1        What is Messy Church?

A: From the UK website: “It’s church, but not as you know it. Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality, and celebration.”

2   How and when did Messy Church start?

A: Messy Church emerged as a fresh expression of church life in the United Kingdom in 2004 out of the creative imagination of Lucy Moore. Lucy developed her God-given creative idea under the auspices of the Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF UK) < www.brf.org.uk >. The Rev Debbie Smith was the first National Co-ordinator appointed in New Zealand in 2009 with resourcing provided by a generous anonymous UK donor through the BRF. Lucy Moore came to New Zealand in 2014 to speak at conferences around the country giving encouragement as the movement grew in New Zealand. The growth within New Zealand was supported by UK resourcing until 2020. Since then,  Messy Church NZ (MCNZ) has been working under the leadership of a National Team which is forming a NZ Messy Church Trust.

3  Are there ownership issues around using the Messy Church name and logo?

A: Yes. The Messy Church logo and name are the intellectual property of the Bible Reading Fellowship (UK). Permission to use this logo and others such as ‘Messy Church Goes Wild’ can be obtained free of charge by registering with Messy Church UK. In any case, as with any ‘free’ intellectual property, when using the Messy Church logo its source and ownership should be acknowledged.

4   Are resources available to help with forming a new Messy Church?

A: Yes, there are lots of resources. Some can be borrowed free of charge (except for return courier/ freight costs) from the MZ Messy Church Library. Or you can view and purchase helpful resources from the online shop at Messy Church UK or BRF UK (messychurch.brf.org.uk).

5 Is there a charge to use Messy Church resources?

A: There is no charge for using resources borrowed from the MCNZ Library (except return courier/ freight). There is no charge for registering with MCNZ or UK, but resources you want to own can be purchased.

6  Is there a membership charge for belonging to the Messy Church NZ network?

A: No. You can register for free as either a group or an individual. At some stage during 2024 we will be forming a charitable trust using the name ‘All Age Connect Aotearoa’ and we will be inviting people to support our work of promoting Messy Church by making regular or occasional donations. Subject to IRD and Charity Commissioner approval these donations will be tax deductible.

7  What is the connection between Messy Church NZ and Messy Church UK?

A: Messy Church UK and the Bible Reading Fellowship (UK) are the parent organisations for Messy Church NZ. (See the answer to Q2 above.)

8  Can I start a Messy Church in the community without a connection to a local church?

A: We would prefer that did not happen and we could not support such an initiative. We are committed to developing Messy Churches as new gatherings within existing churches and that they only develop with the support and encouragement of local and denominational church leadership.

9 Can I use the Messy Church name without registering with Messy Church NZ or UK?

A: We would prefer that you did not do that as the name and logo are the intellectual property of BRF UK. Local churches and the National Team use the name and logo with express permission granted through registration with Messy Church UK or Messy Church NZ which is free. The reason for this is to ensure that the concept is safeguarded from misuse and that as people become familiar with and trust what Messy Church offers these expectations can be met with consistency in different places.

10 What can we offer people who feel they have out-grown Messy Church?

A: Our goal and expectation is that as Messy Churches form communities of faith, individuals within that community will begin to seek further growth that a Messy Church cannot provide. In such circumstances the support of the local church leadership is important. Discussion with them could be helpful in identifying further discipleship or growth resources such as ‘The Faith Project’, Alpha Courses, Anglican Studies, Education for Ministry, or some other local involvement in the wider church or Parish. Consideration should also be given to involving growing young people in leadership roles within Messy Church and your local church congregation.