Seedbed – growing your ability to start new churches 

Could you start a new Christian community or church – in the way it is needed, where it is needed, and just as it is needed? Seedbed thinks you can … Alex Harris explains more

Seedbed is an innovative training program from St Hild Centre for Church Planting, designed to equip and empower a thousand leaders over the next decade to start new Christian communities, churches and missional communities when, where and in the way they are needed – including right on your doorstep.

Seedbed is perfect for volunteer leaders and leadership teams, or simply if you’re exploring the idea. Through a well-structured online program, you'll learn from experienced leaders and trainers, developing the skills and passion needed to form new Christian communities and churches that are effectively reaching new people for Jesus.

Seedbed could also be an invaluable resource for ministers seeking to upskill and lean into starting small new churches within their existing congregations. It's a fantastic opportunity for individuals or small teams looking to transform their current midweek programs - such as toddler groups, wellbeing cafes, or older persons' work - into authentic expressions of church.

The year-long course is offered online and divided into themed blocks, with 28 evening sessions totalling over 40 hours of learning. Each week, you'll complete a preparatory task, like a prayer walk or video, to engage with the topic before the online session. This interactive approach ensures you're primed to dive in and maximise each lesson, even with a busy schedule.

Seedbed's training is straightforward, practical, and open to everyone, regardless of background. No essays or written homework are required – it's all about hands-on learning. And for those eager to explore topics further, recommended readings will be provided.

 

Two free sessions are on offer in May and June, not only serving as stimulating standalone sessions but also giving you a taste of the learning format before committing to the full course starting in September 2024.

Thursday 30 May, 7.30pm: Global Church Planting: lessons from around the world
Join Anglican Bishop Ric Thorpe, who oversees church planting in the Church of England, as he considers lessons from the global church on starting new churches and explores how these insights might enhance our understanding of church planting in the UK.
Book here 


Thursday 20 June, 7.30pm: Scattered not Small: small church is good for everyone everywhere
Join us for 'Scattered not Small: How Small Church Is Good for Everyone Everywhere' with Alex Harris and Chrissy Remsberg. Explore how ordinary churches can be empowered through scattered models of church, evangelism and discipleship. Learn practical ways to transform into effective disciple-making communities.

Alex Harris is the Regional Minister for Pioneering and Church Planting in the Yorkshire Baptist Association and the Director of Baptist Church Planting at St Hild Centre for Church Planting. Chrissy Remsberg is the Pastor of Beacon Church Stafford and has served on church planting teams and launched new congregations for a growing international church. Book here  

The cost for the year-long Seedbed program is £85, with potential scholarships available.

Seedbed is delivered by the St Hild College Centre for Church. 

For more details or to inquire about scholarships, contact planting@sthild.org, and visit sthildplanting.org/seedbed