2008’s family conference for Ministers, local leaders and Integrated Course Students was a great success.
It focussed on how we can integrate people successfully within our churches. Through developing an understanding of how we can unintentionally exclude the young by unspoken messages that we don’t ourselves recognise, and the spiritual insights of the older generation, we can then move on to develop a more inclusive church. We were challenged to think about how we can help our church to become a place where ALL are made truly welcome.
The programme was arranged by the Boards of the Christian Ministries Committee.
What does inclusivity mean :
for Children? In a day led by the Youth and Children’s Group, Vicky Brazier and Cat Murphy from Manchester Freelance Practitioners explored, not how we see children, but rather how children see us. What unlooked-for messages do we send out? How can we keep our children safe?
for Older People? Margaret Goodall is a Methodist minister who works for MHA as Chaplaincy Advisor supporting spirituality and the work of the chaplains. She gained an MTh from Oxford looking at the role of the chaplain in a care home, and is now involved in research into spirituality and dementia. She explored the issues surrounding spirituality in older people and our ministry to them. A copy of her PowerPoint presentation is available via download opposite.
A Question Time session at the end of the conference was very thought provoking as a range of issues within the life of our churches were explored through a truly representative panel.
The Federation’s Ministers’ conference has become increasingly popular in recent years and early booking is recommended for next year.
Ministers Conference 2009
“Here’s looking at you!”
A chance to refresh and revive yourself!
The opportunity to explore the changing patterns and demands of ministry today.
The chance to explore richer ways of engaging with children and young people.
The pastoral care of ministers and their families.
Who are the people that God calls to this weird and wonderful profession?!
The spiritual needs of ministers and their families.
The chance to bring and share resources that you use to help support your own spiritual journeys.
So… here’s looking at you!
Make it a date
April 14th - 17th
at Willersley Castle
Following on from Easter it also provides much needed space for spiritual and physical refreshment away from our local commitments.