Influence

We live in changing times and God is doing lots of exciting things on the fringe of the Church. Some of these exciting stories and initiatives are failing to be heard. At SJI, we are keen to provide a platform where some of this new thinking can be expressed, challenged and made practical.

Influence is a short retreat at Cliff College aimed at those involved in Church leadership. It will include:

Input from pioneering leaders from a range of backgrounds including fresh expressions of church, PR and marketing and social justice.An opportunity to meet with experts in these fields and practically work through how these concepts relate to your locality.Time to share your story and to hear other stories from a local level around the country.Space for prayer, reflection, worship and ministry.Time to have a laugh and kick back with new friends.

Influence is open to people of all ages and church backgrounds.

Download our flyer for further information.

At the Influence gathering, we are looking for between six and eight people of influence who are tackling some of the big issues of the day. These Influencers could be pioneers in Christian youthwork, worship and discipleship, or they could be involved in issues ranging from business to ecology.

The Influencer’s role is to provoke discussion, blue sky thinking and practical outworking. Influencers are given two slots within the programme to pitch their ideas.

1.The 20 minute platform

Each influencer is given 20 minutes with all delegates to share something of the theory behind their specialist area. This could include facts and figures, stories, and theological input. It is important that in these 20 minutes, the Influencer shares why their specialist area is important for the church to grapple with.

2.The 60 minute dialogue

After each Influencer has spoken for 20 minutes, the delegates will choose a specialist area that intrigues them. With the group of delegates that choose them, the Influencer then has 60 minutes to unpack their area further and in particular, assist the delegates to contextualise the issue in their home locality. The hope is that each delegate will leave with some fresh thinking and some practical responses. This 60 minute dialogue should not be a traditional seminar, but should be much more open for questions from delegates.

Funding may be available for your Circuit Training Fund, or similar.

Dowload further information by clicking here.

Wednesday 25 March 2009

11 am - Arrivals and coffee

11.15 am - Worship and keynote talk

12.30 pm - Lunch

1.30 pm - 20 minute platforms

2.30 pm - Dialogue with Influencers

3.30 pm - Fresh air and prayer walk

5 pm - 20 minute platform

6 pm - Dinner

7 pm - Dialogue with Influencers

8 pm - Worship and ministry

9 pm - Down time

Thursday 26 March 2009

8 am - Breakfast

9 am - Worship and ministry

9.45 am - Stories from the front line

11.00 am - Coffee

11.30 am - Keynote talk 2

1.00 pm - Lunch & departures