National Conference 2008

More Than This ...breaking the mould of mission

Conference talks available from essentialchristian.com

Report

400 delegates turned up to the superb Kingsgate Centre in Peterborough on June 17th for 3 days of worship, teaching, networking, and reflection. Main sessions were hosted by Chris Stoddard and Sue Green introducing speakers Nick Cuthbert, Brian McLaren, Mark Greene, Gerard Kelly and Roger Sutton. Sung worship was led by Stuart Barbour with 'east-west' fusion group Aradhna providing an intriguing and beautiful alternative/accompaniment. Meditations and reflections were led by Liz Babbs, Anne Hibbert and Geoff Lanham.
The Archbishop of Canterbury addressed the conference via a prerecorded video looking at three vital questions of mission. Download Rowan Williams video (Video produced in association with Fresh Expressions)

There was also a choice of 24 seminars available over the three days, with a wide range of speakers. Each day's set of seminars reflected the theme of the day (and the subject of the main session): Radical Church, Incarnational Community and Contagious Spirituality.

As with any conference of this nature, it was a good chance to network with others. The Hog Roast meal on the second day was particularly appreciated, whilst the 'Speed Networking' session led by Sue Green and Tom Burke provided a light hearted opportunity to get to know others with similar mission focus. Many people signed up to the 'RUNspace' website, set up specifically for delegates to continue conversations once the conference was over.

Although the 3 days were packed with information and discussion, space was also made for quieter reflection and in a final response time Anne Hibbert invited delegates to lay a symbolic piece of broken pottery before the cross followed by prayer ministry.

Of the many encouraging comments offered on the evaluation forms, the following reflects the view of many who appreciated the conference:

"I particularly wanted to say how much I enjoyed the main speakers and the variety. The use of music, poetry and liturgy as well as speed networking, meditation and fellowship meal was inspired. An excellent experience - now the challenge continues!"

Brian McLaren's Reflection on the Conference

Back from England

It was a really enjoyable week in the Midlands (near Peterborough) with RUN (Reaching the Unchurched Network).

It's so interesting to me - since I get to meet so many different groups, networks, denominations, etc. - to get a sense of the "spirit" of a group. Some are aggressive and confident. Some are broken and reflective. Some are conflicted and seeking healing. Some are calm and placid. Some are anxious and cautiously hopeful. Some are mean-spirited and arrogant. Some are joyful and overflowing. And of course, today's arrogant group might become conflicted tomorrow and then ... ... be broken and reflective next year and joyful a few years after that. Groups, like people, go through stages, and that's normal and good and probably unavoidable.

The RUN network impressed me as humble, sincere, honest, loving, and creative ... a reflection, my guess is, of the spirit of their leadership team. We talked about "radical church, incarnational gospel, contagious spirituality."

The gathering was enriched by tremendous workshop sessions, rich times of worship and prayer, an especially beautiful concert by Aradhna, and lots of good conversation over meals. I am a blessed man to meet so many wonderful people, alive in the Spirit of God ... I've come home with many new friends.

Thanks, all who were there, for such a warm reception. I hope I was half the blessing to you that you were to me.

Powerpoint Presentations from Main Sessions

The PowerPoints are in PDF format. (Please note that in Brian McLaren's Wednesday Main Session slides some images are missing. We are working towards rectifying the problem)

1. Brian McLaren - Tuesday Main Session
2. Brian McLaren - Wednesday Main Session
3. Brian McLaren - Thursday Main Session
4. Mark Greene - Tuesday Main Session
5. Gerard Kelly - Wednesday Main Session

Powerpoint Presentations from Seminars

1. Julia Ling - Spiritual Direction
2. Jonny Baker - A Whack on the Side of the Head about Church
3. Jason Clarke - Consumerism and Church
4. Richard Sudworth - Islam in Britain...

The video 'God of the Moon and Stars' is available to download here.

Delegate Comments

It has been great to be here. A real inspiration and a really good time to step out the busyness of life into the presence of God. The conference itself was superbly organised.

The conference was fantastic - far exceeding my expectations. Everything was really well put together - and Brian McLaren was a particularly inspiring speaker.

Best conference I have been to in years. Very refreshing atmosphere of humility, authenticity and journeying together.

This was excellent. Thank you to the run team for a fantastic, inspirational, informative, encouraging, challenging and uplifting conference.

Almost every word spoken has been excellent. I wish I'd brought loads of people from my church.

Have found the whole conference very helpful. The seminars were excellent.

Many thanks for a stimulating programme. It was good to learn and have space to reflect but also space to join worship and prayer...