Firestarters events in 2025
More Firestarters conversations are planned for this year - each with a microchurch focus - as well as leadership huddles. By Alex Harris and Chrissy Remsberg
At one church a new mum was inspired to try to reach other young mums on her estate. She began to open her home once a week for a babies and bumps group that brought mums together for friendship, support and encouragement. She had the idea to allow these relationships to grow into opportunities to share about faith.
What started as an idea from a single mum to connect with other mums has grown into a weekly gathering of 8-10 mums, most of whom are not yet Christians, who are building relationships, learning from Jesus in the Bible, encouraging each other to live those lessons out, and taking time to pray for each other's children each week. It’s a new church, when, where and in just the way it’s needed.
In 2024 Firestarters published Scattered not Small – a little book helping ordinary churches think about how they might start these small, agile microchurches.
Since releasing the book, we’ve been amazed at the stories. Churches of all shapes and sizes have taken simple, steps to start something new and are seeing people come to faith for the first time.
Microchurches are proving to be an incredible tool to meet people where they are. Imagine smaller, simpler expressions of church springing up right where and when they’re needed, led by everyday disciples.
So, what’s a microchurch?
A mircochurch is a vibrant, flexible gathering— in a home, a group in a café, or even meeting in the gym. Microchurches or disciple-making groups are places where people who might never walk into a traditional church can encounter Jesus, usually through friendship and relational networks.
They’re something every church—from the tiniest congregation to the largest—can embrace and grow through.
Attending a Firestarters Conversation in 2025 will guide you to:
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Understand microchurch and disciple-making movement principles and so are a great first point of contact to think about this openly as a church team.
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Learn proven steps to help your church grow and start new communities so are a great place for those wanting to take some first steps.
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Be inspired by real stories of God using ordinary people so are ideal for ordinary Christians who want to learn from other ordinary Christians.What could this look like in your church?
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A house group that grows into a vibrant worshipping community.
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A small team sent to a neighbouring area to reach people you couldn’t before.
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A toddler group or café becoming a space where lives are transformed.
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An older person’s ministry where participants encounter Jesus and grow as disciples.This isn’t about starting something big or complex—it’s about trusting God to use what you already have. Your church has the people, the gifts, and the faith to start something new.
Ready to ignite that potential?
Join us in 2025 for two Firestarter Microchurch Conversations in 2025:
There's also an online learning huddle starting this January.
Each onsite Firestarter event includes optional follow-up learning huddles, where you and your team can take step-by-step action to launch a new expression of church.
Firestarters exists to help growing churches help other churches to grow. This year especially to equip and encourage every church to start new small and simple churches just as they’re needed.
Image | Providence Doucet | Unsplash
Chrissy Remsberg and Alex Harris co-lead the Firestarters Network
Find out more about all that Firestarters offers at www.firestartersuk.com
Baptist Times, 07/01/2025