Catalyst Magazine - July 23

Catalyst Magzine, Issue 11

Catalyst Magazine is a termly connection point for our Catalyst family: sharing news and stories, upcoming events, and highlights from around the world. It’s a way of keeping connected as a movement, keep us focussed on what we're called to and a place to celebrate all that God is doing. Recently God said that we should expect 'wild growth' as His gospel message spreads. May we keep playing our part in seeing it reach the ends of the Earth. With love, Simon.

Simon Holley, Leads the Catalyst Team

Cover Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Welcome Matt Partridge

Hello Catalyst family, and welcome to this edition of the Catalyst Magazine.

Matt is based in Oxford and leads a Catalyst hub of churches impacting the UK and the nations; particularly the Middle East and the Russian-speaking world.

Over the recent weeks I have been struck by the basic need in each of us for healthy, encouraging relationships. Very few people prefer to ‘go it alone’, in fact most us struggle if we feel isolated or lonely. The gospel is God’s beautiful design for the restoration of relationships, both between us and Him, as well as with each other, and we are privileged to be part of a family of churches which holds together relationally.

Celebrating healthy relationships

Let’s celebrate the strength and depth of relationship that we enjoy across the Catalyst family. Just in the past week I have loved connecting with brothers and sisters in Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Kurdistan and Sheffield. Wow! Healthy, encouraging relationships are vital if we are to see the Kingdom advance in the ways that we hope for and pray for. As we read through the pages of the New Testament we see a deep commitment to working in this way. Paul writes to Timothy: ‘I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy’ (2 Tim 1:4) Paul often sends greetings from those he’s currently with, whether in prison or not; he was rarely alone. John writes in his letter to Gaius that ‘I had much to write to you, but I would rather not

write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.’ (3 John 13). Whichever book we read, the early church seems highly relational. The apostolic leaders in the first church chose to work together in flexible teams, sharing missionary journeys and responsibility for the sake of the gospel. I am certain that this was not simply a pragmatic decision but an outworking of the very gospel they were commissioned to preach! Healthy relationships are a missional imperative. ‘By this all people will know that you are my disciples,

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 13:35

if you have love for one another.’ (John 13:35)

Let’s continue to explore ways in which we can broaden and deepen relationships between our churches, choosing to link arms and serve together.

What about relationships that fracture, I hear you ask?

Even the New Testament narrates moments when relational tensions arose (Acts 15:39) and people momentarily separated as a result. Relational pressures are sadly a reality in church life and always require gospel responses to gently bring healing and reconciliation. In Christ, relationships are never irreparable. We are each commissioned as those who have received such love, to love one another. Paul taught the Corinthians ‘Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.’

lovingly resolved as

swiftly as possible – the mission is too great and too important. This is only possible when we spend time listening to one another's perspectives and experiences and create environments where people feel safe enough to be honest about the causes of relational fractures and where all are willing to invest in the relationships in fresh and meaningful ways.

The world is looking for healthy relationships.

(2 Cor.13:11).

For

Jesus Followers, relational discord should be temporary and

Sadly broken relationships are common and are the cause of much pain and dysfunction. I was recently in a vibrant church meeting where a word of knowledge was brought highlighting God’s desire to reunite feuding families and when the appeal was given, 12 people stood in response! The world is searching for a credible

model of community where love really is evident and where relationships are genuinely healthy. The gospel creates such communities and uses them to communicate Jesus to a hurting world. Let’s not underestimate the power of living out the gospel in this way together.

Maintaining relational closeness through prayer.

One of the most striking observations from the ministry of the apostle Paul is that he so often prayed, relentlessly it seems, for those in his relational orbit. Paul expressed his commitment to people most often through prayer: ‘we have not ceased to pray for you’ (Col 1:9). In an age when prayer seems hard to motivate, let’s break that trend and freshly support one another in prayer! Investing in those we relate with through prayer is a powerful discipline. We inevitably find ourselves drawing closer and empathizing more effectively with those we pray for. Prayer

also opens our hearts and minds to the work of the Spirit, allowing him to lead us to people and places that might be previously unknown to us – so prayer promotes broader relationships and protects us from a smaller worldview or introspection. Please continue to pray often for all the Lord is leading us to across the Catalyst family – there are many nations, people, projects and needs to lift to him.

What next?

Let’s continue to value the fact that we are part of a deeply relational church family, refusing to take this privilege for granted. We are called to throw everything into our shared mission, ensuring we stay connected, settling for nothing less than healthy, Jesus-centred relationships. Let’s raise prayer, knowing that prayer deepens and strengthens our sense of connection. The Lord has so much ahead for Catalyst, there’s a generation to reach with the gospel and loads of fun for us to experience together on the adventure! Much love, Matt Partridge

Malawi Update

In the last issue we let you know about about the devastating floods that were occuring in Malawi. Catalyst has over 50 churches in this nation and over 150 people have lost their homes. We catch up on the situation to find out how two of our HUBs have joined together to support those in need. After a cyclone hit parts of Malawi, causing wide spread flooding, Hubs lead

ON THE BLOG

by Richard Thomas (Hope Church Worcester) and Richard Green (all Nations Bedford) have come together to raise funds to support those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Your generous donations as a Catalyst Family have helped to feed families, provide medical care, temporary shelter and blankets.

