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.
Discipling
The seminar streams followed the disciple-ship theme, focusing on the different needs in our churches. Dave Patty from Josiah Venture – a youth ministry in Europe – led sessions on discipling children and young people, while Kathleen Nielson – Director of Women’s Initiatives at the Gospel Coalition – looked at how churches can best disciple women. Steve Midgley from Christ Church Cambridge led sessions looking at the theme of Biblical Counselling, while Jeremy McQuoid from Deeside Christian Fellowship in Aberdeen looked at the theme of leading a church of disciple-makers. This year the conference was completely sold out, with more than 550 men and women gathered at Seacroft Holiday Village in Hemsby, Norfolk. John Stevens said: ‘The age profile continues to drop and it is thrilling to see so many younger men and women in church leadership attending the conference.’
