FIEC Resources for Church Leaders
By FIEC
FIEC Resources for Church LeadersFeb 26, 2021
Can We Trust God's Justice? // Paul Mallard & Sarah Allen // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
The Bible tells us that God loves justice (Psalm 99:4). But is it intrinsic to his very nature? Can we be sure?
In this seminar, Paul Mallard, FIEC Director for the West Midlands and chair of the FIEC Theology Team, and Sarah Allen, a pastor's wife in Huddersfield and member of the FIEC Theology Team, explore the topic of God's justice.
They explain how John Owen changed his mind on the subject and why it has massive theological and pastoral implications for us today.
You can watch a video of this seminar recording and access more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. It has been re-recorded due to a technical issue with the original recording.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Independency: the Freedom to Be Faithful (an Interview with John Stevens)
Independent churches are free to stand firm for biblical truth whilst reflecting the diversity of their individual contexts. In this interview, John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discusses Independency: is it biblical?; what are its advantages?; what are its challenges? This video was recorded at The Hub, FIEC's conference for those exploring the call to ministry or who have already started the journey.
You can watch a video of this interview and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Do You Love Jesus' Sheep? // Graham Thomson (The Hub 2024)
Jesus shows his love for his sheep by laying down his life for them. How you love Jesus' sheep is a sign of your love for him.
Graham Thomson (pastor at Spen Valley Church in West Yorkshire) speaks from Matthew 25:31-46 at The Hub 2024.
You can watch a video of this talk and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to ministry or who have already started the journey. It is usually held in the second weekend of January.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Fan the Flame Given to You // Graham Thomson (The Hub 2024)
How should we live and minister in the world as we wait in expectation for the coming return of Christ?
If we want to honour the Lord Jesus and know his welcome when he returns, we need to live out the life he's given us as we fully expect his return.
Graham Thomson (pastor at Spen Valley Church in West Yorkshire) speaks from Matthew 25:1-30 at The Hub 2024.
You can watch a video of this talk and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to ministry or who have already started the journey. It is usually held in the second weekend of January.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
The Blessing and Burden of Christian Ministry // Adrian Reynolds (The Hub 2024)
There is an intensity to Christian ministry that we must hold in tension: the cost and the joy; the privilege and the pain; the blessing and the burden.
Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) speaks from Hebrews 12:1-3 on the nobility of Christian ministry and the costs to Christian ministry: two sides that church leaders must hold in tension.
About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to ministry or who have already started the journey. It is usually held in the second weekend of January.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Optimism for Gospel Growth (Annual Review 2022/23)
There are reasons for optimism when we look at the growth of the gospel in FIEC and its churches over the past year.
In 2023, we find ourselves in a post-Christian context with a declining institutional church, making Christians in an ever-decreasing minority.
Yet evangelical churches - that faithfully proclaim Christ, provide a warm welcome, and connect with their communities - are growing in a significant way.
In the past year, we've seen how FIEC churches, our help for churches, and our staff team are all growing.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
The Beginning and the End // James Mildred and Pete Killingley // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
How can the church be a clear voice when it comes to beginning and end-of-life issues such as abortion and euthanasia?
James Mildred, Director of Communications and Engagement at Christian Action, Research, and Education (CARE), and Pete Killingley, Head of Church Engagement at CARE, explain what the current challenges are, and help us think about how a right view of justice enables us to speak up.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Pursuing Justice With the Heart of Jesus // Inonge Siluka // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Much of what passes for the pursuit of justice can be tinged with a hint (or more) of cultural superiority. How can we serve people well without becoming paternalistic or colonial?
In this seminar, Inonge Siluka, founder of Restored Hope Zambia, will help us see how actions and words can often be unwise and misunderstood and how we can serve others thoughtfully, wisely and carefully, following in the footsteps of our Master.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Righteousness and Race // Jason Roach // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
What place does the church have in bringing healing to a fractured world when it comes to race?
In this seminar, Jason Roach, Director of Ministries at London City Mission, explores how the church can both lead the way in how it relates to all its members but also speak clearly and winsomely into a debate which is often divisive and sometimes bitter.
