NextUp - a new Baptist learning community for 18-35s 

NextUp will help participants explore God’s calling on their life, learn about the breadth of mission, and make deep connections with Baptists in this age group 

Running in partnership with BMS World Mission, Everyone Everywhere and Fresh Streams until October 2027, NextUp involves:

• A supportive community of peers in Baptist churches across the country
• Three onsite and three online gatherings to pray, worship and think about the next steps on participants' discipleship journey (attendance at these gatherings is essential and will be free)
• Three bonus gatherings and a choice of two overseas trips to experience mission in other cultures (attendance at these gatherings is optional and may require fundraising)
• Small groups and mentors for every participant
• Expert support from and opportunities with BMS, Everyone Everywhere and Fresh Streams 

The programme is the successor to the SENT cohort, a group of about 30 young adults from different associations that went to the SENT global mission summit (pictured below) organised by the European Baptist Federation in Norway in 2023.

(For more on the impact of SENT, see the October 2025 Council report). 



Alongside other initiatives in this age range from BMS World Mission, NextUp was the subject of the offering at the recent Baptist Assembly.

Speaking during the Sunday morning service, Matt Ceaser, the Baptists Together 18-35s co-ordinator said, 'SENT had a transformative impact, leading to calls to ministry, deepening discipleship in the workplace, and lifelong friendships that go deeper than surface level to the committed journeying together of Christian brothers and sisters.

'NextUp is empowering and making space for young adults in our movement, and meeting this moment of renewed interest in faith from the 18-35 generation.

'Please think of just one person you know in your church, your family or your community who might benefit from taking part, and share this opportunity with them.   

'Let's invest in a generation together.'
 

For more information about NextUp and how to apply, click here. 
 
NextUp applications are open until 30 June. The first online meeting takes place in July.

Related reports:

SENT cohort - a mission-focussed Baptist learning community for 18-35s (2025)
A report presented to Baptist Union Council about the SENT cohort, by Jonny Hirst, a member of the core group of the Baptists Together Young Adults Round Table (YART).
(Scroll down to the 'SENT cohort - a mission-focussed Baptist learning community for 18-35s' section)

'So many young leaders... and their passion for Jesus was incredible' (2023)
Young Baptist leaders have been reflecting on the impact of participating in a global mission summit organised by the European Baptist Federation. Initial report about the formation of the SENT cohort in 2023.