From the outset, the Ignite Project has been about equipping parishes and leaders to fulfil their vision for growth in youth and children’s ministry, creating spaces where children and young people can encounter Jesus. Last year, as the project launched, we began to see the encouraging impact of our first Ignite Leaders as they began their parish ministries.

In our first cohort of five parishes, five new Ignite Leaders were appointed, working in parishes to enable deeper engagement with local communities. These leaders have been instrumental in shaping vibrant youth and children’s ministries, and their impact is already being felt.

Every month from September, approximately 605 young people accessed events run by the Ignite team, from youth groups to creative outreach and schools ministry.

Partnerships with schools have flourished through initiatives like Faith in the Forest and Lego Bible Clubs, bringing the Gospel into classrooms and outdoor spaces in ways that are fun, accessible, and deeply meaningful. In turn, this has opened doors for conversations about faith and helped to build trust with teachers and families alike.

The stories behind the numbers are even more inspiring:

• “Our youth group has grown from 6 to 14!”
• “A young person who started coming to youth group this term wanted to start coming to church and has brought her family to some services.”
• “There is a young person who started to come to church by himself one Sunday. He has started coming to Youth Group, which he loves… he is now talking with the vicar about Baptism and then confirmation.”
• “I have had three young people take their first Bible from me.”

These testimonies remind us that Ignite is not just about events — it’s about transformation. Young people are encountering Jesus, families are being drawn into church life, and seeds of faith are being planted for the future.

Looking ahead, we’re committed to growing even further in 2026. More youth and children’s leaders will be working in more parishes, creating more opportunities for children and young people to meet Jesus and grow in faith.

If you feel called to be part of this exciting movement, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re passionate about youth work, children’s ministry, or interested in how the Ignite Project might look in your parish, get in touch!