The seminar was introduced by Johnny Prime (FIEC Director for Pastoral Support).
You can order a copy of Jason's book Healing the Divides from The Good Book Company.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice in the World // Graham Beynon // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
There is both a long history and much debate about working for justice in the world around us. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, clarifies the key issues, sketches the territory, and helps churches navigate their way forward. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. This seminar is from the Digging Deeper seminar track, exploring how the topics from the main gatherings relate to church life, and followed John Stevens' message, Justice Displayed. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Loving Our World // Dave Gobbett / FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Can we love and be concerned for God’s creation without going liberal? Or is the caricature valid that we either care for gospel mission or the world, but not both?
In this seminar, Dave Gobbett, pastor of Highfields Church in Cardiff, helps us to see what true stewardship of the world looks like.
You can order a copy of Dave's book The Environment from The Good Book Company.
You can get a copy of the handout from this seminar on the FIEC website.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
How to Do Nothing // Gavin Smith // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
What administrative and operational burdens do you currently carry? What would happen if you could raise up gifted administrators that would release you from this burden and enhance the work and ministry of the gospel?
Gavin Smith, founder of The Church Office, leads a seminar focused on people, structures, and workflows to help identify some practical areas that could make a difference and explores how you see administration as a spiritual gift in the church.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Are We Allowed to Disagree About Justice Issues? // Paul Mallard and Panel // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
David VanDrunen’s Living in God's Two Kingdoms gives us one model of how Christians should engage with issues of justice. Is it helpful or are there better models? Are we at liberty to reach different conclusions about cultural engagement and issues of justice?
Paul Mallard, chair of the FIEC Theology Team, hosts this panel discussion with Dan Strange, Bill James, and John Stevens – in the style of “all in the family”.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Resilience: Running the Pastoral Race with Perseverance // Lewis and Sarah Allen // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
How can ministry leaders keep on going in the complexity, frustrations, and suffering of local church life without burning out or becoming cynical?
In this seminar, Sarah Allen and Lewis Allen, both serving at Hope Church in Huddersfield, help leaders think through some helpful steps for pastoral resilience.
You can watch a video of this seminar on the FIEC website.
You can order a copy of Lewis and Sarah's book 'Resilient Faith' from 10ofThose.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
When Leaders Don't Want to Lead // Peter Dray // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Younger adults seem increasingly reluctant to take on responsibility in the local church. How do we encourage them to see the call to leadership positively?
In this seminar, Peter Dray, one of the directors of UCCF, explores this issue and helps us explore how we can invest in younger leaders, especially when resources are limited.
You can get the slide deck and more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
When Dry Law Lives // Edward Connor Solicitors // FIEC Leaders'' Conference 2023
We know legal compliance is important, but there is a danger that church policies and procedures are a dry, tick-box exercise, rather than a living reality.
In this seminar, staff from Edward Connor Solicitors aim to change your mind about the law, sharing some top tips about how the law can be worked into your church relationships, to work out righteousness and justice that is evident to all.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Who are the Widows? // Jonathan Parkinson // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Paul calls Timothy to care for widows who are really in need (1 Timothy 5:3).
Jonathan Parkinson, CEO of Caring for Life, helps us think about who the marginalised groups are today and how we can serve and help them.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
The Goal is Equality // Matt Oliver // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
What does it mean to be just as we think about the relationships and partnerships that exist between churches, especially where there are disparities or differences in size, resources, culture and social standing?
Pastor of Hardwick Baptist Church Matt Oliver helps us consider this and think about what can be practically done to overcome such injustice, especially reflecting on 2 Corinthians 8:14.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Looking Further Afield // Steve Palframan // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
How does a right view of the justice of God shape our mission and desire to see the unsaved escape the judgement of God through the mercy of Christ?
Steve Palframan, pastor of West Kilburn Baptist Church in London, explores how applying the paradigm of justice will change the way we think of world mission in particular.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
A Place to Belong // Kay Morgan-Gurr // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
How can a right view of justice help a church to be effective as it welcomes those with neurodivergence – such as autism - in both adults and children?
