Leading your congregation deeper in discipleship is the theme of this year’s Guildford Diocese Growth Conference on Tuesday 8 October. The conference, our largest annual event, brings together clergy, PCC members, staff and ministry teams from across the diocese for a series of inspirational talks and practical workshops.
The emphasis on discipleship reflects the second round of our Parish Needs Process which is focussing on helping parishes to lead their congregations and those with whom they are in contact, into increasingly committed and active faith, which is then expressed in a renewed passion for mission and growth.
Krish Kandiah, the inspirational founder of Home for Good and the Sanctuary Foundation, will explore what it means to be ‘All in’ for Jesus, and how to inspire vibrant, world-changing faith in others. The Revd Dr Hannah Steele, Director of St Mellitus College (London) and author of ‘Living His story – how to become a community of missional disciples’ will then speak on how to make disciples who in turn go on to make more disciples, the model which we see in the ministry of Jesus and the early church.
There will be a networking lunch followed by a choice of two afternoon workshops: one on community engagement and evangelism, led by the Chief Executive of the Church Urban Fund, the Rt Revd Rob Wickham. The other is on growing your ministry to children, families and young people, led by Krish Kandiah.
The format of the workshops has been changed, following feedback from last year. Both will be practical and interactive, including case studies from our diocese and periods of group discussion to help us exchange best practice.
The conference will again be hosted by St Paul’s Howell Hill near Epsom from 10am to 4pm. Places cost £10 including lunch.