Connecting clergy to ignite church growth A pioneering initiative for clergy seeking spiritual renewal and practical transformation in parish life. INTRODUCING THE KINDLING NETWORK The Kindling Network connects clergy who long to see Gods kingdom grow even in hard places. It gathers leaders from across different contexts to share experiences, learnings and encouragement. Rooted in prayer and lived experience, it’s a space to reflect, retreat and reconnect with what God is doing; equipping clergy to oversee growth and transformation to their communities. CONTENTS What is the Kindling Network? Who is it for? What can you expect? The Gathering The Community What difference does it make? How to get involved 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 THE KINDLING NETWORK 3 THE KINDLING NETWORK WHAT IS THE KINDLING NETWORK? This is more than a programme – it’s a peer-to-peer network for leaders with a passion for bringing God’s vision for their communities to life. Participants gather for a six-day retreat on the south coast, for a hands-on chance to share ideas, learn from others and look at how God has transformed churches and communities in different contexts. The journey continues through monthly online sessions and one-to-one encouragement, supporting real ministry, in real places. Participants experience: • A 6-day hosted gathering at St Michael’s, Eastbourne • Time immersed in worship, leadership, and hospitality • Space to reflect on mission, culture and context • Deep connection with a group of peers • Ongoing encouragement through monthly cohort catch-ups and shared learning ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP 1 Thessalonians 5:11 4 THE KINDLING NETWORK WHO IS IT FOR? The Kindling Network is for leaders who long to rekindle Gods vision for their church. It’s for those ready to step into all that God is calling them to but are also wrestling with a lack of resources or specific challenges or roadblocks. We’re looking for: • Clergy with a heart for growth and a desire for action • Those facing specific challenges with resources or congregations • Leaders who are committed to learning and collaboration • Those looking to experiment, pray and persevere • Clergy who understand it’s not about formulas, but God’s plan FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN YOU 2 Timothy 1:6 5 THE KINDLING NETWORK Ongoing Support & Encouragement • A plan for community transformation, focused on God • Peers to act as support and sounding board for ideas • Monthly online cohort session for encouragement, accountability and shared wisdom • Annual in-person gathering for ongoing connection • Momentum that grows from small, Spirit-led steps The Gathering at St Michael’s • Six days immersed in a culture of welcome, prayer and vision • Space to reflect, connect, and be renewed with peers • Learning through shared meals, real-life church and honest conversation • No formulas or methods, just presence, prayer and possibility Where You Are Now • Leading faithfully but feeling isolated or under- resourced • Aware of potential but unsure how to move forward • Desiring growth that fits your community and context • Experiencing specific challenges and blockers A VISION OF CHURCH GROWTH SO THEN, ... I WAS NOT DISOBEDIENT TO THE VISON FROM HEAVEN Acts 26:19 6 THE KINDLING NETWORK THE GATHERING Kindling is hosted at St Michael’s, Eastbourne, a church that has experienced Spirit-led transformation in recent years – not through plans and blueprints, but by the grace and power of God. You’ll gather on the south coast for a 6-day retreat staying in a beautiful Airbnb just yards from the sea. Together with other like- minded leaders, you’ll enjoy retreat from parish life, have space to reflect, worship, pray, share and learn – discussing key areas that could unlock new ideas and approaches for your ministry. Retreat Programme: • Day 1 Saturday: vision and change • Day 2 Sunday worship and hospitality • Day 3 Blockers & EMM (Every Member Ministry) • Day 4 Retreat Day • Day 5 Growth & action • Day 6 Community engagement and commissioning “COME WITH ME BY YOURSELVES TO A QUIET PLACE AND GET SOME REST.” Mark 6:31b 7 THE KINDLING NETWORK THE COMMUNITY Kindling doesn’t end when the six days are over - in many ways, that’s when it begins. Once you return to your context, you can stay connected with the people you’ve prayed with and learned alongside. Through a rhythm of simple monthly calls and occasional in-person gatherings, Kindling becomes a community that walks with you, not just a moment that inspires you. After the gathering, you can expect: • One hour each month with your Kindling cohort online • Honest conversation, encouragement and prayer in a trusted group • Access to Kindling facilitators for ongoing check-ins • An annual in-person gathering to reconnect and refresh • A growing network of leaders who are on the same page 8 THE KINDLING NETWORK THE OUTCOMES This isn’t about attending a course and going back to business as usual. It’s about growing in confidence, shifting culture and building a church community that is spiritually alive and outward facing. For Leaders: • A renewed sense of calling, confidence and joy in ministry • Deeper clarity about how to lead change in your unique context • Practical tools for culture shift, mission and discipleship • Support from a trusted peer network that journeys with you • Space for reflection, rest and spiritual growth For Churches: • A fresh energy and vision for growth • A more welcoming, prayerful and participatory culture • Leaders raised from within, with clear roles and purpose • Joined-up mission – where fringe activities connect to worship and community • Sustainable models of ministry that don’t rely on scale or slickness For Communities: • A church that is visible, generous and truly engaged • Events and spaces where people feel they can belong before they believe • A tangible sense of hospitality and spiritual authenticity • A faith community that embraces difference and invites participation • Opportunities for real transformation in people’s lives A SIMPLE INVITATION. A SERIOUS CALL. The Church needs leaders who believe change is possible - and who are willing to step into something new. If your heart is stirred by what you’ve read, don’t overthink it. Start a conversation. Join a cohort. See what God might do. We believe in your church’s potential. Let’s walk this out together. 9 THE KINDLING NETWORK How to Get Involved Next Step: KINDLINGNETWORK.CO.UK Register your interest at JESUS CAME TO THEM AND SAID, “ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS.” Matthew 28:18-20 KINDLINGNETWORK.CO.UK If you’re interested in joining a future cohort, partnering as a diocese or network, or simply want to explore whether this could be the right fit for your church visit