Book your place now for the Connexion Annual Conference, which will run from Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 October at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

The key speaker is booked for three days of talks and an all-age barn dance with Barry Goodman & his band is scheduled for Tuesday evening. 

The Conference is a hugely popular event, offering an ideal opportunity for the whole Connexion Community to enjoy time together in prayer, worship, learning, discussion, inspiration, fun and friendship. 

Key Speaker

We are delighted to welcome this year's Conference Speaker, Mark Greenwood, who has kindly agreed to finally join us after a three year delay caused by the Covid pandemic.

Mark is a renowned Elim National Evangelist and author of 'Big Yes, Little Yes, Healthy Maybe' which will lead the theme of this year's conference talks. 

We are very much looking forward to welcoming Mark and taking on board his many inspirational ideas!

Youths and young children

The Youth Conference will run alongside the main conference, as in previous years, and a programme of activities will also be organised to keep the younger children amused, engaged and happy.

Booking

Conference dates are Monday 24 October (from 11am) to Wednesday 26 October (lunchtime). However, it is possible to attend the whole event or on selected days if you'd prefer. The booking form shows prices for overnight accommodation as well as costs for day visitors (and meals).

To reserve your places, please complete and submit the booking form below as soon as possible.

Conference Booking Form 

And if you have children or young people who would like to attend and take part in the Youth Conference and/or children's activities, please also complete the consent form below.

Consent Form - children/young people

A provisional timetable has been put together. Click the link below for details (but please note some timings, etc could change)

Conference Programme (provisional)

We look forward to seeing you there!

The third of John McGinley’s Conference talks ‘Making changes: Restoring missional confidence’ looks at spirit led strategies for The Connexion today to reach people outside of the churches. Helping people to fulfil their calling as disciples who create new disciples.

John’s model, which follows Jesus’ example, is based on the practice of investing spiritually and relationally before embarking on the mission. Jesus started by being baptised, before being led by the Spirit to the desert for prayer and fasting. With the anointing of the Holy Spirit, he was able to heal people and cast out demons, and then he became relational, encouraging disciples to join him through caring, compassion and love. It is only then that Jesus becomes missional, and his example with a following of just 12 disciples had the power to change the world. 

Evengelism can feel like a pressure and making new disciples can be an unfamiliar and quite frightening concept for many. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The first step in all missionary work is prayer. Asking God what he wants us to do next and asking the Holy Spirit to lead us. All that is required of us is to show caring, compassion and love when we connect with people, following the practice of Jesus. As John points out, it is about being in a partnership with God, and reflecting Jesus’ values as we build new relationships. 

Churches operating in today’s climate need to be both missional and pastoral. This means encouraging and equipping church members with the means to try new approaches in building friendships and connections with others - and maybe inviting them on occasions to join in with activities and events, such as Alpha. This does not mean bombarding them with constant requests to attend church – just planting a seed which with prayer can help God to carry out his work. 

One of John’s key suggestions is for church leaders to form small missional groups. This may be just a handful of people who come together on a regular basis for a meeting outside of Sunday services. It could be weekly, or monthly, depending on time people are able to devote to it, remembering that even a small amount of time can be used productively. By coming together for scripture readings and prayer, ideas inevitably start to form, inspiring one another to step out and try new things to reach people and draw them in. 

At the same time, it is hugely beneficial to create an informal church community where newcomers will feel comfortable and unchallenged. It is off putting for visitors to fear that they don’t know the ways (or rituals) of the church and feel they may be doing wrong due to their unfamiliarity. Instead, it is more productive to create an environment where people can have fun, feel blessed and be supported. Wanting to return and, who knows, in time encourage others to join in the harvest.

Click on the YouTube link below to hear John’s third talk: ‘Making changes: Restoring missional confidence’

The second of John McGinley’s three Conference talks ‘Nothing has changed: The call to make disciples’ takes the concept of churches moving forward in the midst of declining numbers to the prospect of making new disciples.

John begins the talk by emphasising the enormous potential that can come from just one person bearing Christian witness, citing how many leading evangelists who came to faith in this way have gone on to witness to whole nations.

