Ministers’ Conference 2024
Reflections from the Regional Ministers:
Once again ministers from across YBA churches gathered at Cober Hill, on the beautiful coast of Scarborough for our conference exploring the theme “How can the gospel be seeded and thrive across Yorkshire and what can we do about it.”
Elli Wort, head of initial training at Church Army opened proceedings for us identifying characteristics of a Northern gospel that emerged from her research: authenticity, community and humour. Ironically, churches where “something seemed to be happening” had elements of fragility in their fruitfulness. We were encouraged to be willing to hold that tension and also not to be afraid of elements of our church life dying or even a church needing to close its doors for a final time – such deaths can be compost for the continuing growth of the gospel.
Christian Selvaratnam from St Hild Centre for Church Planting was our other visiting speaker. He reminded us that what we now call Bible Colleges started off as Seminaries from the Latin word meaning ‘seedbed’. Each trainee minister was themself seen as a seed to be planted in their ministry context. If we too are being seeded across Yorkshire, we need to pay attention to our self-care. He challenged us to address the question “If you ‘failed’ as a Christian leader, how might you fail?”.
It was encouraging to hear several stories of different expressions of the gospel being seeded across our region, from Sporty Church in South Craven Baptist Church to Sunday Stroll in West Craven, and others.
There was plenty of time to pray for and with each other and for the mission God has called us to in Yorkshire, and beyond as John Settatree led us in a prayer session for some of those serving with BMS. There was also time to relax, to renew old friendships and make new ones on walks or over drinks and nibbles in the evening. We left encouraged to continue to explore how we might seed the gospel in our various contexts, responding to our lead priority of planting, revitalising and re-imagining church. We were challenged not to do this at the expense of our own walk with Jesus and our physical, emotional and mental health, and to also find other ministers with whom we can journey and remain accountable. We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 ministers’ conference especially If you’ve not yet been, or not been to one recently.
Graham, Alex & Nike
And a reflection from Charlotte Henard, minister from The Well, Sheffield:
As we explored the question of 'How can the gospel be seeded and thrive in Yorkshire?' I was encouraged by the stories of where this is already happening. Through Disciple Making Movement groups, to offering prayer for those accessing a Renew Wellbeing cafe. As churches, we have something beautiful to offer - the Good News of life in Jesus - and we must remain confident of this gospel, putting it front and centre of all we do. As we seed and water the gospel, God will make it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6)."
Cober communion table