Resources and Information
Disability Awareness Sunday - 28 September 2025
Join churches across the UK in marking Disability Awareness Sunday – a time to celebrate God’s image in every person! – and download the new resource pack from disability charity Through the Roof (www.throughtheroof.org).
“My hearing had gone… my legs wouldn’t move: God’s image was still in me.” This year’s free resource is on the theme Made in God’s Image. It features Emily Owen, an award-winning Christian author, who became deaf at 21 and now lives with multiple disabilities. In her video and resource, she shares how God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16), not outward ability.
All matter as ALL are in God’s image
No matter our challenges, we’re all ‘wonderfully made’ in God’s image – and when churches fully welcome disabled people, everyone is blessed. Sadly, 72% of disabled people in the UK report facing negative attitudes (Scope). Joining church can be a challenge. That’s why this REALY matters.
Use the official date, 28 September – or any Sunday – to spark conversations with Disability Awareness Sunday and take a step towards disability inclusion.
FREE resource for churches!
The free downloadable pack includes Emily’s video, songs, prayers, sermon ideas, and handouts reminding us ‘All are made in God’s image’. Download your copy now:
💻 Get the free pack at: throughtheroof.org/forchurches/disability-awareness-sunday
📽 Show the video. Pray together. Celebrate every member of Christ’s Body.
Youthscape Essentials
Youthscape Essentials provides all-round training for every volunteer youth leader. It’s also ideal for those who are new to youth ministry, those with no formal youthwork training or anyone returning after a gap.
The course covers 30 essential elements of youthwork, delivered across 10 sessions or in a way that works for your context. Each session is divided into three parts; providing ‘Insights’ into the lives of young people, learning ‘Practical Skills ’ to assist with youth work, and reflecting on love as the foundation for youth ministry, to 'develop character'. Whatever your role in youth ministry; whether paid or voluntary, Sunday morning bible studies or mid-week youth groups, regular baptism classes or occasionally helping out, then Youthscape Essentials is for you!
The next available course dates are:
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17 Sept 2025 (Wednesdays, 7.15pm-9.15pm)
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13 Jan 2026 (Tuesdays, 7.15pm-9.15pm (10 Sessions))
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13 Apr 2026 (Mondays, 7.15pm-9.15pm (8 Sessions))
It’s also possible to host the course for those in your church or community. Just sign up to attend a Hosting Workshop on the YSE webpage to find out more.
Weblink: For further info, check out the FAQs on our webpage: www.youthscape.co.uk/yse
The Centre for Baptist Studies
Baptist Perspectives on Science & Religion
24 & 25 September 2025 / Regent's Park College, Oxford
This two-day conference will be held at Regent’s Park College, Oxford and is free to attend, including meals and accommodation if needed. An extensive line-up of renowned speakers will address the History, Issues, and Theology of Baptist engagement with the sciences. For more details and the full programme visit:
https://www.rpc.ox.ac.uk/event/baptist-perspectives-on-science-and-religion/
If you are interested in attending, please contact the administrator who will send you a registration form: alan.kerry@regents.ox.ac.uk
St Hild College (Centre for Church Planting and Centre for Baptist Ministry)
Both/And Church: Micro Meets Congregation
Integrating Micro-Church and Disciple-Making practices into Established Congregations and Church Plants
Tuesday 16 September 2025, 10am-3pm with lunch break
A free Online Symposium
Could the church be revitalised by linking the missional effectiveness and leadership development strengths of micro-churches and ‘disciple making movements’ with the stability and resources of traditional church structures?
A number of years into this emerging trend, what can we learn from each other? What reflections and honest assessments do the micro-church practitioners offer on their approach and fruitfulness? What could traditional models of church learn and integrate so as to become more missionally and pastorally effective?
Join this half-day online symposium as we explore these emerging hybrid ‘best of both’ models and identify practical approaches for enhancing community outreach and spiritual formation. This is a forum to hear and discuss our theological, missiological, ecclesiological and practical reflections, within the mixed ecology of the UK church. We encourage contributions on the day from practitioners in various situations.
For booking and more information, click here.
The College of Preachers
Preaching in Advent
Monday 27 October 2025, 10.00-13.00 | online via Zoom
Advent is a time of preparation - both for the Church's celebration of Christmas, but also for the coming of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness. As such, it blends joyful anticipation with penitence. In this workshop, we will consider themes appropriate to the season of Advent and how we can approach and present these in creative ways. The workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Neil Richardson, Methodist minister and former President of the British Methodist Conference. Neil is a New Testament scholar, and former Principal of Wesley College, Bristol. He is the author of several works. Booking closes 23 October.
