Messy Church Conference 2016

Celebrating and learning with the worldwide family of Messy Church.

An unmissable opportunity for all those involved in or interested in developing Messy Church in their country to come together to share good practice and discover the latest developments in the fields of Messy mission and discipleship. Most importantly it is a chance to meet the Messy Church team and other practitioners from across the world. For all of us it will be a joy to seek God's help with the way forward in our different nations and to make sure that, as it grows, it remains a global interdependent network based on godly friendship and mutual respect.

Messy Church is the most commonly used example of a fresh expression of church, with around 3000 registered examples across about 20 countries. What is being learnt in and through Messy Church is of benefit to anyone involved in other forms of fresh expression or more traditional church ministry.

Who is it for?

Particularly those with a strategic missional role locally, regionally or nationally such as:

  • National and Regional Coordinators of Messy Church
  • Mission Enablers and other church leaders who want to explore the possibilities of Messy Church in their country or region
  • National or local Fresh Expressions Coordinators
  • Leaders and teams of local Messy Churches from countries outside the UK
  • Leaders and teams of Messy Churches in the UK

When is it?

The conference will start with lunch on May 16 and end with lunch on May 18. It will be a celebration of all that God is doing through Messy Churches around the world. It will be a rich learning environment for lay, 'lay lay' and ordained ministers and will include opportunities to examine what Messy Church is for those unfamiliar with the concept, explain the role of BRF, share experiences and practical ideas from around the world and strategies used to support and resource Messy Churches nationally and regionally. We will be exploring the latest findings on Messy discipleship, spirituality and good practice and looking at the way ahead internationally. There will be a chance to find out about publishing, distribution, the Messy Church trademark, website and merchandise matters. Individual consultancy with BRF Messy Church team members will be on offer. There will be plenty of time to compare stories and wisdom with friends old and new from across the globe and at least three continents. Needless to say, we will occasionally be getting messy to achieve all this!

We are delighted to announce that the keynote speaker will be Canon Dr George Lings, Director of the Church Army's Research Unit, editor of Messy Theology and author of From Anecdote to Evidence plus numerous other works. George has been described as the godfather of Messy Church and has inspired, encouraged and advised the leadership team since the very early days of Messiness.

There will also be ample opportunity to find out about BRF's other ministries, particularly Who Let the Dads Out?, Faith in Homes and The Gift of Years.

If you are planning to spend longer in the UK, it may be possible to arrange a visit to a Messy Church, and / or the BRF office in Abingdon near Oxford or spend longer with team members. Please contact us to discuss possibilities.

Booking information

Conference cost per person, including accommodation and all meals: £255 non-ensuite or £295 ensuite.

£75 non-refundable deposit is payable with all bookings. Balance payable by 8 January 2016.

Other information

Please provide details of any dietary needs when booking (add an order note).

At the time of writing there are six disabled rooms available. Please contact us for more details.

Bursary fund

We would like lots of our Messy friends from overseas to join us for this conference but travel can be costly. If you feel able to donate to a bursary fund to help cover some of these costs for delegates who would otherwise struggle to attend then please contact our administrator Sarah on 01235 858246 or sarah.brombley@brf.org.uk to arrange this.

International Fresh Expressions Conference

Fresh Expressions Southern Africa are delighted to host the International Fresh Expressions Conference 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa and look forward to welcoming you with their unique South African hospitality.

The theme of the conference is 'Future Church – discerning the future church together'. Speakers, who are leading the way globally in this fresh move of the Spirit, will provide input and guidance on this theme.

A focus of the conference will be to discuss, network and discern together where God is leading his Church.

Further details

For details of the programme, speakers, venue and accommodation, as well as to register for the conference, please visit the Fresh Expressions Southern Africa website or view the flier below.