What's NextUp for Baptists Together?
Participants from the latest Baptist learning community for 18-35-year-olds gathered from across the UK to explore God's mission and His calling on their lives. Report by Alice Cheeseman
It's Saturday morning on the outskirts of Bristol, and God is showing up and building something special.
A group of 18-35-year-olds are meeting at Shirehampton Baptist Church to build relationships, worship, and learn together about who God is. This is the first onsite meeting of the new Baptist learning cohort NextUp!
NextUp is the successor to the SENT cohort, with the aim of empowering and making space for young adults in our movement to meet this moment of renewed interest in faith from this generation.
"This is a group that is hungry for genuine Jesus-shaped discipleship and won't settle for lukewarm faith" - Matthew Ceaser
Matthew Ceaser (18-35’s Development Coordinator for Baptist Union) opened the day by reminding the cohort that before any call they have on their life, with any title, they are dearly beloved by God, first and foremost. He recalled that when they first met as a group in July, they discussed Ephesians 4:1-16. He brought the passage back into this context.
The main themes of the day looked at:
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What does it mean to be called?
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It’s not about us – it is about building up the body of Christ.
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The inner life of a leader is vital and more important than leading at the front – it is about being authentic and accountable.
After a time of worship, former Baptist Union President and Bristol Baptist College Principal Emeritus Steve Finamore led the group in a biblical reflection and summary on what it means to be called by God. The hour was primarily focused on how people walk in calling. He explored how
"it ain't what you do, it's the way you do it" (Bananarama and Fun Three Boys), and how we always walk in the light of our first calling, being Jesus’ disciple.
After lunch, a panel was held between representatives from across the Baptist family. BMS World Mission, Fresh Streams and JPIT each had representatives attending, as well as local minister Jade Zerk and dietician Kira Williams-Geohaghan. There was a focus on what calling had looked like for them. From engaging in politics, ministry roles and positions in the professional field, each of the panellists had in-depth stories about how God called them to the roles they were in.
The cohort were given the rest of the afternoon a chance to reflect in their own ways. While some filmed short clips for Baptists Together, others chatted together and yet more journalled. The day closed in worship, with some then staying to walk along the nearby river and have dinner together, while others made their travels back home.
Why is this important?
Across the Baptist family, there is a growing importance being placed on 18- to 35-year-olds. Matt gives perspective on this: "Programmes like NextUp are essential for identifying and encouraging that gift of leadership, so that our churches are continually raising and shaping effective, healthy and just leaders.
"I'm excited by what God is doing in my generation and am grateful for all those investing in young adults, not just for the future, but for the present.
""This is a group that is hungry for genuine Jesus-shaped discipleship and won't settle for lukewarm faith.
"Please pray for this cohort of young leaders as we journey together through the next year. "
Reflecting on the day, Steve Finamore, who had a focus on
developing younger leaders during his 2024-25 presidency, commented: "I was very grateful to be invited to meet the young adults linked to NextUp.
"It was a privilege to share with them how God calls people into different forms of Christian service."
This feeling was echoed from all those who participated in the day: "It is such a privilege to be in that space to connect, share, and learn together," Orla Moxon, BMS' Youth Engagement Officer told
The Baptist Times. "The theme of putting Jesus first and keeping our relationship with Him at the centre of everything was woven throughout the contributions of all the speakers and guests.
"It was an encouraging reminder for us all, not just the NextUp participants."
If you would like more information around 18 to 35s ministry, click here or contact Matt Ceaser.
Follow Matt on Instagram via @baptistyoungleaders
NextUp runs in partnership with BMS World Mission, Everyone Everywhere and Fresh Streams until October 2027
06/10/2026