After raising just over £12,000, the fund allowed Alec and Patrick, two emerging apostolic leaders in Malawi have been quick to distribute care among those in need. allowing refugees to be housed by host families.

https://catalystnetwork.org/blog-media/

If you have given to the fund already – we want to say a huge thank you. Keep up to date with stories like these on our blog.

Aid reaching Malawi

After losing their homes, women take shelter in classrooms

r s o ies

MATT HATCH & PHIL WILTHEW LEEDS/BEDFORD

Back in March Matt and Phil went with a small team to visit the Catalyst churches in New Zealand as part of a joint Hubs trip. The churches in NZ are growing

in momentum and unity and they are considering where God is leading them to church plant next.

ON THE BLOG

For extended versions of some of these stories, plusloadsmore,checkouttheCatalystBlog

What is God doing where you are?

LUCY MUNTON

THE OAK, LEEDS

Lucy had met a woman through their church social action events. Lucy invited her along to other events in the church life. At differnt times the lady was touched by the spirit, and would begin weeping. After a while Lucy was able to invite her to start reading the bible together. She is finding more people are popping up and seem so open to knowing more about God.

IAN HOILE OPEN DOOR CHURCH, ST NEOTS

Ian shares an incredible story of God moving through young people in his setting.

CATALYST HUB TEAMS

ANTAKYA, TURKIYE

A team from various churches across Catalyst recently went to serve those who have lost their homes in the Earthquake zone. You can read more about their experiences on page 24 and also over on the Unreached Blog.

The trajedy is not over for many, you can still

DONATE HERE >

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r s o ies

CATALYST LEADER*

PAKISTAN

MARK MITCHELL

HEADTEACHER, SOLIHULL

Mark recently saw a colleague give her life to Jesus in his office. After sharing about Jesus with her, Mark asked her what Jesus might be saying to her. She said that she had encountered the love of God while sat at her desk and felt Jesus was saying 'Follow me'. Mark continued to ask her what she had done with what Jesus had said and she responded by deciding to follow Jesus and began to prophesy to Mark in his office! Hear more of the story above.

ON THE BLOG

For extended versions of some of these stories, plusloadsmore,checkouttheCatalystBlog

Pakistan is an Islamic country with a small minority of Christian background people. The churches we are connected with were started by Pervez and his team and now his son, Jeremiah is overseeing the work. The majority of Christians in the country are from economically poorer communities and face many challenges but on this evening there is joy and celebration as they worship Jesus and eagerly listen to his word.

Newday is one of the largest Christian events for young people that takes place in the UK every year. Thousands of young people aged 12-18 descend on Norfolk Showground, near Norwich to join hundreds of churches from all over the UK and Europe to learn about and worship God, camp out together and soak in the summer festival feeling, leaving Newday further along in their relationship with Jesus.

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Events & Resources

DISCIPLE MAKERS

TRAINING

19TH SEPTEMBER

Simon Holley is running an 8 week online training course for every Christian wanting to introduce more people to Jesus.

THE LABOURERS ARE FEW CONFERENCE

14TH OCTOBER

CTCC23 CONFERENCE

4TH NOVEMBER, JUBILEE+

BOOK NOW

This November Jubilee+ have Tope & Kemi Koleoso joining us from Jubilee Church London as keynote speakers for their 'Churches that Change Communities' Conference. View full programme of speakers and seminars, and booking info here.

City Hope Church, London aim to equip us for outreach in our post-Christian nation. Speakers: Paul Brown, Angela Kemm, Ahktar Shah, Gill Cronau.

BOOK NOW

STARTING IN SEPTEMBER: RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

UN23 CONFERENCE

Unreached Network

Catch up on what was an incredible online conference. The talks and seminar sessions are available to watch back on YouTube

LEADERSHIP AND THEOLOGY TRAINING 2

YEAR COURSE

Training course for men and women called to leadership – developing your leadership skills, theology, doctrine and character.

Unreached network

MULTIPLY CONFERENCE

Catalyst

MORE MORE

UNREACHED INTERNSHIP FLEXIBLE

Whether going to your neighbours, or to the other side of the world.What can you do to play your part in reaching the Unreached?

Missed the Multiply Conference? Not to worry, you can still benefit from the excellent content. It can be found on our soundcloud and website.

IMPACT 1 YEAR COURSE

A year out to focus on God, involving a church-based project, overseas mission, and training in leadership skills and theology.

knowing God UP - Knowing God

InthissectionofthemagazinewecelebratewhoGodisand whatHehasdoneforus,ouridentityasHischildrenandgive spacetolisteningtowhatHeissayingtous.

