Church Growth

Statistical Overview 

As of June 30, 2024, the British Union Conference reported 309 churches serving a membership of 43,754 individuals within a population catchment area of approximately 74,951,000 people (Adventist Yearbook, 2024). This represents a ratio of approximately 1 Seventh-day Adventist for every 1,713 individuals in the territory, indicating the church's minority status within the broader religious landscape of the British Isles. 

The Importance of Church Planting 

Church planting in the BUC represents one of the most effective evangelistic methodologies for reaching new populations.  C. Peter Wagner, a missiologist observed, planting new churches constitutes the most effective evangelistic methodology known (Portable Church Industries, 2020). Research demonstrates that churches less than ten years old tend to reach more unchurched individuals than established congregations, as most new church members have not previously been part of any congregation (Portable Church Industries, 2020). 

British Union Conference Strategic Initiatives 

"I Will Go" Strategic Plan (2020-2025, Renewed 2025-2030) 

The BUC operates within the framework of the General Conference's "I Will Go" strategic plan, which provides structure for worldwide Adventist mission from 2020-2025 and has been renewed for 2025-2030 (Adventist Mission, 2018). This plan simplified the previous "Reach the World" initiative from 21 objectives to 10 objectives organised around three major themes: 

• Mission: Reviving worldwide mission as a lifestyle for all members 

• Spiritual Growth: Strengthening Adventist outreach in large cities 

• Leadership Development: Prioritising resources for mission to non-Christian belief systems. 

ACTS Church Planting Support System

ACTS (Adventist Church Planting Training and Support) is the primary church planting support system operating within the Trans-European Division, embraced and working within the British Union Conference. ACTS is not a program or model, but rather a platform that journeys with regional groups of planters based on four pillars:

• Assess: Identifying and evaluating potential church planters

• Coach: Ongoing mentorship and guidance

• Train: Modular training delivered through regional cohorts or residencies

• Send: Networking and partnering with Adventist planters and resources

The ACTS modules are delivered over four sessions throughout the year, providing comprehensive training in church planting methodology, contextualisation, and sustainable church multiplication. 

Global Mission Pioneers

Global Mission Pioneers are church planters supported by the General Conference Global Mission initiative. In the North England Conference alone, multiple Global Mission Pioneers are actively engaged in church planting across various districts, including work among diaspora communities and unreached people groups. For example, there are multiple locations in the BUC with church planting projects through the GMP including: Sutton Connect Mission Project; GCAMR Birmingham Pilot Project; Lancaster Church Plant; Swinton Church Plant; South Cumbria Church Plant; Chinese Church SDA (SEC) and many more which are not yet listed.

Growth patterns, ethnic diversity and attitude toward church planting.

It is true that there has been exponential rate of church planting and growth within the British Union Conference, with particular attention to ethnic diversity and attitudes toward church planting among members.  Membership growth from 2019 to 2024, reveals a 10.5% increase in membership (from 39,593 to 43,754) and a 4.4% increase in churches (from 296 to 309).  A significant demographic transformation of British Adventism, where Caribbean and other immigrant communities now comprise approximately 75% of membership, findings indicate that while immigration has sustained numerical growth, there remains a pressing concern about engaging the white British population and indigenous membership decline.  The discussions and plans to address the majority population is currently and actively ongoing between the entities but will not be addressed here.  

Nonetheless, we approach the subject of church planting with tremendous hope and concern.  We hold feelings of deep concern and are burdened by the decline in indigenous white British membership and our apparent inability, to effectively reach the broader British population.  Because we live and work in this loving community, we understand that our present church culture, while vibrant and Spirit-filled for many, it is possible that it may present barriers to those not familiar with Adventist culture and expressions noting that this may consequently impede Mission effectiveness. 

Further, our church planting drive should continue to propel in planting churches that serve immigrant communities, but also, we must intentionally plant churches specifically designed to reach indigenous Britons ensuring that the structures and styles of these churches reflect one that engages and connects with British cultural sensibilities while maintaining Adventist theological identity. 

Current Barriers to Church Planting Participation in the BUC 

While specific attitude surveys of BUC Adventists toward church planting are limited, research on church multiplication attitudes reveals common barriers across denominations: 

Many members may feel fearful, inadequate and unqualified or ill-equipped for church planting ministry despite having the spiritual gifts necessary. This may be responsible for many members not embracing church planting. 

Still there are others who have established relationships and programmes that create resistance to leaving for a new church plant, thus comfort with existing church may prevent some from engaging in church planting.  

The perennial questions about sustainability and financial viability of new church plants have never gone away with many using this as stonewalling for not engaging in church planting.  Also, some may have limited understanding of the Great Commission’s call to make disciples through multiplication which is the very focus of church planting. Still, the most hindrance perhaps to church planting is the lack of passionate followers of Christ who are filled with the Holy Spirit but yet not willing to plant a church.  

What are some practical Steps to Attract Members to Church Planting? 

Firstly, it is important to share success stories of Global Mission Pioneers and church plants regularly from the pulpit, in newsletters, and on social media.  Secondly, preach a multiplication vision.  Regularly teach on the Great Commission, the book of Acts, and God’s heart for lost people.  Finally, it is extremely important to celebrate sending.  It would be encouraging to make commissioning services for church planters as significant as ordination.  

Strategic recommendations for church planting: Immediate actions (0-6 months) 

The Mission and Evangelism department should conduct a BUC-wide assessment of church planting attitudes through surveys and focus groups.  Further, the BUC must identify 10-20 potential church planters across all conferences and missions.  Also, the BUC must continue to spreadhead BUC Church Planting Residency programme in partnership with ACTS.  Moreover, and more importantly, the BUC must continue to dedicate church planting fund.  Finally, the BUC must establish monthly prayer gatherings specifically for church planting across the BUC.  

Short-Term Goals (6-18 months) 

The BUC should plant 5-10 new churches in strategic urban areas with diverse populations.  Also, the BUC must implement disciple-making training in most of its existing BUC churches. Finally, the BUC should create a coaching network connecting experienced planters with new planters.    

Long-Term Vision (2-5 years) 

Through Power of the Holy Spirit, the BUC should work to achieve 50 new church plants across the BUC by 2030.  The BUC should develop a BUC Church Planting Institute in partnership with Newbold College.  It would be a great idea for churches in the BUC to actively engage in making disciples who make disciples.  

Appreciation and gratitude 

Over the years, tremendous amount of time, effort and resources have been spent on coaching, equipping and implementing training initiatives for church planting.  We take this opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude to all the forerunners who have championed this ministry.