the wider Newfrontiers movement. These conversations invite us to see how women are walking out their calling in ways that inspire, challenge, and encourage.

This month, we’re delighted to feature Artina Morava. Artina is the Operations Director of World Vision Albania and is actively involved in initiatives supporting children, youth and women through projects addressing child protection, gender-based violence, education, discrimination, economic empowerment and climate change.

“God told me not to quit, but to keep extending.”

Alongside her husband Edi, she also leads and oversees several churches and youth programmes across Albania. She is a passionate leader, committed to seeing lives transformed. She is also a proud mother to Mikael.

Click the image to watch the full interview and be inspired by her journey to leadership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her heart for people and the kingdom of God. Catalyst Magazine - 19

Community

Women in Leadership We’ve been celebrating women in leadership through a blog series.

Here are three quotes that give a glimpse into their stories. Read the full conversations on our website.

Breaking Ground

Linda Geevanathan oversees local outreach and serves at Hope Church Luton How have you found the process of stepping into the responsibilities that you carry?

Save the Date

It has been both an enriching yet difficult/ painful journey. In the secular world my leadership gift was recognised and celebrated. Within Hope Church I was released to use my giftings and leadership, even when my paid work was in the secular world. However, when I joined the staff team I hadn’t realised that the wider church may not recognise or acknowledge

what I carry and breaking that ground was challenging and difficult yet so rewarding to see God change things. I had to choose to be intentional and resilient when things were tough. I chose to keep my heart soft and to be courageous when I felt God ask me to be part of breaking hard ground.

READ MORE

Catalyst

WOMEN’S EVENT 10th January 2026 at Newlife Milton Keynes

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Faithful Pioneering

characteristics. God made you and will use your unique characteristics and talents to lead others and to uniquely reach those people that He has called you to.

READ MORE

Sarah Crowhurst works as a financial director, is involved in church planting in Greece, and sits on the Catalyst Board of Director

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A Young Voice with Vision

What would you say to aspiring female leaders and pioneers?

Don’t feel disqualified because you are the only woman in the room. I have been the only woman in the room in both secular and spiritual contexts and it doesn’t phase me because I know that this where God wants me to be. Above all, be obedient to God’s call on your life and use the talents that He has given you to serve in whichever arena He puts before you. Equally don’t try to be a man or believe the lie that leaders are Alpha Males with a certain set of leadership

Bekah Young is a youth worker and part of the Senior Leadership Team at Trinity Church London in Colindale What are some of the joys and challenges of leading and pioneering in your context?

The joys are seeing the bride of Christ come to life. To be part of the stirring God is doing in the hearts of the people you are leading and to work with Holy Spirit, to host His presence well. A huge joy for me has been to meet some

incredible leaders, specifically women, that have sowed into me! Wendy Mann, Rebecca Whittlesea, Linda Geevanathan, Abi Flavell are just some of the women that have encouraged and championed me in one way or another!

In challenges, being a young leader may have created some false barriers for me internally in the context I am in, assuming I wouldn’t be the right fit to speak on a certain topic like ‘Marriage’ or ‘Suffering’ or ‘Money’.

However, a young person once told me there is no junior Holy Spirit, that God in His wonder and mystery reveals Himself to the young just as much as the old. Though life experience may differ, He deposits a good gift of His truth to us, no matter who we are, so we may teach others.

READ MORE

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Read more from our blog series on women in leadership across Catalyst and the Newfrontiers community.

READ BLOG

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A community of worshippers on a mission together

mis o i n s The next section in the magazine will follow the theme of mission and are based on Catalyst’s apostolic foundations.

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Mission

The Quiet Revival in Historical Perspective In uncertain times, a quiet revival is emerging—and history reminds us just how transformative such moments can be

As a student, I had the enormous privilege of being in the same church as Arthur Wallis who wrote the classic book on revival, In the Day of Thy Power (1956). Then, as recently as 2021, my wife and I travelling to the Isle of Lewis, the scene of a significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit in 1949 where we met a 91-year-old man who had been born again in the revival. We spent a whole afternoon with our new-found friend and we left with our appetites whetted for more of God! Right now, the Church in the UK is experiencing a fresh touch of God

“There was fear and a loss of hope, the preaching of the good news of Jesus became nation-changing.” which some have spoken of as “The quiet revival”. In 2018 only 4% of 18–24-year-olds attended church monthly. That figure has risen to 16%, with me at 21% and women at 12%. On Easter Day, many churches across the UK recorded record attendances. The queues to get into Catalyst Magazine - 23

MIssion HTB (home of the Alpha Course), for example, stretched hundreds of yards down the Brompton Road. In my own church we gathered 1,580 people but, more importantly, saw 120 adults respond to the Gospel (first-time and recommitments) along with 70 Primary School aged children. I have never seen anything like it before in a local church context.