In this seminar, Kay Morgan-Gurr, co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance, helps us consider what practical and spiritual steps need to be taken to teach the whole church family these important lessons.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
What is Evangelical Theology's Problem With Justice? // Yannick Christos-Wahab and Martin Salter // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Justice issues have long been difficult for evangelicals to grapple with. What is it about our theology that makes it difficult for us to deal well with these important issues?
Yannick Christos-Wahab, Martin Salter, and the FIEC Theology Team help us to consider this question.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Different Yet the Same: Is Complementarianism Unjust? // Linda Allcock // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
How do we answer the powerful claim that complementarianism is inherently unjust? How can we pursue gender justice in the church whilst apparently distinguishing so starkly between those who equally share God’s image?
Linda Allcock, staff member at The Globe Church and teacher at London Seminary’s Flourish course, helps us think through these important questions and see how the answer must include how churches listen well to the voices of women.
The seminar was introduced by Johnny Prime (FIEC Director for Pastoral Support) who also led a Q&A.
You can get a copy of the slide deck on the FIEC website.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice in the Church // Graham Beynon // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Having justified his people, God calls his people to be just in their life together.
In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, looks at Biblical examples, identifies key principles, and reflects on contemporary applications.
An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director.
This seminar is from the Digging Deeper seminar track, exploring how the topics from the main gatherings relate to church life, and followed Jason Roach's message, Justice Declared. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice in God // Graham Beynon // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
God is the source of justice and only acts justly in his world. By contrast we so often pervert justice.
In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, helps us consider how God's justice - and our injustice - changes our perspective and life together.
An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director.
This seminar is from the Digging Deeper seminar track, exploring how the topics from the main gatherings relate to church life, and followed Ray Brown's message, Justice Denied.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Christians and Politics // Tim Farron and James Mildred // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
The ‘not quite’ election of Kate Forbes as First Minister in Scotland has once again raised the question of whether Christians can get stuck into politics.
Tim Farron, MP and host of Premier’s ‘A Mucky Business’ podcast, and James Mildred, Director of Communications and Engagement at Christian Action, Research, and Education (CARE), will help us understand how we can see politics positively, how we can engage in it constructively and how we can help our congregations do likewise.
Apologies that, due to technical issues, the sound quality of this recording is poor.
This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice Done // Colin Adams // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
A place of perfect justice is coming, a place of delight and joy. Injustice will not be remembered, nor need to be, as wrongs are righted.
We will be glad in God and he will be delighted in us. There will be no weeping or crying because God will eliminate the cause of all tears.
So, let us point to the God who will put an end to injustice forever.
We ended our 2023 conference sent out anticipating the great Day of the Lord as Colin Adams (Pastor, Greenview Church, Glasgow) preached from Isaiah 65:17-25.
This talk is from the fifth of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice Displayed // John Stevens // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Jesus was sent in the power of the Spirit to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the world, and now his people are too.
The church needs to be the just community it is called to be.
John Stevens (FIEC National Director) preached from Isaiah 61:1-11 to show how the work of the church is not simply to enjoy God’s justice, but to display it to the world as servants of Christ.
This talk is from the fourth of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice Demanded // Matt Oliver // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Isaiah wrote: "You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." (Isaiah 62:6-7)
Matt Oliver (Pastor, Hardwick Baptist Church) preached from Isaiah 62 to boldly encourage us to give God “no rest” as we gathered to pray for gospel work in our churches and our land at our Leaders' Conference.
This talk is from the third of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice Declared // Jason Roach // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
Jason Roach (Director of Ministries, London City Mission) helps us see how the justice of God is declared in the work of the cross and justification, preaching from Isaiah 52:13-53:12.
Jesus is the servant that Isaiah spoke of, who would bring true justice to the world. He is a wise servant, who was also despised and suffered as our substitute.
He was cut off so that his people could be justified, and be freed to be justice bringing hands in the world.
This talk is from the second of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Justice Denied // Ray Brown // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023
The foundation for our 2023 conference was to understand and rejoice in the character of God – and in particular his justice. He will do and does do right in his world.
