A Spirit-Filled Three Days at Diocesan Conference 2025
“I truly sensed God stirring hearts afresh to prayer and praise.”
This week, clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese gathered at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick for 48 hours of prayer, worship and teaching at the annual Diocesan Conference. This year’s theme was ‘Fresh Encounter: Inspiring Worship, Nurturing Prayer’. It was such a special time of worshipping God together, hearing stories from around the diocese, thought-provoking talks from keynote speakers Christopher Ash and Becky Drake. There were also lots of opportunities to catch up with colleagues and meet new people. Here’s a rundown of the three days:
Monday
On Monday, after a moving time of opening worship delegates were warmly welcomed by Bishop Paul, who opened the conference with reflections on the theme “Lions on the road, love on the way,” based on Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
He encouraged us to have courage and confidence in the Lord and the gospel, to be bolder in prayer, expecting God to move in power, to do more of what we already celebrate, to proclaim Christ more boldly, and to grow in holiness, humility and love.
“Confidence will unite us, and even as we engage in the task of growing, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to examine where our confidence truly lies.”
Following the talk, Rich Atkinson (Woven Churches) led a powerful time of intercession with everyone joining together in praying for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit across the diocese.
After dinner, the first of three focused sessions began. Christopher Ash is Writer-in-Residence at Tyndale House and his writing mostly focuses on the Psalms. Over the three days, Christopher shared reflections on three Psalms in particular. On Monday he began with Psalm 45: “Love That Transcends All Love”. He reminded us that Jesus, the most eligible bridegroom, has chosen us and that His deepest desire is intimacy with those He loves. Christopher encouraged us to renew our vision of the Bridegroom and, as His bride, to recognise the majesty, adoration and beauty of Jesus Christ to whom we are joined.
One delegate reflected on the day: “A highlight for me today was seeing over 100 hands in the air worshipping God. That was really, really special.”
Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, Christopher continued his reflections with Psalms 74, “A Psalm for a Troubled Church.” He invited us to look honestly at the misery within the church and to feel it deeply, urging us to grieve yet remain steadfast in faith, praying for God to act according to His promises.
“We need to learn the grace and strange blessing of lament.”
A special moment was set aside to pray for the new Apprentice Track interns joining us for the day.
After a coffee break, Becky Drake from Worship For Everyone led a thought-provoking session on intergenerational worship, reminding us that God cares deeply about unity across generations and that worship can engage everyone together. Founded in 2010 by Nick and Becky Drake at St Paul’s Hammersmith, Worship For Everyone has a rich history of fostering truly all-age worship. Becky now serves as School Chaplain at The Bluecoat School in Birmingham.
Becky reflected how in 2 Chronicles 20, children and young people were actively present as the people worshipped into battle. Becky emphasised that children are not “Christians in waiting”; they experience God firsthand alongside adults. When children feel seen and needed, it fosters a profound sense of belonging and nurtures long-term missional impact. A highlight of the session for many was Becky leading the room in a song ‘God is Good’ – with actions!
“Elevate children, engage adults and enjoy God!”
Tuesday afternoon offered time to reconnect with colleagues, enjoy the conference centre grounds, or seek advice from the central support team at Jubilee House.
Before dinner, delegates could choose from five prayer labs: Praying With and For Families with Becky Drake; Hearing God for Others with John Lees-Robinson & Sam Watkins-Smith; Battles & Blessings with Eden Parris & Marsha Farmer; Contemplative Prayer with Kristine Mole & Lianna Basdeo; and Pilgrimage: Prayer in Motion with Mark Fraser & Amanda Lees.
One delegate reflected on the day: “I’ve never really focused on the Psalms before, but Christopher’s insights have inspired me to spend more time in them.”
Wednesday
The final morning began with a joyful time of worship followed by a reading from Psalm 145. Christopher Ash led a final session on ‘sustaining a life of praise’. Emphasising on Psalm 145:21 “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” He encouraged the delegates to be an example of unreserved and unending praise.
“Jesus our king is the one who leads us in our praise. He is our congregation and worship leader.”
After a coffee break, there was a time to gather with others local leaders in deanery groups to share stories and pray for one another. A closing eucharist was led by Archdeacon Tors Ramsey and Bishop Andy.
Another delegate shared, “This was a refreshing three days. The intercessions and prayer labs were my highlight and I truly sensed God stirring hearts afresh to prayer and praise.”
It was a wonderful three days, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s conference! The recordings of each of the main session talks will be available to listen back to in the coming weeks, as well as a chance to see further highlights from the conference. If you were there this year, what was your highlight? Get in touch to let us know here.
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