10 years and counting

Each month, over 335,000 men and women in 106 countries are meeting to be encouraged and equipped so that they can tell others about Jesus with a new boldness. Known as Advance Groups, it’s mind-blowing that what began as 12 people meeting in Andy Hawthorne’s office 10 years ago has grown into a global movement.

We caught up with Ben Jack, Global Head of Advance, to hear more.

What’s God been doing through Advance?

Ben: It’s truly remarkable to see what’s happening and the opportunities God’s opened up. None of us could have imagined how that first group would grow into the global network we see today, but God did! I think one of the most exciting things – apart from the fact that over 1,000,000 people have given their lives to Jesus after they’ve heard the gospel from a group member – is how Advance is being used by so many. Yes, in terms of numbers, but it’s more than that. You’ll find groups running in churches of different denominations, in different cultures and for different ages. As people get serious about sharing the gospel, they’re hearing about Advance and choosing to launch groups.

What’s surprised you most?

Ben: Aside from the sheer number of groups, it has to be the church planting we’ve seen happening as a result of people getting serious about sharing the gospel. In Portugal, we heard of one church that, after launching Advance groups, had to start two new churches. And in Pakistan, 96 churches have been planted in Hindi villages as group members have headed out sharing their faith!

And God’s continuing to impact lives. Do you have any stories that stand out to you?

Ben: Absolutely, one group in Uganda recently told me that after their monthly meeting, they decided to go out and witness on the streets. They reached a young girl who was trapped in drug addiction and prostitution. She gave her life to Christ as they talked and has since seen a radical change in her life – she’s free from drugs and out of street work! She has joined the local church and is now in an Advance group herself!

Another thing I love is that, because a lot of group members share the gospel one-on-one, they build friendships with those who respond, and make sure they’re connected with a local church. So, we know that a significant number of those who have responded are still plugged into church, growing in their faith and are now telling others about Jesus.

Looking ahead, what’s next?

Ben: We’re open to what God wants to do. Having prayed about it, God’s given us a vision of having 1,000,000 people meeting in Advance groups around the world every month. This sounds like a huge number but at the rate Advance is growing, it could end up being conservative! Can you imagine what the impact will be when that many people get serious about sharing the gospel and using the everyday to tell people about Jesus?

Get involved

There are lots of ways you can get involved with Advance.