Jesus calls his followers…
Helping people to move forward in discipleship and mission
The overall theme of our 2024 gathering picks up the phrase in our Diocesan Vision Prayer about Jesus calling us. He invites us to learn from him, as disciples and as leaders. Christian Selvaratnam will help us to think about being apprentices to Jesus. Workshops will address some of the barriers we encounter. There will again be a good selection of stalls to resource you, available to browse during breaks. Bishop Pete & Bishop Sophie will be actively involved in the day.
This year you can book on our own website, using the form below. Initially, you can book for up to FIVE people from one church (including the minister). If we have space nearer the date, we will open this up for additional bookings. Please select TWO workshops & make a note of what you have chosen. Let us know about Blue Badge or dietary needs. Don’t forget to bring your own packed lunch! All the information for the day will be available on an Event Hub again nearer the time.
There will again be a dedicated ONLINE stream with a choice of morning workshops. Numbers for this are essentially unlimited. All sessions from the main auditorium will be streamed (morning and afternoon), with the possibility of interaction via Zoom. This can be a good option for those who need to be at home or if you have more than five people who want to attend.
Schedule
09:00
Arrival
09:30
Welcome, notices & opening worship
09:55
Bible reflection: Bishop Pete
10:25
Discussion in small groups
10:35
Coffee break
11:05
Keynote speaker: Christian Selvaratnam
11:50
Discussion in small groups
12:00
Transition to workshops
12:10
Morning workshops
13:00
Lunch
13:45
Post-lunch input
14:00
Transition to workshops
14:10
Afternoon workshops
14:55
Transition back to main auditorium
15:05
Closing worship & final input from our bishops
15:45
Finish
Workshops
Morning – Onsite
Growing Young Disciples
Speaker: A team of young people
Hear from some of our young people about what they need in order to grow in your church and across the diocese as young Christian leaders.
Developing speakers & preachers
Speaker: Christian Selvaratnam
How can we leverage the opportunities within local church life to develop speakers and preachers through simple methods of apprenticeship and supervision.
Buildings Speaker: Jo Edwards & Josh Hunter
Exploring links between building maintenance and your church’s mission. We’ll consider first impressions, community use and heritage.
Missional pathways
Speaker: John Marsh
Thinking how churches can help people move from friends to believers to disciples.
Seven Sacred Spaces Speaker: George Lings
How patterns in past Christian communities can lead to healthier churches and lives.
Breaking down barriers to vocations Speaker: Dan Christian
Exploring how to find and remove inappropriate barriers to hearing the call of God in the life of our church.
Morning – Online
Growing Young Disciples
Speaker: A team of young people
Hear from some of our young people about what they need in order to grow in your church and across the diocese as young Christian leaders.
Journeying with Jesus Speaker: Toby Hole
Jesus taught his disciples as they travelled together (Luke 9-19). Discover how this can be used as an easy Lent or small group course.
Fostering belonging: a place at the table Speaker: Anesia Cook
Our new Racial Justice Officer will help us reflect on how we can build a strong sense of community and discipleship in a diverse environment.
Afternoon – Onsite
Developing resilient leadership – transforming failure and anxiety
Speaker: Christian Selvaratnam
Ministry is challenging and may be becoming even more so. However, leadership development often occurs through testing and stretching experiences. How can we transform our mistakes and effectively navigate the culture of leadership?
Supporting pioneering and church planting women
Speaker: Rachel Crossley & Genevieve Langdon
Lessons and best practice from women engaged in planting/pioneering. This is for anyone, not just women, who want to help raise up women leaders in church revitalisation/planting.
Volunteers & vision
Speaker: Libby Culmer
Inspiring people to volunteer by casting vision. Ensuring sustainability through good succession planning & systems.
Fostering belonging: a place at the table
Speaker: Anesia Cook
Our new Racial Justice Officer will help us reflect on diversity and belonging, terminology, and how we can build a strong sense of community and discipleship in a diverse environment.
Journeying with Jesus
Speaker: Toby Hole
Jesus taught his disciples as they travelled together (Luke 9-19). Discover how this can be used as an easy Lent or small group course.
Ministry in low income communities Speaker: Malcolm Chamberlain & a panel
Culture & deprivation, money & resources, leadership & volunteering, and community partnerships: explore these key themes of estate ministry, hear stories and share your some of your own.
Afternoon – Online
Developing resilient leadership – transforming failure and anxiety
Speaker: Christian Selvaratnam
Ministry is challenging and may be becoming even more so. However, leadership development often occurs through testing and stretching experiences. How can we transform our mistakes and effectively navigate the culture of leadership?