Following Jesus’ resurrection, the eleven remaining disciples went to Galilee as instructed and Jesus instructed them: ‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ (Matthew 28:19)

As John tells us, the concept of discipleship can be liberating. Jesus knows exactly what to do and in turn shows his disciples what they must do. All they have to do is follow in his footprint – taking the next step.

In light of this the key to effective ministry is to focus on what the next step might be, rather than drawing up an all-encompassing strategy. When we pray to God for inspiration we will already be on the road of what God is asking us to do. This takes all of the pressure away from us because God has already worked out all the details. All we need to do is listen and obey.

Jesus’ model of creating and teaching disciples involved reaching out to whole communities, and encouraging his disciples to follow his example. In today’s churches, however, the typical model is to share faith with people who form part of congregations or small groups, rather than connecting with others outside of the church.  

John bases much of his teaching of discipleship on Luke 10: Jesus sends out the seventy-two. ‘The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves".

The interpretation is that there is a harvest out there - you are not set up to fail, because a need exists and God is already at work in people you will meet. Being sent out like lambs among wolves recognises how difficult and scary it can be to bear witness. The task requires courage and confidence in God with the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Stepping out can be compared to learning to walk. You may stumble sometimes or trip over as you are learning, but reaching out to people with compassion, generosity and prayer could reap a harvest of new evangelists who may have the potential to share their faith with nations!

Click on the YouTube link below to hear John’s second talk: ‘Nothing has changed: The call to make disciples’

This year's Conference speaker, John McGinley, tackled the subject of today's churches, both in the light of the pandemic and diminishing attendance. 

The first of John's three talks 'Everything has Changed: understanding our missional context' looked at how many churches are hanging onto an ideal that worked for them in the past, instead of moving forward in the midst of declining numbers. He asks how can churches change in order to meet today's needs. Society has changed and people do not have the same connection with going to church as they did in the past. As a result many churches have become isolated and irrelevant in modern day lives. What is really hard is to find new ways to reach people, many of whom know nothing about Jesus and his promises.

John cited the traditional church model which continues today: a church building, set within a community, with a leader who sets church rules and  overall agenda. The congregation demographic most often leans towards 60+ age groups and outweighs the number of young people. Typically churches run life groups, bible study sessions, children's activities and teaching, coffee mornings and other opportunities for church members to come together. This model suits the current congregations well, but what does it do to attract those who are firmly outside of the church's vicinity, with no wish to join in?

John boldly points out that clinging on to this tried and tested model may actually be limiting what God can potentially do.

Alternatives require much creative thought in how to engage with people who do not know Jesus. Making a connection with people relies on building relationships, but the difficulty remains of how to introduce faith into those relationships. John suggests that churches should think about going back to the beginning, looking at how Jesus knew how to reach out to people and teach his disciples to do the same. In effect, churches need to go on the same journey as those disciples - which is not an easy task. Jesus was very often outside of what was considered to be acceptable, and Ministers may need to do the same, going where God takes them, which may not be comfortable, rather than staying within the safety of the church walls.

Prayer will always be the best starting point. Asking God to show the way forward. It is not helpful to hold onto the belief that churches are the centre of society, as they were in the past. Throughout history churches have needed to go through a shake up and redefnement that brings them into the present day and drives them forward.

As John says: 'Churches can either compromise by becoming a holy bubble with no connection to world and stay contented in their community, or they can become a creative minority to find new ways of bringing faith and worship alive again'.

John McGinley has 25 years experience in church leadership and is the Executive Director of Myriad and New Wine Director of Church Planting. Over the three-day Conference, John expanded on the theme of 'An Unchanging Gospel in a Changing World' in three encouraging and entertaining sessions: 'Everything has changed: understanding our missional context', 'Nothing has changed: the call to make disciples' and 'Making changes: restoring missional confidence'.

Click on the YouTube link below to hear John's full talk from Day 1: 'Everything has changed: understanding our missional context'

Below are a few pics from the 2021 Conference, kindly snapped by Esther!

Conference talks by John McGinley covering the theme of Everything has Changed: Our Missional Context

Gathering together with the band for family worship

Connexion Youth groups coming together for prayer - and a few challenges!