What should we make of what is happening? Back in my 20s I had the privilege of researching a PhD on the impact of the Reformation in the modern-day Netherlands and Belgium. For many years the Gospel-preaching churches there were small and persecuted. A follower of Jesus could be executed merely for owning a Bible! Then, in the 1560s, something shifted. There was a massive loss of confidence in the political system with rapid and repeated changes of central government. Local government too was powerless to deal with the problems of the day and was frequently at loggerheads with central government. The established church was demonstrably corrupt and ordinary people felt that it had their trust or respect. To top it all, there was a huge economic crisis which produced a climate of uncertainty.

In describing the Netherlands and Belgium in the 1560s I could well be describing the UK in the 2020s.

We live in very worrying times.

But in the context of a collapse in confidence that was political, spiritual and economic, little churches in 24 - Catalyst Magazine

“We do not know how long the wind of the Spirit will blow but, while it does, we need to put our sails up and trust for a move of God like we have not seen in perhaps hundreds of years.”

Holland and Belgium of 100 or, at the very most, 200, began to see extraordinary growth and became communities of 1,000s almost overnight. In a world were there was fear and a loss of hope, the preaching of the good news of Jesus became nation-changing.

Right now, we have a huge opportunity in our nation. Of course, we should pray for our politicians as the Scriptures command us (Romans 13:1), but we know that they do not have, and never will have the answers to the national and global crises we are currently experiencing.

We do not know how long the wind of the Spirit will blow but, while it does, we need to put our sails up and trust for a move of God like we have not seen in perhaps hundreds of years. Let’s stay humble but let’s also believe for remarkable breakthrough.

Andy Johnston Leads the team at KCC, Southampton, and serves as a Catalyst hub leader.

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Mission

Notes of Hope in the Hospice Joanna reflects on ways God shows up in her work as a music therapist As a music therapist in an adult and children’s hospice, God has been working through my work in encouraging and, at times, unexpected ways. As you can imagine, delivering music therapy in a hospice is not easy and can be very emotionally demanding.

This year, I decided to set up a palliative care support group within the organisation I work for. I wanted

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more support and collaboration with other music therapists who work in this area and understand the challenges involved.

I’ve seen God working through this.

Fifteen others have signed up to be a part of this support group, and there is another Christian in the group. In July, she shared her research into

“Delivering music therapy in a hospice is not easy and can be very emotionally demanding. But I’ve seen God working through my work in encouraging and, at times, unexpected ways.”

the use of Christian music within music therapy in hospice settings, and the impact of this not only on the clients, but also on music therapists themselves.

Her research found that using Christian religious music in music therapy sessions had the following potential impacts on music therapists: feeling connected to the client, feeling peaceful. Some music therapists reported experiencing personal comfort from the music.

This was an unexpected moment of seeing God potentially sowing seeds, and as part of this conversation, it prompted me to share with my colleagues that I am also a Christian, and to draw from my experiences of using Christian music at work.

I have always been very careful about what it looks like to share my faith at work and have appropriate boundaries in place, which I feel I need to maintain as a therapist.

When clients request Christian songs in sessions, I am always inwardly delighted and love to facilitate that for them (this comes up frequently in end-of-life care).

One recent session stretched me outside my comfort zone, but I could clearly see God at work. A woman in her final days lay in bed while her daughter, upon learning my role, asked if I could accompany her singing to her mum. As we played through several songs, she hesitated and said, “There’s one more, but you probably won’t know it… it’s called In Christ Alone.” I smiled and said, “Yes, I know that one well.” Surprised, she asked, “Are you a born again

“This was an unexpected moment of seeing God potentially sowing seeds.”

Christian?” I paused, unsure how to respond. I usually avoid disclosing my faith so directly, out of professional concern. But I couldn’t say no, and I didn’t want to hide. So I simply said, “Yes.” She then opened up and told me about how her mother had faithfully shared her faith with her throughout her childhood. We ended the session singing In Christ Alone together.

Later, she told me it was a song she’d planned for the funeral, but shared how meaningful it had been to sing it to her mum while she was here and able to hear it.

