July's National Gathering - "brilliant"

 Inspire's National Gathering, held in July, received positive feedback from those who gathered in Derby for the event. The day's theme was 'Transforming Encounters - mission as a way of life' and the various elements of the programme enabled those present to reflect on how mission derives from God's transforming encounter with us, and then is outworked in our transforming encounters with those we meet every day.

Inspire's Director, Phil Meadows, gave the keynote address and also led a seminar on the ways in which spiritual disciplines become the wellspring of missional life. We also ran a seminar introducing Inspire for those attending for the first time and another exploring the connection between being in a small accountability group and fulfilling one's missional potential.

Alongside the programme for adults there was an Inspire4Kids programme, in which primary aged children were helped to explore Inspire's 'way of life' through an age-appropriate range of activities. By all accounts - they had a great time!

One feature of this year's conference was the time allowed for delegates to meet in small groups for reflection, discussion and prayer. The aim was to give a 'mini-taster' of what being in an Inspire fellowship band might be like. Feedback suggests that some of these groups worked better than others, but for some they were "very useful", "very helpful indeed' and one person shared that they had found it "great to share in small groups".

The day began and ended with worship and many delegates expressed their appreciation of the way in which the worship set the context for the day. The following comment was typical: "the conference was brilliant- that opening worship was amazing and the whole day did me a power of good!"

We are thrilled that since the Gathering we have heard of four new fellowship bands coming into existence - and others in the process of being formed. If you missed the Gathering do keep an eye on the events page on this website, as we may well be coming to a place near you over the coming year and it would be great to see you there!