Maximise 2025: Nurturing future church leaders

‘Fan the flame’ was the theme of the Maximise 2025 conference held in January, an annual event aimed at encouraging ministry trainees, interns and apprentices who are dipping their toes into local church ministry.

This year's conference saw close to 100 people gather for all or part of the time and included trainees from all over the country and a broad leadership team representing numerous training institutions, ministries, networks and churches. It was once again a chance to come together for encouragement, equipping and exploring a future in vocational ministry. For many attending, the event proves the high point of their year.

A series of expositions through 2 Timothy formed the backbone of the teaching content. These were provided by Andy Mason (Co-mission), Andy Rees (FIEC), Robbie Strachan (Church of England) and Orlando Saer (9:38).

Those present also had times in small groups for prayer and feedback on talks or Bible study outlines they had prepared. A range of seminars addressed topics including decision-making for ministry, cross-cultural ministry, mental health and ministry and personal formation. And individual mentoring sessions were provided to discuss personal issues and circumstances affecting how they saw their future.

‘There was plenty of fun and general encouragement’, said Orlando Saer. ‘But we all felt the solemnity of the call – to guard the good deposit, to preach the word and to set ourselves apart from the world in line with Paul’s repeated challenge: “but as for you…” And I personally was delighted by the seriousness with which so many of those present – largely adults aged 21-32 – were contemplating their ministry futures.’

There has been much concern in the evangelical world recently about recruitment of future leaders for our churches. 9:38 is seeking – under God – to be active in helping churches to identify, nurture and train such individuals.