#Prophetic #Devotion #Worship #Identity

Staying Centered on Jesus

Adrian Hurst

Adrian leads Oasis Church Birmingham and has been recently running a group for Christians wishing to ground themselves more fully in their identity in Christ. Our group came out of the desire to cause us as followers of Jesus to live more centred on Him. Living more fully in the good that Jesus affords us. Jesus invites us to inhabit this in his invitation in Matthew 11: 29. Here we understand that Jesus is living our life with us, which does us good and enables us to live from a place of rest rather than seeking to

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11: 29

prove something. To aid us in doing this together we participate in 8 'practices', one a week, taken directly from Jesus’ walk with the Father. We recognise we're all developing in these practices and they are not the goal Jesus is.

#1 Sustain

The first practice helps us to make sure we are being sustained directly in and by Jesus. This is all about identity, where we live from and what fuels us. We examine whether we are living and working out of the wonder of the relationship we are now invited into, one of unfailing love or whether life has become a to do list of practices to prove ourselves?

Jesus lived this way. He knew what it was to be sustained in His identity in relation to His Father and what it was to be sustained by the Spirit as He sought to do the Father’s will.

#2Scripture

Next we practice dwelling on Scripture. This allows us to understand more of who God is, who we are, what God’s plan is for the world and the part we get to play.

We all agree reading scripture is good, the challenge is what we read, when we read and how we read. We aim to engage with scripture, not simply as a source of information or for gaining more knowledge, rather we aim to emphasise obedience – what are we going to do with what we have read? We also seek to learn with others and look to share with someone, asking God if there is anyone He wants us to share with what we have read?

#3SlowingDown

Using the story of Mary and Martha we reflect on receiving the same invitation from Jesus to live present to him in an unhurried way. Living in an unhurried manner takes planning! We examine how we can allow for 'margins' in our lives which enable us to be more present to Jesus and to others.

#4 Silence and Solitude

Jesus modelled a life with a rhythm of silence and solitude and invites us to live the same.

Psalms 46:10

“Be still and know that I am God” sums up the wonder of the silence and solitude. We are each invited to know God!

In pausing to reflect on this we gain perspective about who God is and who we therefore are. We realise there is invitation to relationship; to know and be known. As well as this we also realise our true value - that isn’t in our doing but in being.

#5Simplicity

Again, Jesus modelled and called others to a life of simplicity. This is different to a life of poverty OR a call to minimalism as an end in itself, rather it is about a practice to ensure that the main thing remains the main thing; living centred on Jesus celebrating and revealing Him.

This is the practice I personally find the hardest and in my contemplation so far I have come to see that the call to simplicity is to impact:

STUFF: what I have

(Matthew 6:19-34) point isn’t to live this life accumulating but to live with my future with Jesus in mind. To live open handed with all I am entrusted with now.

SPEECH: what I say

(Matthew 3: 37) in a society of spin and the need to paint myself in a good light; Jesus calls us to live plainly where our yes is yes and no is no. This is about integrity, truth and honesty.

PURPOSE: what I do

(Matthew 22:37-39) I am here to simply love God and love people. I consider how I am seeking to ensure this is the way I am living with my actions, speech towards others and in what I do.

TIME: how I live. We live within a complex world that encourages us to live lives that are full and complex. A call to simplicity is to affect what I do with my time.

#6Sharing

Scripture highlights that Jesus shared ‘OF’ himself (serving) AND ‘WITH’ others (choosing to be known and know = vulnerability).

In this practice we seek a balance of sharing well of ourselves and with others. Practicing hospitality as a framework where we seek to live from a place of openness in respect to our lives, homes and tables with others. We recognise the continual risk in being vulnerable with others, yet realising it is the only path to genuine relations.

#7 Sabbath

The practice of taking a day of rest that is about God, us, others and the world. AJ Swoboda said “Sabbath is a celebration, a day of rejoicing over the goodness of what has been made and who made it.” In that spirit we aim to more intentionally observe sabbath times in our week.

#8 Sacraments

During this practice we freshly observe and dwell on Communion and our Baptism. While we may have become familiar with these physical acts, in truth, we are created as sensory beings and Jesus longs to encounter us through our senses, to allow us to receive afresh His promises over us.

Journeying with a group of people through these practices has been a real privilege and I thoroughly recommend gathering with others in your own context to find ways to re-center yourself on Jesus. ⚫ Adrian Hurst

ON THE BLOG

For an extended version of this article, plusloadsmore,checkouttheCatalystBlog

Preparing to Steward the Spirit

We recently interviewed Wendy Mann about her travels, as she ministers in different places in the world. We ask her what she senses God is doing across our family and ask her how we can get better prepared for a coming move of God.

QUp until recently Wendy, you were on staff at the King's Arms church before stepping away to follow God's call to travel and speak more. How's that going? Where have you been recently?