As much as this was out of my comfort zone, and I still find it difficult to know what boundaries to have at work as a Christian music therapist, I thanked God for using me at such a challenging time to bring a reminder of peace and truth into those exceptionally hard, lonely final days for this mother and daughter.

Joanna Brown Lives in Yorkshire with her husband and is part of the River City Church family in Hull.

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Mission

Cross-cultural Living and Mission in Jordan A crash course in cross-cultural on the frontlines of faith

If you pay attention to the media, you can easily get the sense that the Middle East is a catch-all term for a homogenous region, rather than the complex patchwork of people, places, cultures and issues that it really is. It’s not until you scratch beneath the surface and connect with the individuals living there that you start to understand the true reality, and that’s exactly what a group of nine from The Well Church in Loughborough (UK) got to do when we visited a city in Jordan earlier this year.

We were invited by a Catalyst sent community who we are connected with and who’ve been sharing Jesus 28 - Catalyst Magazine

locally for the last four years. Over those years they have taken the time to get to grips with the Arabic language, culture and way of life, and settled into what it looks like to live for Jesus in an Islamic country where Christianity is accepted and safe to practice, but conversion from Islam is not.

As a group covering our late teens to late 60s, we got a crash course in cross-cultural living and mission as our hosts set challenges to navigate the city, shop in the souq, explore local landmarks, whilst getting to know people and pray for the city as we encountered life there.

We were encouraged to ask questions of the host team, the locals, and ourselves to better understand how the place is shaped by its history and by both contemporary and historic issues across the region.

Life in this middle eastern city shares many traits with cities around the world. One of the main differences being that the friends catching up in cafes, children kicking a football in a public square, and emergency services going about their vital work are set to the backdrop of a call to prayer that echoes around the city five times a day.

Speak to locals in shops, markets and taxis, and you find a population that contains Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and more, in a blend of nationalities with varying connections to their Islamic faith. For some it is as much cultural and habitual as it is about belief.

“Rather than drawing people into a public gathering, they are looking for those Jesus is at work in.”

We spent time praying and engaging with the sent team, hearing stories of Jesus appearing to Muslims in their dreams and kitchens, providing in miraculous ways, being proclaimed as healer, and called upon by His name to answer prayer. All of which show that where man may try and put up barriers, God will break through!

In the UK we have the freedom to publicly profess faith, evangelise and do open events. Here, however, the team are simply deliberate in the relationships they build through hobbies, work, family life and routines.

Rather than drawing people into a public gathering, they are looking for those Jesus is at work in to share and study Bible stories with, helping them to follow Him in the midst of their normal life, families, and struggles, and encouraging them to share Him with others.

Our time in Jordan helped to break down the blanket understanding of the Middle East that you can pick up from over 2,300 miles away. It also highlighted how the sent team have been living for the last four years, sharing Jesus in how they act, speak and build relationships in their new home.

To connect with the Catalyst team in Jordan, email nations@ catalystnetwork.org James Twigg Part of The Well Church Loughborough since 2013; currently serves on the kids’ team.

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Creative Differences: Bridging the gap between artists and church leaders Sputnik: Faith & Arts has released a new series of short videos to help you engage with the arts and support artists more fruitfully The arts and local churches seem to operate in very different worlds. Sometimes this leads to open disagreement; sometimes, just to an awkward disconnect.

What if these worlds could come together though? What if we could develop a more healthy way for churches and artists to interact for the advance of God’s kingdom?

Those are some of the questions that we are exploring on our new video series on the Broadcast network. It’s called ‘Creative Differences’ and it consists of conversations with church leaders who have experience of fruitfully engaging with the arts and supporting artists, for the good of their churches, their communities and the wider culture.

We’ve kicked things off with interviews with two Catalyst legends, Adrian Hurst and Paul Brown, but I’ve enlisted the help of

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some friends outside the network too, including the former director of Langham preaching, Mark Meynell.

Why should church leaders engage with the arts? Our guests have a lot to say on that, ranging from how artists help us to understand the world around us to the gift of enlightening us as to what it means to truly be a human, made in God’s image.

However, they also delve into the nuts and bolts of the ‘how tos’ as well. How can we engage with our local music scene? How can we support the artists already in our congregations? How can we welcome our community into our buildings through the arts? How can we schmooze with A-listers in the name of Jesus?! There are loads of very practical gems on these topics and loads more.

Still not convinced? Here’s one of the reasons that Mark Meynell

gives as to why we should engage with the arts…

Survival is insufficient.

