In Depth:  Phil Topham

More than 200 women gathered in Wrexham in late March for the annual North Wales Women’s Conference.

The conference was titled ‘Impossible Love’ and focussed on the book of Hosea with teaching from Karen Soole, chair of the Northern Women’s Convention.

Over 150 people gathered near Milton Keynes in January for The Hub Conference, an annual gathering organised by The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), designed for those on their journey into Free church ministry.

Those considering the call to be pastors, pastors’ wives, youth and children’s workers and women’s workers enjoyed seminars, worship and Bible teaching from Paul Mallard. The Hub also gave representatives from UK training colleges the chance to engage with people on their ministry journey. Delegates were able to meet with experienced ministers and ministry couples from Independent churches to pray with them and receive help and advice.

More than 190 Independ-ent churches were represented at the annual Leaders’ Conference organised by the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) in November.

The theme of ‘Ready, Eager, Devoted’ was taken from the book of Titus. FIEC National Director John Stevens explained that Titus teaches everyone sound doctrine and that the fruit of this teaching should be godliness. The great challenge for Christian leaders is to be those who model this godliness to others.

Pastors and leaders from FIEC churches across Wales gathered for a 24-hour meeting at the end of April to discuss how best to serve the gospel in the Principality.

The FIEC Wales Consultation was an opportunity to hear about the work God is doing in Wales, to encourage pastors and to pray together. Delegates discussed the history of evangelicalism in Wales and reflected on the unique challenges of ministering in a country which has its own language and is largely rural.

Around 100 men gathered at Gwersyllt Congregational Church in Wrexham for the annual North Wales Men’s Conference on October 5.

Steve Timmis from Acts 29 / WEST was the guest speaker and took up the theme ‘Everyday Gospel’, challenging the men to remember that Christ is enough and to live good and attractive lives.