They came from all across the North – from Lincoln, Whitby, Flint, Keswick, Doncaster – and met together in a gym hall in Mirfield. The North of England Conference for leaders started in an evangelical church in Whitby in 1988 and has met every year since.
The topic for March 8 was ‘Caring for all God’s church’ and the keynote speaker was to have been Richard Underwood (FIEC). Sadly, ill health prevented Richard from ministering. However, as is often the case, the stand-ins acquitted themselves superbly.
Loving and forgiving
Mike Plant (EFCC) opened on Friday evening, speaking on the subject, ‘Loving the way Jesus does’. On Saturday, Graham Heaps (Dewsbury) gave papers on ‘Caring for all God's church - whose job is it?’ and ‘Caring for fringe members’. Malcolm MacGregor (Ipswich), who preached the conference sermon at the inaugural conference back in 1988, closed proceedings with ‘Forgiveness in the caring church’. In between, John Harris (Mirfield) gave an insight into the life of Lord Shaftesbury; there was an update on the work of Caring for Life (Leeds); and those present were able to choose from five outstanding one-hour seminars on issues facing the church today. The ‘graveyard slot’ (immediately after lunch) was excellently filled by news of conversions from attending churches. Hearing how our Lord and Saviour is continuing to build his church proved to be a superb way to start the afternoon session and was such an encouragement to all attending.