AYeah, it's going great. I'm still very much part of the Kings Arms, but I'm enjoying just being free to respond to what God is saying. So, I was in Germany over Easter and then I have recently come back from ten days in Paris. And then I went straight onto Rotterdam for a week. I was in London last week and I've just come back from Encoutner Camp in Worcester, so really, really fun.

QWe're sensing that the Holy Spirit's doing something across our global family, as you're travelling what you are you seeing happen at the moment?

AIt feels such an exciting time. And I'm definitely sensing and seeing an increased hunger for the real deal, for encounter to meet with God. And I'm aware both at home, but also as I'm traveling I feel like there's an invitation from God that he wants to visit the

church again. And what's interesting is, I mean, you know me, I love the power encounter, the 'out there' big stuff. But what I'm actually experiencing in this season is much quieter and much more gentle and tender and holy. So a few trips I've done there were moments in worship where we just stood in stillness and the presence of God was just beautiful. It's like God is wanting to take stuff deeper. I think he's really after our hearts.

QDo you think it's something that's universal and it's available for every church and every Christian at the moment?

AI would say so. I think God loves to come and meet with his people, doesn't he? Jesus came so that we would have connection with the Father and be able to meet with God and experience his presence. And so I think the challenge for many of us is, is leaving enough space.

QHow can we equip one another to be brave enough to leave space? What might it look like to do something different?

AI think it starts with a decision, what do we want? Do we want to prioritise God's presence? Because if you decide that that's what you want to go after, then you make space around that decision. And so I think you need to have a conversation as teams and work out what particularly Sunday is about, let's say, what do we want on our Sundays, what's the priority? More >

WendyisbasedattheKing'sArmsChurch in Bedford, UK. She loves to see churches full ofGod'spresenceandgrowinginfaithfor Kingdombreakthrough.

Wendyisbrilliantatequippingbelieverstodo thestuffthatJesusdidandisrunninganumber ofequppingsessionsforthoseaged18-35 called Rooted. Find out about the next event.

wendymannequip.com

My walk with Jesus Nardine from Egypt

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In this issue of Catalyst Magazine we start a new series called 'My Walk with Jesus'. As a global family of believers across the world we recognise there is much wisdom and learning to be gained from listening to one anothers experiences.

Nardine from Egypt shares her thoughts with us on walking with Jesus and what thay means to her. She reflects on what it is to walk with God through hardship and how He is the One that Sees her and knows her. Thank you for sharing your perspective with us Nardine. We will share more content like this on the blog soon.

What are you learning in your walk with Jesus?

We want to hear it!

Share your short story with us in video format (less than 5 minutes), in English or your native language.

IN - Developing Community

InthissectionofthemagazinewecelebratewhoGodhas calledustobeandallwearefulfillingtogether.

Building Global, Spirit-Filled Friendships Sharon Clark

This year, New Life Church’s School of Supernatural Life provided students with three opportunities to engage in overseas mission. Teams travelled to Tirana in Albania, Skopje in Northern Macedonia and Munich in Germany. Each team was building on existing relationships with church leaders in these cities. Partnering together, it was wonderful to see the different ways that God opened doors to share the good news of Jesus with local people. All three trips, which were long weekend visits, began with prayer walking. This was a great orientation exercise that also, we believe, brought a positive change to each area and prepared the way ahead. Our prayers are powerful and effective (James 5 v 16).

At least ten hands shot up in response to a gospel call!

In Macedonia one highlight was a visit to a care home for the elderly. Trinitas Church has an established relationship with the staff there, and we were welcomed in to lead a time of worship and prayer. At least ten hands shot up in response to a gospel call! The UK team were also treated to a lesson in local songs and dance by the residents. A fun multicultural experience for everyone.

Prayer walking in Skopje

Convserations in Albania,

The next trip to Albania coincided with the launch of two new initiatives at 180 church: a speaking English class and an Afrobeat dance class. The team spent an afternoon talking to and recruiting people in the local market – sometimes via sign language! God blessed us enormously. A young mum with two girls aged about 8 and 10 came to the language class. They thoroughly enjoyed the games designed to make speaking another language lots of fun. The Afrobeat class was loud and vibrant, attracting a number of people passing by. Some joined in with the dance. Some paused to watch and joined in conversation with some team outside. Please pray for these initiatives to continue to grow and to attract people to Jesus. The third trip to Munich was different again. Nathan and Rada are leading a church plant in a suburban area of the city, and one of their key ways of connecting with the community is through a local ParkRun. Undaunted by the early morning start, the UK team pulled on their trainers and joined in. For some it was their

first-ever 5k run! Some walked the course, and one or two joined in as race marshals. Afterwards we all joined the participants for coffee and cake at a nearby café, which led to plenty of opportunity to chat and build friendships.

