Catalyst: The Journey
2011
Launch
Newfrontiers was redefined as a network of apostolic spheres worldwide, and Terry Virgo passed the leadership on to a number of apostolic leaders. David Devenish began to gather team for the sphere that would become known as Catalyst.
God’s mission is global.
A key prophetic word for Newfrontiers had been that ‘there are no well-worn paths ahead’. This new shape for the movement released apostolic leaders to follow the paths God was calling them to, both individually and as a relational movement.
2012
Family
Over 70 churches expressed commitment to Catalyst in the UK. David outlined his vision for the future including a plan to build over four years and then hand over during the next four years.
God is our Father.
A key prophetic word led David to be passionate about raising up a younger generation of leaders. He saw his own role as one of fathering others who would then go on and do likewise.
2013
Generosity
The first plans to decentralise funding were formed. This radical step in which central costs were halved would enable churches to be more engaged with mission through direct funding.
God is our provider.
Taking risks with a brand new financial model was a challenge but we knew that God calls us all to steward His provision well. We had a strong sense that this new step would reap massive benefits in terms of global outreach and catching all of our churches up in genuine
Festival
Our first Festival broke new ground with its mix of worship, teaching and zones; excellent youth and children’s programmes, and a vibrant focus on the creative arts.
God loves breadth & diversity.
God called us to be a people who value His Word and His Spirit. People began to see their potential as world-changers in many different spheres of influence.
2014
Creativity, Multiplicity and Togetherness
God loves the artistic community, and we felt that, for too long, artistic gifts were only being valued for use within church. Sputnik was established to encourage creative artists who take Kingdom values into the secular worlds of music, television, theatre, art and writing.
The concept of hubs was also born. Simon Holley delivered a key prophetic call to avoid the ‘lethargy of bureaucracy’ as we grow. There is always a temptation to move towards top–down structure, but we felt called to develop a model that operated in the opposite direction.
We believe that God is glorified as men and women work and lead together. We recognised the importance of valuing everyone for who they are and releasing them to be all that God has called them to be.
2015
Multicultural and Multigenerational
A review of overseas relationships revealed rapid growth. We were now connecting churches in 49 nations. It became imperative for more churches to catch the vision for overseas mission. During this year many stepped into new relationships across the globe. David Devenish also delivered a key word at the festival on being a multigenerational movement.
2016
Called to Influence
At our 2016 festival, churches were challenged to love their ‘cities’ rather than simply running programmes to draw people in. This led into Catalyst4theWorkplace, a one-day event that drew together Christians working in all areas of life. Many felt truly valued for the first time and were inspired to bring the Kingdom of God into their workplaces.
Another key prophetic message was a fresh call to UK church planting. Phil Wilthew prophesied that we were to believe God for 400 churches in the UK. Simon Holley’s message on the focus required to make disciples who make disciples resonated across our churches.
2017
Handing on the Baton
Simon Holley began to lead the team, taking over from David Devenish. Church leaders continued to gather within hubs, and there was a fresh emphasis on church planting. We ran a successful festival in 2018 and several non-UK conferences.
2020
The Word of God is Not Bound
The Covid pandemic meant we moved our gatherings online, including running a 48-hour online festival that included non-stop prayer around the globe. Gathering online had the unexpected benefit of strengthening our global relationships.
2024 and beyond
We are increasingly aware of being a global family, and seeking ways to connect together to share the gospel in every nation. We continue to seek to be guided by God in everything we do, and feel a fresh urgency to raise up and train 1000 church planters. We are excited about the future, anticipating the fulfilment of prophetic words, and much more to come.