Introducing Firestarters Network
In a rapidly shifting church landscape where many churches are reimagining their purpose, mission and future, Firestarters is emerging as a vital catalyst for growth among Baptist churches in the UK. Across our Baptist Together family, more and more churches are experiencing remarkable growth, not just in numbers, but in faith, mission, and community impact. The Firestarters Network exists to share the stories behind that growth and the simple, Spirit-led lessons that can help other Baptist churches grow too.
For the past five years, they’ve brought together church leadership teams in what they call Firestarter Conversations. An intentionally small, two-day gatherings where leaders hear directly from pastors of growing Baptist churches, reflect on what God is doing, and commit to action in their own context. Today, Firestarters also includes:
A podcast sharing honest conversations with Baptist ministers from across the UK
A growing collection of books and resources that reflect the theology and practice of thriving churches
A developing focus on learning communities, especially for those leading in scattered, pioneering, or non-traditional expressions of church.
The Firestarters Podcast: Real Talk from Real Baptist Leaders
One of the most powerful tools from the Firestarters Network is its podcast. The Podcast, hosted by leaders including Alex Harris, captures authentic, down-to-earth conversations with Baptist ministers from across the UK.
Each episode is interactive, multi-voiced, and packed with real-life leadership lessons. You’ll hear from ministers navigating growth, mission, community engagement and change in a range of Baptist church settings, including several right here in Yorkshire.
A number of YBA ministers have already featured on the podcast, sharing their unique perspectives and stories of growth:
28 March & 18 April 2023 – Bec Weightman (formerly Coates)
25 April 2023 – Nick and Marjorie Allan
18 June 2024 – Simon Hall
30 July 2024 – Dave Criddle
27 August 2024 – Joel Ward
New Series Launch: Leadership Lessons from Growing Baptist Churches
Launching this summer, the newest podcast series focuses on leadership lessons from growing Baptist churches. Every two weeks, a new episode will spotlight a different minister, digging into what leadership looks like in churches that are growing numerically, spiritually, and missionally.
This is not about quick fixes or trendy solutions, it’s about prayerful, practical leadership in real-world Baptist contexts.
Why This Matters for YBA Churches
Firestarters is for Baptist churches. It’s by Baptist leaders, in Baptist language, for Baptist mission. If your church is asking questions about growth, leadership, innovation or multiplication , this network is designed with you in mind.
Whether you’re planting something new, revitalising something old, or just curious about what God is doing elsewhere, Firestarters gives you access to authentic voices and shared wisdom.