In other words, we can have our hierarchy of needs and that includes a roof over our heads, enough water, enough food and then add in family love and parental love and all of that sort of stuff and we can survive and we can exist but actually that is not enough by itself and when people have the security of those things they’re always looking for something more and usually they’re looking for things that are beautiful and that are provocative or stimulating. They have an aesthetic value that you cannot put a price on.

People need art. Churches need artists.

Our communities need Christians who can serve them through the arts. Check out our Creative Differences series to find out how you can get more involved.

LEARN MORE

> Jonny Mellor Elder at Church Central in Birmingham, and leads Sputnik

Calling Creatives We’re looking for performers and artists to feature at Catalyst Festival.

Musicians and songwriters – Open our brand new live music stage.

Filmmakers – Screen your short film at our movie night.

Comedians and performers – Kick off our comedy night.

Visual artists – Exhibit your work in our festival gallery.

Got another creative gift? – Let us know!

All ages are welcome, but we’re especially looking for artists and performers aged 14–25.

Interested? Email us at office@sptnk.co.uk LEARN MORE

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Mission

Spiritual Mirrors

Finding Connection in Shared Humanity Ever found yourself forming an instant connection with a stranger based on something as seemingly insignificant as a shared birthday or a preference for the same Netflix show? It works both ways—some poor soul who happens to share a name with a school bully, or has an accent uncannily like a difficult colleague, will—through no fault of their own—have to work a little harder to get into our good books.

In His wisdom, God has hardwired our brains to search for and find our own experiences in the stories of the people we encounter. The more foundational those stories are to us, the deeper the connection— or conversely, the stronger the desire to withdraw. These are what psychologists call mirror neurons at work.

It’s one of the reasons why leaders who themselves emerge from a background of poverty or addiction are often most effective at reaching those facing similar challenges*.

Throughout Scripture, God appeals to each of us to show mercy and compassion by reminding us of the common ground we share with the stranger, the refugee, the foreigner, and the orphan—and He does this

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regardless of our income bracket.

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.

And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:18–19) We say, like Moses—who was born generations after Abraham— “A wandering Aramean was my father.”

When we were grafted in to the people of God, this is the family tree we joined: a people made up of strangers welcomed in, refugees given a home, foreigners cared for,

Rachel Wilson Leads Jubilee+ Communications team, represents Jubilee+ at partner churches and events, and contributes to teaching resources.

and orphans adopted. People just like us.

me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35–36)

Jesus goes even further than holding up the mirror to our origin story and appealing to us on the basis of it. In an astonishing act of dignification, the King of Heaven holds a mirror up to Himself, establishing foundational common ground with the homeless and the hungry:

It’s right that in the eyes of the people we encounter, we see vital points of connection—our own story of spiritual poverty and salvation rescue. But Jesus invites us to go even further, and to see Him—His reflection in the gaze looking back.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after

“When we were grafted in to the people of God, this is the family tree we joined: a people made up of strangers welcomed in, refugees given a home, foreigners cared for, and orphans adopted.”

And who knows? When we see Him face to face, we might find in those eyes of fire a striking resemblance to the neediest person we’ve ever had the privilege to serve.

At Jubilee+ we are passionate about raising up leaders coming from a background of poverty and addiction. To find out more about Formed, a leadership training program which seeks to do just this please email rosie. hopley@jubilee-plus.org LEARN MORE

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GLOBAL

PRAYER

DAY

Everyone from any Catalyst church worldwide is invited to join Catalyst Global Prayer Day. Throughout the day, we’ll be hosting prayer calls across different time zones, so no matter where you are, you can join in and pray for what God is doing in various regions.

We’re believing for powerful things to happen as we seek God together!

November 2025

Details coming soon!

As we pursue the vision to train 1,000 church planters by 2030, we know it must be fuelled by prayer.

We’re inviting you to join us in praying for Train1000. This is for anyone, anywhere—let’s lift our voices together and trust God for more.

Click here to sign up and receive our mothly prayer sheets.

LEARN MORE

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>

A Worldwide Family Get to know our Apostolic Hubs: Matt Patridge’s Hub Team Churches partnering to build relationships, plant and strengthen churches, and impact nations. The Hub Team led by Matt Patridge supports with accountability, foundations and encouragement.

TEAM LEADER

Matt Patridge TEAM

Jonathan Bell

Liz Green

Sean Green

Adrian Hurst

Catalyst is a movement of churches building communities that raise disciples who change the world. With our roots in Newfrontiers, we are a family of 800+ churches connected together through genuine relationship and served by a number of apostolic teams who aim to equip churches to raise pioneering disciples that see God's kingdom fill the earth.

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