All of the students who took part in the trips loved how God went before them, creating opportunities for connection and conversation – from an elderly widower who shared the story of his life and received prayer on a bench at the Munich Olympic Park to the caretaker of an Orthodox church in Skopje who, we believe, had never received personal prayer. We will not forget his smile of joy after we’d prayed for him. Also important was the development of friendships with the church leaders and their congregations throughout each weekend. Many of the UK team felt called to return in the future to continue developing connections. Also, we all feel we are now praying for friends!

These three trips have been a hugely positive part of our school this year. The plan next year is to offer students a choice of four overseas mission trips and at least two in the UK. The school is also changing its name to the School of Missional Life, which reflects a wider call to mission that we feel God has called us to as a church.

You can find out more about next year’s School of Missional Life – a free ten-month online training course here. ⚫ Sharon Clark ON

Find out more onNewLifeChurch'sBlog,

Moving in the Middle East

Two stories on how God is moving from our family in the Middle East. Names and locations have been removed to keep people safe.

Catalyst Team :

‘What is life like for you now?’ a friend asked the family who had invited us for coffee and their neighbours, who had joined us. We were sitting on the land where their houses had once stood, next to the tents that they currently live in. They gestured at the tents and told us ‘We are worried about the winter, we know that we will still be living in tents but the weather will be freezing cold, how will we survive?’ We shook our heads but had no answers and they continued. ‘When the earthquake happened it was just a normal night. We ironed our clothes, made the children’s packed lunches and went to bed. And then..’ It’s still hard for people to find words for what happened next, we beheld the grief in their eyes and wept together.

For a few days in June, I had the privilege of hearing stories and washing dishes in a beautiful camp on the side of a road that has been serving food and love to families affected by the earthquakes

in the South of Türkiye for the past five months. When the earthquake first hit in February, our Turkish brothers and sisters flew to help and, through unimaginable suffering, they have stood by this community, serving them and remaining with them ever since.

It was beautiful to see local people empowered to support their own community using their expert skills and

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Toreadmoreaboutthistrip visit theUnreachedBlog

connections to provide delicious food, bottled water, practical support, education and so much more. Incredibly, our time in the camp coincided with the wedding of a local couple. What a miracle to witness fresh hope and a new beginning being celebrated in the midst of so much trauma and pain. People have been touched by the radical love of Jesus being demonstrated in this place, hearts are ready to turn to him. Praise God who longs to clothe his beloved people with a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Since the elections, there has been increasing tension between different people groups living in this area and the camp stands with open arms in the middle of this tension, offering hospitality to all. Please pray for genuine peace to be made here and for local people to continue to be empowered and released to bless and serve their community in new and creative ways.

Feel called to go to Türkiye to serve the churches who are responding to the earthquakes?

Contact communications@ catalystnetwork.org

Miracles among the rumble: God was close to us in every single hard moment and slowly, as the week went on, he continued to reveal himself through his love to my friend.

Another of the many miracles we witnessed was when the chef’s father unexpectedly had a heart attack in the night. He was intubated and the doctor said there was no hope. We all started praying for a miracle, and to the doctor’s amazement, the situation turned around! At our next evening team meeting, we worshipped. People prayed out loud with such passion and we were praising God for the miracle of healing for the glory of His name in that neighbourhood.

My [muslim] friend was so moved she started weeping and exclaimed: ‘What is this? How do you all love people like this? How is this kind of love possible? This isn’t religion, this is something else! I’ve never seen anyone pray like this in my life!’.

⚫ Female believer - read more on the blog

The crisis is far from over for our family in Turkiye, you can still give at catalystnetwork.org/donate

Nearly Newday

As the beloved Youth Festival rolls around again we look back at its impact and ponder new ways forward for the iconic event.

It's that time of year again where administrators, youth workers, teens and their parents are feverishly preparing for another trip to Newday. Where did I put my wellies after last year? Did I remember to air out the tent when I brought it home or will it stink when I fetch it from the garage? Just how much cooking gas is left in that bottle?

People up and down the UK (and some around Europe) will be asking those familiar questions. Yes, the approach of Newday heralds a whole raft of joy-filled preparatory tasks, as well as

some fond reminiscing about previous years. Who can forget last years breaking with tradition, as the famous Big Top was cancelled last minute? The weather held gloriously and outdoor festival vibes were enjoyed in true Newday style. Andrew Wilson gave birth, live on stage and the 12-14s venue took their shenanigans to whole new levels of gross, after showering innocent

Andrew Wilson gave birth, live on stage and the 1214s venue took their shenanigans to whole new levels of gross.

onlookers with raw chicken carcass. They really DID need more tarp. There were mass responses to the gospel and incredible moments of the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit, as almost 7000 young people paused to pray for and receive healing. It was my own sons first time at Newday and he cannot wait to go again. Over the years I've watched many youth groups return from Newday with a new twinkle in their eye, their faith legitimised and solidified in the most profound ways. Newday has always been a joint venture between the different spheres of Newfrontiers. To this point Newday has been held and subsidised by Emmanuel Brighton and a collection of London based churches. However, the time has come for Newday to become a charity in its own right. This development will also adjust the way Newday

will be financed in coming years. Soon, all Newfrontiers churches will be invited to consider contributing to Newday and this investment will ensure many more young people have the opportunity to have their lives changed by the gospel for years to come.

