It’s almost Life ’26!

With the countdown in full swing to this nationwide gospel outreach (see more via en article here), Gavin Matthews spoke to Nick McQuaker from A Passion for Life about what to expect and how to get involved.

GM: Nick, tell us what Life ’26 is all about?

NM: Life ’26 is a nationwide gospel mission, beginning in March. It’s a way for hundreds of churches, across the UK, to join together for an evangelistic campaign under a common banner – benefitting from being part of something bigger; uniting together for a bigger impact; boosting regular evangelism; and helping those churches that have become evangelistically inactive.

It’s nationwide, but with local churches in the driving seat. Some will choose to do a mission weekend, some a mission week, others extend their local mission over a longer period. Many churches will make their regular Sunday services and mid-week activities the main focus; others will do more special events and other forms of outreach. The timing is flexible as well. Whilst the main focus is on the month or so before Easter, churches are free to continue Life ’26 later into the year.

GM: What are you offering churches and individual Christians to help them get the gospel out?

NM: First, we have produced a pick and mix suite of 29 videos to encourage, embolden and equip every believer for personal witness to Jesus. Churches are already using these to train their congregation members and finding them Biblical, practical and motivating.

Then we are providing the campaign identity and a whole suite of customisable advertising resources. Engaging people with playful images of everyday objects with something essential missing, the campaign asks the big question, “Ever feel like something’s missing?”. The adaptable strapline invites people to find the life/ purpose/peace/hope (and more) they are looking for by finding life in Jesus.

Our national polling report provides insight into what people would say is missing from their lives. Then our Survey Toolkit makes it very easy for churches to do the same research in their local community and shape their mission accordingly.

As well as mission-planning guidance, ideas and how-to guides, we are providing evangelistic print and digital resources themed to fit with the mission, including a national website www.findlifeinjesus.org

GM: The imagery and branding is striking! What’s the inspiration behind the “empty” theme?

NM: We kept hearing stories of seekers turning up at churches because they felt something was missing from their lives. I think what is happening in the culture is that increasing numbers of people are waking up to fact they have inherited an empty way of life (1 Peter 1v18). Scientific Materialism and Expressive Individualism, the philosophies of this age, can give no purpose to our existence; no hope; no forgiveness; no peace; no love; no basis for community. They are ultimately empty, failing to offer a narrative to give our lives meaning, answers to the big questions, or even a workable way to live.

GM: What are your hopes, dreams and prayers for Life ’26?

NM: The evidence is accumulating that the tide of Christian faith, which has been going out in this country for 150 years, is beginning to turn. My dream is that Life’26 be used by the Lord to contribute to the tide rushing back in; both through its immediate impact and as it gives us renewed confidence for a lifetime of evangelism. I am also praying that a national mission will help us reach the 50% of the population who say they don’t know a Christian.

GM: How can we get involved in praying for this?

NM: Simply sign up on the ‘connect with us’ page on our website and tick to join the prayer network. There is also an online lunchtime prayer meeting for 45 mins every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

GM: Where can people access your resources, and get involved?

NM: Just visit www.apassionforlife.org.uk