We had our annual one-day training conference, which was attended by over 30 children’s and youth leaders from the local area who met and gathered from 14 different churches. It was great to see the churches raring with a readiness to train and further equip themselves in their ministries. The programme consisted of workshops, mingling, and teaching, looking at Paul’s leadership in Philippians and how we can model ourselves on Christ’s virtues and leadership. Everything was centred around the Lord and ways in which we can keep our focus upon him whilst at the same time also leading others to him.
An important part of the conference were the workshops led by the Thrive team. The workshops were centred on different topics, some of which were ‘Teaching the Bible to young people’, ‘Reaching out and Raising up Children’, ‘Making the most of school transitions: Seizing the opportunities of Years 5-7’. These were informal, informative, and conversational. The Thrive team shared teaching, tips, techniques, and resources with practical examples from their experience. Attendees also shared their ideas, stories, and experiences as well as the challenges and difficulties that they face in their own churches. Many had discussions with others from different churches dipping into ideas and experiences of what has and hasn’t worked so well in their ministry with those on similar wavelengths to them. Attendees said that the conference was a “great opportunity to hear from other churches”.
Feedback Thrive received from attendees was everyone would recommend the conference! With three-quarters rating it 5/5. Attendees said that the single most helpful thing about the event was the workshops which were described as “sharing 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”, “enjoyed chatting with speakers and peers and feel encouraged to try new ideas”. “It was extremely helpful and has given me much to take back to my church”. Praise God!
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:19
Our prayer is for the fruits of the conference, for those growing in the God-given gifting of leadership, and those that they minister to. May their churches be re-energised and reignited by the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.