If you are a youth leader off to Newday this year, we'll be praying you return with both your eyebrows. And please, for the love of Jesus, don't wear your best clothes to the 12-14s venue! You have been warned!

Multiply 23 Conference Debbie Tooth

On Saturday the 24th June around 80 people gathered at Woodside Church, Bedford, with others joining online, all with a desire to see churches, congregations and groups multiplied and disciples made. The Catalyst Multiply Conference was an incredible time of equipping and strengthening.

In the morning we heard from Steve Nicholson (Vineyard, US) on spiritual attack. Steve shared both personal stories and practical advice for leaders. We saw God move powerfully across the room in the prayer time that followed as those who were facing attack from the enemy were strengthened in prayer and partnership. Andrey Bondarenko shared an incredible and encouraging message around recognising and releasing pioneer leaders and we enjoyed some wonderful times of discussion and worship. In the afternoon we were encouraged by the work that Chris and Lisa Mason are doing, alongside their boys, in Bradford. Tony Thompson challenged us to reflect on what building and planting with a diverse team really means and Sam Amara shared an update on the church planting taking place across Nigeria. With loads of inspiring news from across the Catalyst family brought by various people

throughout the day as well. Church planting can on times be lonely business and so we were delighted that over the break times and lunch people were able to connect, build community and encourage one another.

We felt the tangible presence of God all day and particularly a sense of Him strengthening and ministering to those present. The day was a gathering of those on a shared mission with a shared heart for Gods work of church planting. The sense of being ‘Together on a Mission’ was strong. I left at the end of the day full of wonder at the work the Lord is doing and excitement to see the churches and groups that will flourish over the coming year.

If you think a day like this could serve you in the future, then sign up to be one of the first to hear when next year’s date is released.

Leadership & Theology Training

with John and Alison Risbridger

→ 50+ people recognised by their local churches as emerging leaders to invest in, all learning together from some of the most gifted men and women in our Catalyst family and beyond.

→ 40 days of training and teaching, delivered interactively over two years with people who love worshipping together and are hungry to learn, to question and to grow..

New Course starts

September 2023

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→ Consolidate and extend learning with assignments which are carefully marked and which lead to a Certificate in Theology and Leadership Training, recognised within our family of churches, and with its principles endorsed by Moorlands College.

→ and much more... read more on the blog >

OUT - Kingdom Impact

#LovingThePoor #WorldMission #ShapingSociety #MakingDisciples

Inthissectionofthemagazinewefocusonreachingthelost, influencingtheculturearoundus,helpingthoseinneedand reachingtheunreachedpeoplesoftheworldwiththegospel.

Summer of Love

How churches in the UK are using the Summer months to make an impact for the Kingdom

Summer Celebration

KINGS CHURCH, UCKFIELD

On a Saturday in July thousands of people from Uckfield and beyond make their way to the Luxford field at the centre of town to spend time enjoying the stalls and refreshments. We always take part in this special day and are well known for our free sit-down café! This year we had a great time in the glorious sunshine, with good food, music and fun and telling people bible stories and the good news about Jesus.

Motofest

JUBILEE CHURCH, COVENTRY

Motofest isn’t all about the cars, the bikes, or the noise. It’s about our city, about the people in it, and about giving them something to be proud of. It’s about fulfilling God’s command to bless and serve those around us. Okay, maybe it’s a bit about the noise as well.

Coventry’s past is deeply rooted in the automotive industry. For nearly 100 years, people from Coventry could travel all over the world, point to many different cars, and say “that came from my city. I know someone who made that”. People could stand tall on the world stage and have some pride in their hometown. When the motor industry began to fail in the 70s and move away from Coventry, that hole wasn’t filled. What remained was a literally and figuratively bombed-out shell of a city, with a lot of dreams

ON THE BLOG

For an extended version of this article, youcanreaditontheJubileeChurchBlog

of the good old days but not much going for them right now. Does this sound familiar? In Isaiah 61, Isaiah is talking about the Spirit of the Lord, and of God’s heart for his people. God promises to “rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; [to] renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” Now, I don’t think that God is specifically seeking to rebuild the physical city of Coventry. Instead, I think he cares about the people; a people that have been longing for something to rally around, to give them a sense of belonging and joy.

While this is ultimately found in belonging to God’s family, us as a Church body helping the city to celebrate their motoring heritage (past,

present and future), and to find something to give hope can help us demonstrate that we, and our God, care deeply about them and about the passions of their hearts. More >

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Encounter Camp

HOPE CHURCH,WORCESTER

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How it all began...

