New Leaders of Large Churches Conference: Introduction

Jem and I were invited by Peter Brierley, of Brierley Consultancy and Christian Research, to a conference that he facilitates called ‘New Leaders of Large Churches.’ In many ways it is perfect timing, coming just the week after we officially finished at PBC, because it will help transition our minds and thoughts between the change in scale from PBC to TBC. (When Peter introduced himself to me, I joked that he used to be my roommate, because my brilliant roommate at London School of Theology was also called Peter Brierley).

It’s being held in High Leigh, Hoddesdon, and is designed to help leaders who have recently been appointed to lead in churches of over 500. Peter Brierley’s premise, based on his unparalleled grasp of British religious statistics, is that because the challenges to leaders of large churches are very different to those in smaller churches, and the strategic significance of large churches is very different, specialist and focused support is essential. For example, before the conference I’ve already been pondering how in PBC I was able to lead by forming personal connections with almost everybody who attended, how will I lead at TBC when that won’t be possible? How does leadership function when it is primarily from the platform and through specific teams? This and many other questions will be grappled with.

It’s great to be here with Jem and think about this stuff together, along with about 20 other delegates who have also been newly appointed to lead a large church. I’m very much enjoying the reality, hunger to serve and the lack of pretentiousness that is evident here, as well as the quality and relevance of the teaching. I’ll post more summaries of sessions over the next day or two.