2011 - from sowing to growing

Throughout 2011 the Inspire Network has continued to grow in numbers, geographical reach and spheres of involvement.

There are now nearly 500 (496 to be exact!) people registered with the network as either an 'enquirer', 'explorer' or 'wayfarer'. There are fellowship bands meeting from the North of Scotland to Cornwall, from South Wales to East Anglia, and from Northern Ireland to the southern USA!

Inspire staff have travelled many miles throughout the year, visiting churches, Methodist circuits, Christian festivals, conferences and events to speak about Inspire's contribution to the development of a mission-shaped discipleship. We have also run our own 'Gathering' events across the country in the Spring, and a national Gathering held in Derby in July.

Contact with colleges has continued to develop with involvement at Moorlands College (Dorset), Queens College (Birmingham), Sheffield University Chaplaincy, Edgehill College (Belfast), and Cliff College (Debyshire). One of our newest bands is being established among a group of students at the Wesley Study Centre in Durham.

During 2011 Inspire's major partnership with the Methodist Church was reviewed, and we are delighted that our partnership has been extended until 2014.

We have been encouraged that in the latter part of the year, seeds that were sown in the early part of the year began to sprout! It appears that typically it takes about 6-9 months to move from first hearing about Inspire to actually acting on it, as people need to reflect on the commitments and challenges involved in accountable mission-shaped discipleship.

Thank you for your part in this growing network. If you would like to explore inviting Inspire to your church,circuit, area or event please contact us via the 'Connect' page.