This conference is for everyone involved in Christian ministry and mission among children, young people and families. The Growing Faith lens of deepening our understanding of the intersections between church, home and school with the child or young person at the centre will focus the conference. The emphasis will be on seeing where God is at work and discerning together how each of us can join in the Kingdom work of planting and uprooting in our own contexts.
The conference aims to share valuable, cutting-edge research in the field of children and youth mission and ministry in ways that are accessible to a diverse range of learners. We will hear from key speakers who are actively engaged in theological research and practical ministry in this area and will learn to reflect theologically in small groups on what we hear. There will be the chance to watch an artist interpreting the talks. There will be sessions to explore research findings that interest you through visual posters and one to one discussion with researchers. And of course there will be the opportunity to learn from each other, to worship together and enjoy fellowship over meals and a drink or two in the evening.
Growing Faith is the movement that exists to change the culture of the Church of England so that everyone instinctively puts children and young people at the heart of all we do as a church. The Foundation is effecting culture change through prayer, Hubs, Networks, Programmes, and Research.
Ripon College, Cuddesdon is a theological college just outside Oxford. It was established in 1854 by Bishop Samuel Wilberforce, whose vision was for a college independent of any specific Church faction, and with a focus on the discipline of daily prayer and spiritual formation. A merger with Ripon Hall in the 1970s, forming Ripon College Cuddesdon, brought in new resources and fresh thinking, and helped develop a new and open approach to theological study.
Programme:
Wednesday 29th May 2024
11.00 onwards: Arrival and coffee
11.45: Join the Cuddesdon community in church for all age worship
(optional)
12.30: Lunch
1.45-1.55: Welcome and prayer
2.00-2.40: Input 1 & 2
2.45-3.30: Poster Presentations
3.30-4.00: Tea
4.00-4.40: Input 1 & 2
4.45-5.45: Reflective discussion in smaller groups
6.00: Dinner
7.30-8.30: Launch of the Growing Faith Research Journal, and Poster Presentations
Thursday 30th May 2024
7.30: Join the Cuddesdon community for BCP in chapel (optional)
8.15-9.00: Breakfast
9.00: Join the Cuddesdon community for Morning Prayer in chapel (optional)
9.30-10.10: Input 3 & 4
10.15-11.00: Input 3 & 4
11.00-11.30: Coffee
11.30-12.10: Reflective discussion in smaller groups
12.15-12.30: Final words
12.30: Lunch and depart