The theme of this year's Conference was aptly entitled 'An Unchanging Gospel in a Changing World'.

In his opening welcome, President Ken Hart highlighted how over the past two years so many things have changed, resulting from the pandemic. Offering encouragement for each of us to help one another and move forward in unity, understanding the truth and ready to fight the battles that exist in this world. 

To view Ken's full talk, click on the YouTube link below. 

This year's invited speaker, John McGinley, has 25 years experience in church leadership and is the Executive Director of Myriad and New Wine Director of Church Planting. Over the three days, John expanded on the theme of 'An Unchanging Gospel in a Changing World' in three encouraging and entertaining sessions: 'Everything has changed: understanding our missional context', 'Nothing has changed: the call to make disciples' and 'Making changes: restoring missional confidence'.

Click on the YouTube links below to hear each of John's inspirational talks. (NB - apologies that the second recording is missing a few minutes at the end - but happily John gives a recap in the third session!) 

Talk 1: Everything has Changed: Understanding our Missional Context

 Talk 2: Nothing has Changed: The Call to Make Disciples

 Talk 3: Making Changes: Restoring Missional Confidence

Members of the Connexion community have enjoyed coming together again for the 2021 Conference. Having been cancelled twice due to the Covid pandemic, this has made it an even more special event!

The Connexion Conference is the main event of the year for our church members to share in worship, prayer and teaching. It creates a wonderful opportunity for the people who form our network of 22 churches to keep in touch and make new friendships.

This year we were delighted to welcome John McGinley as the Key Speaker. Over the three days John’s teaching embraced the theme of 'An Unchanging Gospel in a Changing World'

The three sessions included 'Everything has changed: understanding our missional context', 'Nothing has changed: the call to make disciples' and 'Making changes:  restoring missional confidence'.

John led Holy Trinity Church in Leicester for 11 years, where he oversaw the development of missional communities and church planting teams. He then went on to take on new challenges as Head of Church Planting Development for New Wine and the Development Enabler for the Archbishop’s College of Evangelists.

John is the author of Mission Shaped Grace and Mission Shaped Living, which voice his desire to equip people to be confident disciples, who inspire others to become new disciples of Jesus.

In addition to John’s teaching the Conference agenda included prayer groups and family worship, reports from the Trustees and news updates from the Sierra Leone Mission – which is a passion rooted in every member's heart. 

Paul Woodbridge led a special 'Pastor to the Pastors' session the enable our ministers to share news and ideas between churches and our youth and young children were fully occupied with group activities.

Free time gave everyone a chance to catch up with old friends over a cup of coffee and some delicious cakes, and the Countess Maze after-dinner entertainment on Tuesday offered a challenging (and likely amusing) variation on the popular Crystal Maze TV series.

We look forward to receiving some photos and hearing more news following the event – and look ahead to the next Conference in 2022!

If you haven't already booked your place for the 2021 Conference, which takes place from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 October, please do so now! - a link to the booking form is below.

Trustee, Ben Quant has asked if as many bookings as possible can be recorded by the end of September to give him a true sense of expected numbers.

A schedule and timetable have now been drawn up (though these could be subject to some alteration, depending on attendance numbers).  

Monday

After arrival and lunch, the Conference will open with the President's Welcome, which will be followed by the first of John McGinley's talks.

After dinner there will be a session with Paul Woodbridge 'Pastor to the Pastors' to share news from our Connexion churches.

Tuesday

The day begins with prayer groups and family worship, followed by John McGinley's second talk and the Trustees' AGM.

After lunch, the Sierra Leone Mission will be speaking about 'Exciting News!' (that sounds good!). This will be followed by tea and some free time to mingle and catch up with old friends - and if the weather is good, a chance to sit out on the lovely terraces at High Leigh.

After dinner you can look forward to the Crystal... (sorry) Countess Maze!

Wednesday

This is the final day of the Conference, opening with prayer groups, followed by John McGinley's third talk.

After coffee there will be a Worship Service for all the family, with some feedback from the children and youth groups about what they've been getting up to.

The Conference will officially close after lunch on Wednesday. As always, everyone will have enjoyed a wonderful time! - possibly even more so this year having been apart from friends for nearly two years!

