It has been an incredible journey for Fiona Stutton, Thrive’s Children’s Ministry Enabler, as she has walked alongside Whitnash Methodist Church over the past few years, helping them to establish a monthly Messy Church. Looking back, it’s clear that God has been at work in both small and remarkable ways, transforming not just the ministry but the people within it.
One of the most inspiring stories is that of Olivia. Years ago, when she was in Year 6, the Messy Church leaders saw potential in her and invited her to help with a craft activity. Fast forward a few years, and Olivia was still showing up, faithfully helping with crafts every month. Thrive is passionate about seeing young people grow in their faith and leadership, and Fiona saw something more in Olivia—potential that extended far beyond decorating biscuits (though, of course, that remains a favourite craft!).
Fiona took a step of faith and invited Olivia to step into a bigger role—helping tell the Bible story. At first, Olivia was hesitant, but after some encouragement, she agreed to co-lead the storytelling alongside Fiona. They practiced together, working on expression, drama, and confidence. When the day arrived, Olivia took to the stage, helping to tell the dramatic story of Moses crossing the Red Sea. She was incredible. Her confidence shone, and from that moment on, she continued to grow—telling more stories and even leading worship. What started as a simple craft helper role had blossomed into a young leader finding her voice in ministry.
But Olivia’s story is just one part of the bigger picture. Messy Church itself has been growing—not just in numbers but in depth. What once started as a small gathering of mostly leaders’ children and a few families has now become a place where regular families return each month.
Recognising the need for deeper connections, Fiona encouraged the leaders to shift their focus from simply running activities to engaging with families. Instead of getting caught up in the details of crafts, leaders started prioritising conversations—building relationships while children and parents worked on their activities. A creative prayer space was introduced, offering families a chance to pause, reflect, and pray together. The impact was powerful—prayers from the heart, written by children, parents, and even visiting grandparents.
Another key change was ensuring that at every session, one leader had no specific job other than to be present and available for conversations. This small shift led to something extraordinary—families felt heard, seen, and cared for. Parents, once passive participants, started engaging more—not just in crafts, but in worship, discussions, and even in helping tidy up at the end.
The ripple effect of these changes has been undeniable. Many of the regular families come from different faith backgrounds, yet they keep coming back, month after month. During celebration times, parents and children aren’t just listening to the Bible stories—they’re asking questions, eager to understand more about God.
One young girl recently brought a thank-you card to Messy Church, writing that she loved coming because she felt accepted and safe. That simple note was a reminder of why this ministry matters so much.
Jan Tyrell, a team member at Whitnash Methodist Church, reflected on the transformation:
“Fiona’s insight, encouragement, and hands-on help in worship, storytelling, and prayer initiatives have been vital in our growth and in strengthening our connections with families. Through her involvement in planning meetings, she has helped us focus on clear objectives and the biblical message, making Jesus’ teachings more accessible to parents and children. She also encouraged us not to be disheartened when attendance was small, but instead to embrace those moments to engage more deeply with families. Thanks to Fiona’s mentoring, Olivia has gone from being an attendee to a leader—helping with activities, leading storytelling, and even stepping in to play the piano for worship. She is now a valued member of the Messy Church team.”
Messy Church at Whitnash Methodist isn’t just about crafts, stories, or songs—it’s about transformation. It’s about young leaders stepping into their God-given potential, families finding a sense of belonging, and people encountering Jesus in a way that speaks to their hearts.
The numbers may not be huge, but the impact is undeniable. God is moving in powerful ways, and Thrive is honoured to be part of this journey—encouraging, equipping, and witnessing the incredible things He is doing.
Pray for:
- Young leaders like Olivia – pray for more young people to step into leadership, grow in confidence, and deepen their faith.
- Families attending: ask God to open hearts, draw families closer to Him, and make Messy Church a place of love and belonging.
- Messy Church Leaders – pray for wisdom, strength and encouragement as they invest in children and their families.