Then on Day Two, we began with Morning Prayer led by Archdeacons Kathryn Percival and Bob White, followed by a Bible study based on John 15 led by the Ven Steve Daughtery. He focussed on being ‘Jesus-centred’, learning to be with Jesus or ‘remaining in him’. He explained that clergy and lay leaders can assume their primary identity is in their ministry, rather than in their time actually spent with Jesus.

The Rev Neil Smart, our Lead for Revive, then hosted a session during which he introduced the Rev Ryan Cook to talk about his book on clergy wellbeing, and the Rev Jo Lorimer to talk about her experience in one of our diocese’s Cairns. The Rev Philippa Mills introduced the idea of Pastoral Supervision to delegates – a boundaried space, with structured sessions looking at people’s ministries, rather than their relationship with God.

The Rev Matt Grove, our Lead for Lay Ministry and Discipleship, then talked about developments in lay ministry, including our new course for Authorised Lay Ministers, a new online learning platform, and courses for churchwardens and parish administrators.

In the afternoon, the Rev Andrew Axon, Lead for Revitalise, hosted a session in which he introduced Emma Sneddon to talk about Anna Chaplaincy, our diocese’s ministry to the spiritual needs of older people. Emma interviewed the Rev Lizzie Davidson, who has led an Anna Café Church based at St James Church, Emsworth.

Heather Powney and Becca Chamberlain, who advise parishes on children, youth and families ministry, then interviewed the Rev Jonathan Jeffery and Kathy Bacon about their work at Park Community School. Kathy has become a pioneer youth worker in the school, offering a ministry of presence and support for students and staff. Heather also interviewed the Rev Hugo Deadman about the work of Choir Church in St Michael's Church, Pauslgrove.

In the late afternoon there was a chance to play rounders or board games, engage in creative activities or to create a new altar from a circular piece of wood. Then, after the Eucharist and dinner, comedian Neil Mullarkey led a session in which delegates were encouraged to improvise with each other, learning vital lessons about how communication works.

The final day, Day Three, began with Morning Prayer led by the Rev Emma Racklyeft, and the second Bible study led by the Ven Steve Daughtery. This time, he focussed on John 13, where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, and what that means for us as ‘Kingdom-seeking disciples’. He urged delegates to imitate Jesus, expressing our kingdom-shaped ministry via the equivalent of wrapping a towel around our waists.

The Rev Andrew Hargreaves, our Director of Ministry and Discipleship, hosted a session on Renew, interviewing the Rev Kath Message. Ten years ago, she was part of a church plant from St Peter’s, Brighton, that created Harbour Church in Portsmouth. She was then ordained and is now team vicar at St Alban’s Church, Copnor, part of the Harbour Church family. She explained how church planting with a small group means everyone in that group has to play a part.

Andrew then introduced two videos showcasing the work of lay pioneers in starting new worshipping communities. One showed the work of Ali Mascarenhas, a lay pioneer who created a worship space in a churchyard in Brighstone on the Isle of Wight, and leads Celtic worship and a group that creates mosaic art projects. The other showed what is currently happening in Boorley Green where a new church serving more than 2,000 households will be launched later this month. The videos can be seen here: