More than 60 men and women from across the UK have a spring in their step after gathering in the West Midlands for ‘The Hub’ – a conference for those considering, starting, or training for a role in church ministry.
The conference, organised by the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), aims to help men and women navigate the journey into church ministry. People attended from a variety of backgrounds and situations: those considering working in a church, those currently in training, and those looking for a first role in a church context.
The weekend included preaching from Andy Rees (Lead Pastor at CityGates Church, Norwich) and Trevor Archer (FIEC Director for London), sung worship, interviews, time for prayer, and time for reflection.
More than 30 experienced gospel workers were also invited to offer advice and counsel to the prospective church workers. They included pastors and their wives, women’s workers, leaders from Bible schools, and FIEC staff, with decades of church ministry life to share. Each attendee was linked with one of these helpers to offer a chance to ask questions and share their hopes and fears.
Matt Horry, a seminary student who attended the conference, said: ‘I’ve massively valued being around experienced pastors and gospel workers who are excited to help me think and pray through the next steps – whether that be serving Jesus in paid ministry or not. Seeing a room full of people thinking similarly was also hugely encouraging.’