Click here for the full Conference Timetable

Booking

As time is pressing on, we would be grateful for bookings to be made before the end of the month (30 September). Having numbers in advance will be extremely valuable in making the event the best it can be!

Please complete the Conference Booking Form and return by 30 September to reserve your places and accommodation. Either post the completed booking form to the address (at the bottom of the form) or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Conference dates are Monday 25 - Wednesday 27 October. It is possible to attend the whole event or on selected days. The booking form shows prices for overnight accommodation and also the costs for day visitors and meals.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The schedule and timings have now been drawn up for the 2021 Conference, which takes place from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 October (though please bear in mind that the timetable is provisional at this stage).

This brief outline is followed by a link to the full Conference Timetable and the Conference Booking Form.

Monday

After arrival and lunch, the Conference will open with the President's Welcome, which will be followed by the first of John McGinley's talks.

After dinner there will be a session with Paul Woodbridge 'Pastor to the Pastors' to share news from our Connexion churches.

Tuesday

The day begins with prayer groups and family worship, followed by John McGinley's second talk and the Trustees' AGM.

After lunch, the Sierra Leone Mission will be speaking about 'Exciting News!' (that sounds good!). This will be followed by tea and some free time to mingle and catch up with old friends - and if the weather is good, a chance to sit out on the lovely terraces at High Leigh.

After dinner you can look forward to the Crystal... (sorry) Countess Maze!

Wednesday

This is the final day of the Conference, opening with prayer groups, followed by John McGinley's third talk.

After coffee there will be a Worship Service for all the family, with some feedback from the children and youth groups about what they've been getting up to.

The Conference will officially close after lunch on Wednesday. As always, everyone will have enjoyed a wonderful time! - possibly even more so this year having been apart from friends for nearly two years!

Click here for the full Conference Timetable

Booking

As time is pressing on, we would be grateful for bookings to be made before the end of the month (30 September). Having numbers in advance will be extremely valuable in making the event the best it can be!

Please complete the Conference Booking Form and return by 30 September to reserve your places and accommodation. Either post the completed booking form to the address (at the bottom of the form) or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Conference dates are Monday 25 - Wednesday 27 October. It is possible to attend the whole event or on selected days. The booking form shows prices for overnight accommodation and also the costs for day visitors and meals.

We are delighted to welcome John McGinley as the Key Speaker at the 2021 Conference, which takes place from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 October.

Over the three days John will be speaking on the theme:
'An Unchanging Gospel in a Changing World'

Session 1 
'Everything has changed:  understanding our missional context'

Session 2
'Nothing has changed: the call to make disciples'

Session 3 
'Making changes:  restoring missional confidence'

John's background

John recently concluded his position as the Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Leicester, where he led the church for 11 years and oversaw the development of missional communities and church planting teams. He will still remain as part of the team at Leicester, but in addition has taken on two new challenges as Head of Church Planting Development for New Wine and the Development Enabler for the Archbishop’s College of Evangelists. 

John is the author of Mission Shaped Grace and Mission Shaped Living, which give voice to his desire to inspire confidence and equip people to be disciples that go on to make new disciples of Jesus Christ. He is married to Bridget and they have two grown-up daughters (as well as a slightly mad springer spaniel!). 

In addition to his passion for evangelism, John also has a great love of sport. He is a season ticket holder at Leicester City FC (although it has to be admitted that he is actually a life-long supporter of Liverpool FC).

John's presence at the 2021 Conference will be a great blessing for our Connexion members, bringing enlightenment and inspiration!

Book now!

Complete the Conference Booking Form now to reserve your places and accommodation. The event runs from 11am Monday 25 October to lunchtime on Wednesday 27 October. As in previous years, the venue is High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, which has excellent facilities set in beautiful grounds.

Click here for Conference Booking Form

It is a hugely popular event and a wonderful way for the Connexion Community to come together. The Conference provides opportunities for prayer, worship, learning, discussion, inspiration, friendship and fun!

There will be a programme of activities for young children and the Youth Conference for teenagers will run alongside the main Conference.

We look forward to seeing you there!.