Preaching Matthew’s Gospel
Monday 3 November 2025, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Matthew brings a very specific perspective to his gospel, including some unique narratives, such as the visit of the Wise Men to Bethlehem, and frequent references to Old Testament prophecies. This workshop will examine Matthew's Gospel and how preachers can use its unique perspective to bring the gospel message to life in new ways. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr A.K.M. Adam. Dr Adam is a lecturer in New Testament at Oxford University and a Church of England parish priest in the Oxford Diocese. Booking closes 30 October.
Preaching the Christmas Story
Saturday 15 November 2025, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
The Christmas story is a familiar one. So much so, in fact, that it can be daunting to preach it. In this workshop, we will look at the Christmas readings from Luke's and John's Gospels, and consider how we can approach these from new angles and fresh perspectives in our preaching. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is the Director of Training for the College of Preachers and worked for over 10 years in theological education. She is also a priest in the Church of England, currently serving in a parish in the Diocese of Oxford. Booking closes 12 November.
Preaching the Women of the Gospels
Monday 17 November 2025, 18.30-21.00 | online via Zoom
The gospels feature a number of women and without their stories, the story of Jesus would be incomplete. So why don't we hear about them very often in sermons? This workshop will look at some of these women's stories, how we can preach about them, and why it matters that we do so. This workshop will be led by the Revd Liz Shercliff, tutor at Luther King Centre, Manchester. Ticket prices: general, £12; ministry student, £10. Booking closes 13 November 2025.
Preaching at Weddings
Monday, 12 January 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Jennifer Brown
This workshop will consider the Christian theology of marriage, what preachers hope to achieve through the sermons preached at weddings, biblical texts suitable for weddings, and how to craft a wedding sermon. This workshop is ideal for those starting out in their preaching ministry, and is also suitable for experienced preachers who want to refresh their preaching at weddings. The workshop will be led by the Revd Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is Rector-designate of the parish of Abingdon-on-Thames and former Director of Training for the College of Preachers. She is also an experienced theological educator. Booking closes 8 January 2026
Preaching in Lent
Monday, 26 January 2026, 14.00-16.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: A.K.M. Adam
In this workshop, we'll explore some of the Lenten themes found in the gospels of Matthew and John, and the ways in which they point us through Lent, toward the resurrection, and how we can effectively communicate these in our preaching in the season of Lent. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr A.K.M. Adam. Dr Adam is a lecturer in New Testament at Oxford University and a Church of England parish priest in the Oxford Diocese. Booking closes 22 January 2026
Preaching Easter to Pentecost
Saturday, 7 February 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Martin Little
Easter is the great festival of the Christian Church - the heart of the good news of Jesus. But the story of Easter doesn't end at Easter. In this workshop, we will explore how to preach for the three festivals of Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost, and will also look at the post-resurrection encounters that take us through the season of Eastertide. This workshop will be led by The Revd Martin Little, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Headington Quarry, Oxford. Martin has previously ministered in an area of significant social deprivation within Somerset where, together with The Revd Jo Stobart, he was part of the initiative Grass Roots Theology, bringing free open-access theology days to locations around Somerset. Booking closes 4 February 2026
Preaching with Power: How to Prepare & Deliver Effective Sermons
Thursday, 12 February 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Samuel Thomas
Powerful preaching enables us to reach hearts and minds, to challenge, to comfort, and to present the good news of Jesus in a persuasive way. A powerful sermon requires careful preparation, clear structure, and effective delivery. This workshop will look at how we as preachers can prepare and deliver sermons that enable us to preach with power. In our preparation and delivery, Holy Spirit is present with us. The Revd Samuel A Thomas, MTh, FRSA is an ordained bishop and pastor in the New Testament Church of God (UK) Pentecostal denomination, with over 30 years preaching experience. Booking closes 9 February 2026
Preaching with the Lectionary
Thursday, 12 March 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Stephen Wright
For preachers in those denominations that use the lectionary, it can be a powerful tool. But the lectionary can also sometimes feel restrictive. This workshop will look at how we can best use the lectionary to create meaningful sermons that bring the scriptures to life for our congregations today. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Stephen Wright. Prior to his retirement, Stephen was Vice-Principal of Spurgeon's College. He is an experienced tutor in biblical studies and practical theology. He was formerly Director of the College of Preachers, and has authored several books on preaching. Booking closes 9 March 2026