Watch the video above to find out how Motofest began and how it is impacting Coventry for God's Kngdom Purposes.

During the first week of July, Jim Harper from Hope Church heads up Encounter Camp. An annual opportunity for those with life-controlling issues to meet with God and see significant breakthrough. Encounter is a 5-day camp to meet with God through times of worship, inspirational preaching, prophetic ministry, creative workshops, sport and games. Their aim is to provide an environment for broken people to encounter God and be set free.

To find out more about Encounter Camp visit encountercamp.co.uk

Faith in the Arts Meet Artist Sarah Grace Dye

Part of our calling together as Catalyst churches is to extend the Kingdom into all of society around us. One of the ways we do this is through our arts initiative Sputnik, who support and sponsor Christian artists. Recently Jonny from Sputnik interviewed paper-making artist, Sarah Grace Dye, about her creative journey and hears how she is using art to help those on low incomes in Uzbekistan generate new streams of income. Watch > Sarah is originally from Yorkshire, UK but is now based in Germany and Sputnik are funding her Ukbekistan project. If you would like make lifechanging, kingdom-focussed, artistic projects happen you can become a patron at sptnk.co.uk/patrons

If I don't create something everyday I get really miserable

Sarah Grace Dye

Are we about the Father's Business? Simon Holley

Like a parent frantically looking for a lost child, our Heavenly Father is longing for his lost children to return home. He's asking us to join him in the hunt for them. Jesus told his followers to pray earnestly for workers to enter the harvest field. But are we willing?

Are we trained?

Join Simon to learn how to become a follower of Jesus who naturally multiplies and sees

It has ignited my zeal for sharing my faith again.

Course Participant

those around them do the same. The course is ideal for individuals to come or for groups gathered in the same room with the course projected on a TV or big screen. There's loads of interactivity, biblical principles and creative methods included throughout so come prepared to roll your sleeves up and learn together how to become a multiplying disciplemaker.

Photo via Unsplash

Discipling the Nations on our Doorstep Simon Fry

Many of you know that my heart is to see the great commission fulfilled and churches planted amongst unreached people groups in the end of the earth – particularly in the Horn of Africa. However, this last year God is also bringing the nations to us! One way has been through a growing ministry amongst people for whom English is not their primary language and, more recently with support for migrants and asylum seekers in East Sussex. This journey started over a year ago when I felt God move my heart to get members of our church trained by Christian TEFL as teachers of English with the vision to set up a Global Café. I did not know then how God-ordained the timing was, as a couple of months later the Ukrainian crisis began. We suddenly saw a large

group of Ukrainians arriving in Hailsham who needed many essential services – homes, community, pastoral support, and English lessons. Through the Global Café we were able to provide these, giving a space where trained teachers were able to give English lessons from Beginners to Advanced. It was also a space for a community to grow, social interaction with other Ukrainians, and a place for prayer and healing for many who were deeply traumatised. In time we saw many of our friends move on to new locations, and to government assigned English lessons through colleges. We had

a few weeks of very low numbers and asking God, ‘what is next?’ It was then he answered.

In December 2022, hotels in our area were set up as homes and centres for men arriving in the country whilst awaiting home office approval or rejection. The council contacted us, because of our experience supporting the Ukrainians, as well as some other refugees in our town, and asked if we would be able to help providing emergency clothing, which many of the men were lacking.

Fast forward to June 2023. We now have been working and teaching English in and through the migrant centre for 6 months. We have an amazing team of teachers and befrienders who come every week to build relationships and show the love of Jesus.

Even more, we have been

incredible blessed to see the impact that this has had on the church. We now have around 10+ of the guys from the centre attending church on Sundays (many from an Islamic background), through the wonders of modern technology have introduced translation for our sermons so that many can now receive the word of God in their heart language and have seen the way that our members have embraced them with the love of God. We have also had the privilege to baptise 3 of the men from Muslim backgrounds on Easter Sunday and hope to be baptising more very soon (we know of at least 1 at this point).

God is doing wonderful things and we are so blessed to be a part of it. It is incredible to see, in a small way, Revelation 7’s promise of the great multitude of every nation, tribe, and tongue who will stand before the throne, and it’s happening in our town. This journey is not over for us, and it has not always been easy. One thing is for sureour heart is to share the love of Jesus with these people for as long as he chooses to bless us with them.

⚫ Simon Fry

ON THE BLOG

Listen as the 3 new believers from a Muslim background share their baptism stories

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Undone by Jesus

Suzie Howe

Suzie Howe attended the recent Unreached Conference and tells us how Jesus spoke to her and stirred her for the Nations.

If I’m honest, this UN23 Conference on the theme of ‘The Peace-building Imperative’ totally undid me. By the end of it I felt not only deeply inspired and challenged, but also unravelled! Others who attended the conference have written to say the same kind of thing.

