Transform is our one day conference for all those who work with children and young people, enabling the next generation to discover the love of Christ for themselves.
At Whitnash Methodist Church, Murcott Road East, Leamington Spa CV31 2JJ
Attendees from last year said the conference was a “great opportunity to hear from other churches”. The workshops “shared good knowledge that can be used practically”, generating “informative and inspirational ideas”. People “loved the interaction and encouragement for new ideas to be implemented or to try things in a different way”. Also mentioned was “great to equip the teachers” and “it was extremely helpful and has given me much to take back to my church”. Read more here.
Transform 2023
At transform we aim to gather together all those who help with any youth or children’s work within the local church, for a day of encouragement, training and networking with others doing a similar role.
We want to provide you with some fresh ideas, some input that will make you think and reflect on what you are currently doing to reach out and disciple the next generations, as well as have some space to seek God’s leading for your church’s ministry.
Youth & children’s ministry fit for the 21st Century
This is our theme for 2023. It is time for us all to realise that not even the oldest teenager was alive in the last century, so we need to ensure that what we do today is relevant, current and connects with this new century.
We will share some of Thrive’s ‘Manifesto for 21st Century youth work’ and how it can help your church build a future-proof strategy, as well as give you some questions to reflect on as you review your church’s current provision for young people and discover where the gaps in your support may be.
What happens?
We start our day with coffee and pastries on arrival (if you get here in good enough time!) before meeting together for our opening Keynote session, focused on our theme.
There will then be a range of workshops to choose from, of which you will be able to attend three. These workshops are hosted by different members of Thrive’s team and some invited guests, who are specialists in their field.
The workshops will be:
- Key principles to running a youth group
- How to create a youth & children’s ministry from scratch
- Doing youthwork without a rota
- Supporting young people in a post-pandemic world
- How to make the Bible exciting and engaging for children
- The 3 P’s to whole church youth & children’s ministry
- Creative ways to reach out to young people not in your church
- Enabling young people to have a voice within your church
If you book on early, you will be sent a request to select your preferred workshops, so we can try and ensure your sessions are not held at the same time.
Who is it for?
Whether you are a volunteer or employed leader, help with the children’s group or the youth work, are a new leader or experienced, transform aims to inspire you to see more lives transformed by the love of Christ. Come along whether you have a successful youth or children’s ministry or are looking to start one.
Lunch
New for 2023! This year we are providing lunch for all attendees at no extra cost. Please make sure you let us know of any dietary requirements when you book on.
What happens?
There will be a keynote session, (focusing on our theme for the conference of gaining a fresh perspective on what we are trying to do in reaching and discipling children and young people) as well as a range of seminars and workshops throughout the day, aimed at the different areas of youth & children’s ministries. We invite a number of different specialists to lead different elements of the day. If you would like to hear what happened at last year’s conference read here.