Hosted by Bishop Malcom Macnaughton, one of our wonderful young people Hadassah, and the Growing Younger Team (on one of the hottest days of the year so far!), over 100 youth and children’s leaders, parents, and clergy from across the Diocese of Derby gathered for our first annual Growing a Younger Church Conference.

Our Diocesan vision is ‘The kingdom of God; good news for all - transformed lives, growing church, and building community.’  This obviously includes children, young people, and families (CYPF) and one of our priorities as a Diocese is to grow a younger church.

On the day, we heard stories about ways that God is moving across our parishes, and shared practical solutions on how to join him in what he is doing, as well as taking time to acknowledge the challenges that come with all things CYPF and the hard work invested by all those involved.

Fuelled with tea, coffee, and pastries, attendees heard throughout the day from keynote speakers including Naomi Wadswoth from Open Doors Youth, Nicola Wigglesworth from The Child Behaviour Network and Andy Saunders from Lighthouse Ministries, as well as other wonderful speakers from across the diocese and beyond. It was fantastic to hear from such a diverse range of speakers and topics, and to see so many church communities from across the diocese represented.

The day was a real opportunity to connect and chat with others (some folk even picnicking outside in the beautiful grounds of St John’s Walton), and the chance to discover the part that we can all play in growing a younger church.

We hope that all our attendees left not only with some fabulous goody bags, but that each person left feeling connected, encouraged and equipped to nurture the faith of CYPF in their own contexts.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from participants around the diocese. Comments included:

“It was a really good day – the best youth training I have attended!”

"I wanted to say how helpful the day was. It was great to meet other people and learn from their experience and ideas, and I thought the variety of speakers available was brilliant. I came away feeling energized and excited. Thank you for arranging the conference!"

“Really inspiring”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

To close the day, Bishop Malcom shared this Diocesan Growing Younger Vision Prayer:

“Gracious God, in your mercy and for your glory, renew, reshape, and revive our children, young people, and families. Instil in them generous faith, courageous hope, and life-giving love, so that, as active young disciples, their transformed lives may inspire the faith of others, and together we may grow in greater love with you. Through their witness, may the good news of your kingdom be received by all. Amen.”

A huge thank you to all who came together to make the day a success and chose to spend a sunny Saturday in June committing to growing a younger church!

Please email growingyounger@derby.anglican.org if you would like any more information on the seminars, resources or talks from the day.