The recurring theme throughout the conference was that in our rebellious, hostile and deeply divided world, the church is to be God’s instrument of reconciliation in the face of endemic racism, conflict and separation from God. True healing and reconciliation can only come through gospelcentred approaches. But as speaker after speaker reiterated, we as God’s people need to individually and corporately address our own divisive and

racist attitudes and polluted worldviews before we can be peace-builders who reflect God’s ways and character to our broken world. At the close of the conference, I knew that what I had been part of was profoundly significant in God’s scheme of things, and that we will look back on this time together as one that was defining and deeply transformational, both individually and corporately. Holy Spirit was divinely at work revealing our blind spots, casting

By the end of it I felt not only deeply inspired and challenged, but also unravelled!

Flavours of Peace around the World

Representing,ResourcingandReleasing Cross-Cultural Mission across the

Sudan

Upcoming Events.

Cyprus

Prayer and Connection

16th July 2023, Birmingham

Understanding Islam 10 Months Course, starting September 2023

Returners Weekend

Armenia

vision and giving us joy as participants from different nations and cultural backgrounds taught, shared stories and prayed and worshipped together, creating a deep richness and depth to all that was shared.

Suzie Howe

13th to 15th October 2023, UK

Lebanon Prayer and Vision Trip

12th-16th February 2024, Beirut

Unreached Residential 12-14th July 2024

Wokingham, UK

www.unreached.network/events for full details and images

groups in their communities

Poverty in our communities

this is the reality of the impact of the cost of living crisis. I’m sure you’re seeing it across Catalyst churches too.

For those of us who involved in social action projects in our churches, it doesn’t seem that long ago that we were talking about people having to choose between heating and eating. Who would’ve suspected, just a year or two ago, that a choice like that would seem like a luxury? But that’s how it feels at the moment to people like my friend, who struggled to pay for either during the winter.

I’ve just come off a Zoom for Jubilee+ Partner Churches with the Shadow Minister for Local

Jubilee+ we firmly believe that God is calling us to keep stepping up, not shrinking back. He cares, and He provides. What does that look like in a crisis?

First of all, God provides for us through work. We were designed to work – it brings us dignity and purpose. But there are many reasons why people are unable to work – injury, illness, childcare, to name

If I can’t afford to pay all of my bills this winter, which should I stop paying first?

just three. As well as this, sometimes we want to work but can’t find a job. I’ve been through two long spells of unemployment in my life, when I couldn’t seem to catch a break. There’s currently a third group – those who are working flat-out and it’s simply not enough to make ends meet. I know a woman who is working three jobs, but is still being referred to a foodbank because she doesn’t make enough money to pay the bills. When work doesn’t work, another way God provides in a crisis is through His people. We see it in both the Old and New Testaments, but nowhere is it more evident than in the Early Church in the book of Acts. Here we see astonishing provision for the people of God,

by the people of God, that overflows into the communities around.

In Acts 2 and 4 we read about the believers –those who have seen Jesus crucified, buried, risen and ascended – and see that one of the practical outworkings of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit is that they live radically generous lives. In fact, there was not a single person in need among them (Acts 4:34).

Historians and sociologists tell us that in most Roman or Greek cities at that time, around half of the population would have been in poverty, or on the edge of it. So in a society where it was common for 50% of those in any community around you to be in need, imagine how astonishing it would be to see not a single individual in the church in any need at all.

JubileePlusexisttohelpchurcheschangethelivesofthose livinginpovertyintheircommunities. @JubileePlus

How did this happen? Simply by sharing. The early followers of Jesus didn’t subscribe to the “what’s mine is mine” mentality that is pervasive in our culture today. They shared what they had so that no one in the church would be in need. They even sold what they had, so they could provide for others. This was hugely countercultural.

I believe that God is calling His church to live like this again – that in the cost of living crisis, we are to rediscover the radical, biblical generosity that holds everything we have and own with an open hand and an open heart. Christians are called out of selfishness, greed, materialism, and individualism. We are called to be distinctive from the world around us, and part of this is by sharing what we have so that there will not be a single person in need among us. There’s another way God provides during a crisis, though: supernaturally. Our God is a miracle- working God. Jesus took a packed lunch and turned it into food for thousands. God brought drinking water out of a rock, made manna fall from heaven, poured meat from the sky like dust (see Psalm 78:15, 24-29). Through the prophet Elisha, God provided water for armies, an abundance of oil for a widow who was on the brink of selling two of her sons into slavery, and bread for one hundred. He also restored an axe-head to a man cutting down trees to make a home for himself.

Whether it’s food, drink, or work tools, when all hope is lost, God provides miraculously.

God is calling His people to step up in radical generosity ... I believe He is also calling us to step out in faith to see supernatural provision

These are real events –they’re not just stories, they actually happened. And God is the same supernatural God today as He was then.

Just as God is calling His people to step up in radical generosity as we share what we have with those in need around us, I believe He is also calling us to step out in faith to see supernatural provision.

Natalie Williams

A Worldwide Family

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 600+ 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. Over

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