Preaching and Poetry
Monday 16 March 2026, 10.30–13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Michael Hopkins
Poetry has always been part of God’s way of speaking: woven through the psalms, the prophets, and even the words of Jesus himself. Yet in our preaching, poetry can often be overlooked or flattened into prose. This workshop will explore how poetry can deepen our preaching: by sharpening imagery, stirring the imagination, and helping us proclaim God’s truth in ways that touch both heart and mind. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Michael Hopkins. Michael is an ordained minister in the United Reformed Church with more than 25 years' preaching experience. He currently serves as Moderator of the URC's Wessex Synod, and has previously served and Clerk of the URC General Assembly. Booking closes 12 March 2026
How to Use Humour in Preaching
Monday, 23 March 2026, 10.30-12.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Paul Kerensa
You may already use humour in your preaching. You may have run a mile from it. You may know what style of humour works for you. You may have no idea. Let’s look at some ideas for writing comedy and using it in your storytelling - as we bring the greatest story ever told to fresh ears. Come ready to write and get creative - and bring some jokes or tales if you like… but no pressure! This workshop will be led by Paul Kerensa. Paul is a writer, comedian and broadcaster, working in TV, radio, print and the stage. Paul has been on the writing team for numerous BBC sitcoms and other programmes. His books include So a Comedian Walks Into a Church (DLT), Hark! The Biography of Christmas (Lion), and a range of children’s books, including the new Fantastically Faithful series (SPCK). Booking closes 19 March 2026
Preaching to the Non-Religious
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 18.30-20.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Gus Tanner-Ihm
All preachers will have moments when their congregations will include those who are non-religious. How can we preach in ways that will speak to them and communicate the gospel effectively? In this workshop, we will explore this question, looking at language and style of preaching and how we can reach the non-religious with an invitation to hear and respond to the Good News. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Gus Tanner-Ihm. Gus is a Church of England priest in the Diocese of Manchester. He is actively engaged in racial justice initiatives and efforts to help the Church grow younger by fostering greater engagement with children, youth, and young adults. In addition to his parish ministry, Gus is also a theological educator. Booking closes 10 April 2026
Lessons for the Preacher to Learn from Jack Reacher
Monday, 27 April 2026, 14.00-16.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Laurence Twaddle
We, as preachers, have a lot to learn from the discipline of keeping our content and presentation tight, stripped of padding, focused on the idea. The Jack Reacher style of communication has pace, vividness, and engagement while avoiding jargon, showmanship and ego. In this workshop, we will explore how we, as preachers, can learn to harness this style of communication to convey the great truths of the Gospel. This workshop will be led by Laurence Twaddle. Now retired, Laurence was for many years a Church of Scotland minister whose ministry covered parishes in town and countryside and latterly eight years in Geneva. In the course of his ministry, he supervised several new ministers in training. He is a regular contributor to The Preacher magazine. Booking closes 23 April 2026
Further details, including pricing, and booking links for workshops and the conference can be found on the College of Preachers’ website, www.collegeofpreachers.co.uk/events.
Baptists Together
Ripples of Change
Friday 17 October 2025, 2pm
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, WC2H 8EP
Sam Sharpe Lecture "Free Indeed: From Theological Mis-Education to Teaching for Liberation"
Monday 27 October 2025, 7pm
University of East London, Docklands Campus, University Way, London, E16 2RD
Speaker: Dr Selina Stone
Dr Selina Stone is Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. She is the author of Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith (2023) and The Spirit and the Body: Towards a Womanist Pentecostal Social Justice Ethic (2023). Her research explores Black/womanist ethics, the Spirit and spirituality, power, abuse and liberation, and healing and wellbeing.
Prior to her post in Edinburgh, Dr Stone worked with Durham University on decolonisation and theological education, with a particular focus on ministerial training. She holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham and an MA in Theology and Politics from King’s College London.
A member of the National Executive Committee for the Society for the Study of Theology, Dr Stone is also a podcaster, preacher, and a sought-after speaker across academic, faith, and charitable sectors. She is a proud Brummie with Jamaican roots.
Dr Selina Stone is a popular and well-respected theologian and speaker. We recommend you register as early as possible so as not to miss an inspiring and challenging Sam Sharpe lecture.
For more information and ticket details, click here.
Baptist Assembly 2026 United in Mission: Gathering and Sharing
Harrogate Convention Centre
15-17 May 2026
