Stories from previous Church Planting Academy Students
Stories of faith, growth & stepping into God’s calling
Over the six years of the programme, we’ve had the privilege of seeing people from across the UK take part in the Church Planting Academy, stepping out to launch fresh expressions of church and reach new communities.
It’s powerful and inspiring to watch faith turn into action and vision become reality.
Take a look at the videos below to hear some of their stories, with many more church plants and journeys beyond what’s captured here.
Other Testimonies from previous Church Planting Academy Students
“Susan and I had just planted Life Church Hyde when we joined the Church Planting Academy to learn how to do it properly! Not only did we gain expert tuition from some amazing people who had years of experience, we also received great encouragement from the team and have formed some important praying friendships with other delegates on a similar adventure. SO good!” - Martin and Susan Cooling
“I didn’t know what God had prepared for me when I started the Church Planting Academy, only that my heart said “yes” to His prompting. I thought retirement might slow things down, but God had another route planned. The teaching was excellent and deeply life-giving, and being led by experienced leaders each week was a real privilege. The course stretched me and stirred my heart, and having a mentor helped bring clarity and confidence in stepping into local mission. God also revived gifts, dreams, and words I had almost forgotten, and I’m now beginning to see new growth. Since completing the course, I feel more focused, better equipped, and encouraged by new friendships and ongoing prayer. It’s reminded me that you’re never too old to hop on board” - Ruth Chwaszcza
“Andy and I stepped into the Church Planting Academy sensing it was a place to be refined, realigned, and equipped - like a ship preparing for launch. Through the journey, and the relationships formed across the UK, we’ve grown in our identity in Christ, recognised our God-given gifting, and been strengthened to encourage others in their faith. While we haven’t planted a church, God has clearly led us in a different direction, continuing to grow fruit in new contexts and relationships, both locally and wider. The course stirred prophetic vision and deepened our trust in God’s timing, reminding us that from healthy roots come visible fruit. Today, we continue to serve faithfully - Andy through community and men’s ministry, and Sharon through prayer, encouragement, and discipleship - holding onto God’s call to go and make disciples. Even when we don’t see the full picture, we trust He is working, and we remain committed to building His Kingdom for His glory” - Sharon and Andy Cropley
“I am so grateful for the Church Planting Academy for all the wealth of knowledge which was deposited to us all. But most of all the stirring of the Holy Spirit which stirred me to start an online Bible study church” - Pauline Valentine
“Alison and I were on the Church Planting Academy in 2021/22. We launched a Life Group in Cranbrook in November 2021 at the home of Ken and Aimee Enyiazu and soon started to see growth. One by one people began coming to Christ locally. We launched a second Life Group and baptised 3 young Christians in a pool on the lawn of the local school in July 2022. In September the same year we held our first Sunday service. We have continued meeting monthly on Sunday afternoons. Our numbers have grown from 40 to about 80 (Including children) and we have 6 Life Groups, which we have renamed Connect Groups. We started by keeping children in the service and leading worship from YouTube videos but our growth has enabled us to launch children’s church and our own live worship band. We have run several outreach events in the town around Easter, Christmas and Halloween. Whilst these have raised our profile in the town our growth has mainly come through testimony and personal invitation” - Norman and Alison Amey
