Upcoming conferences demonstrate how Church of Ireland is on a mission to grow in its home parishes
Insights and experiences to help Church of Ireland parishes to grow will be shared at two significant events organised by the Church of Ireland’s Commission on Ministry next month for leaders in the various areas of ministerial work.
The 'Church Growth' all-day conferences take place in two venues: Stormont Hotel, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast on Saturday April 18 and Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin, on Saturday April 25.
The Commission hopes to welcome around 150 participants at each venue, and warmly encourages every parish to consider sending representatives to one of these gatherings.
Down and Dromore bishop David McClay, chairman of the church's commission for ministry, introduces this initiative as follows: “Throughout the life of the Church, God has continued to call His people to trust Him afresh, to listen attentively to His Word, and to step forward in faith.
"The Scriptures remind us that growth and renewal are always God’s work, born not of human strength alone but of prayerful dependence on Him.
"As the Church of Ireland continues its witness in our own time, we do so with confidence in God’s faithfulness and leading.
“When we look back across the history of the Church of Ireland, we see a story marked by seasons of challenge, faithfulness, and renewal.
"Again and again, God has stirred new life among His people, calling them to renewed confidence in the Gospel and a fresh commitment to His mission.
"It is with this sense of continuity and hope that we invite you to take part in a 'Church Growth' conference this spring.”
The conferences will open and close with worship, intentionally framing the day in prayer, praise, and dependence on God.
Through plenary addresses, each gathering will reflect together on: the Biblical call to bear fruit and grow as God’s people; witness of renewal within the Church of Ireland through the generations; and vital role of children’s and youth ministry in shaping the church of tomorrow.
The keynote address will be delivered by Canon Michael Alastair Graham, formerly rector of Mullingar in the dioceses of Meath and Kildare.
The seminars will explore key areas of parish life: growth through evangelism and stewardship; prayer, worship and church music, leading in one's prersonal context, community engagement; the Bible – read, mark, learn; buildings: not a burden but a resource for mission and church growth, and communication in the church and wider community.
"These sessions are intended to offer encouragement, practical tools, and space for reflection on how God may be calling each parish to respond in its own context," said Bishop McClay.