Ray Brown opened the conference by preaching from Isaiah 1:21-31: that God’s wrath at the failure of his people to exercise justice reveals the deep heart of the Father, and that the promised restoration and transformation brings hope.
This talk is from the first of five main Gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023.
You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Church Plants Working Together // Gospel Neighbours
What could partnership between new churches look like? What does it take to start a new church?
In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to find out what their partnership as leaders looks like and to discuss church planting.
00:00 - New London churches working together 10:12 - Thinking about church planting together 13:25 - Should church planters stay or go? 23:10 - Church plants need leaders 28:19 - Church planters' wives
You can watch a video of this roundtable and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Reflecting Diverse Communities in Church Life // Gospel Neighbours
How does the local community affect local church life? How can partnerships with churches that are different help us grow and glorify God?
In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (FIEC Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to discuss how they reflect their local communities and the benefits of learning from one another.
00:00 - Different communities in London 04:36 - Reflecting local communities in church life 12:18 - Sunday morning differences 17:42 - Differences in preaching 23:16 - Learning from different churches to yours 29:10 - Diversity to glorify God
You can watch a video of this roundtable and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Learning from New London Churches // Gospel Neighbours
Three new churches in central London are located in close proximity yet serve in very distinct settings. What can we learn from their shared experiences in different contexts?
In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to find out about the differences in their local contexts - one transient, one on a council estate, one very diverse - and what they have learned through church planting and church mergers.
00:00 - How did The Globe, Hope Church, and Stockwell Baptist Church come to be?
08:16 - Different local church contexts: transient, council estate, diverse
20:01 - Lessons for starting new churches
You can watch a video of this roundtable and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Unity in Christ (Ephesians 1) // Andy Hunter, Local Conference 2023
Our Local Conferences in 2023 aimed to help church leaders go deeper into the themes of the 2022 Leaders' Conference. They explored the pressing need for direct partnerships between churches, and how we can overcome some of the challenges.
Andy Hunter (FIEC Acting Head of Local Ministries) opened the Liverpool Local Conference by preaching from Ephesians 1, reflecting on the unity involved in God's plan of salvation. How does that unity work out on the macro, universal level, on the micro, individual level, and everywhere in between?
And, although this unity will fully come "when the times reach their fulfilment" (Ephesians 1:10), how can we lean into its truth now in church life?
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
FIEC Distinctives: our Ethos Statements
FIEC churches unite around our Doctrinal Basis, but they also agree to our Ethos Statements which bring clarity to our life and ministry as a Fellowship: gospel unity; women in ministry; and same sex marriage.
FIEC was founded in 1922 to be Independent churches united by primary gospel truths but with diversity on secondary issues.
That unity has always been defined by the FIEC Doctrinal Basis but, since 1922, FIEC churches have adopted three ethos statements about key issues which they thought necessary to take a stand. These statements are crucial to gospel faithfulness and are essential to our identity and functioning as a Fellowship:
To some extent, the statements have been adopted in response to what is happening more widely in evangelicalism or in the culture. Each year, FIEC churches recommit their agreement to these statements - churches do not have to agree with them but are free to leave the Fellowship if they have changed their position and no longer agree.
In October 2022, FIEC National Director John Stevens spoke at Bradfield & Rougham Baptist Church to a group of churches in Suffolk to explain more about the Ethos Statements followed by a Q&A:
- What they are.
- Why they were adopted.
- Why we believe they are biblical.
- What they require of FIEC churches.
You can watch a video of this presentation and download it to show in your church on the FIEC website.
00:00 - The 1992 vision for FIEC
05:47 - The statement on gospel unity
20:47 - The statement on women in ministry
42:23 - The statement on same sex marriage
01:02:04 - What's your position?
01:04:54 - Q&A
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Who Are You Yoked With? // Andy Rees, The Hub 2023
As the temple of the living God, we must not join with darkness but be yoked with Christ.
Andy Rees (pastor, CityGates Church, Norwich) gives the second of three talks at The Hub conference from 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:3 to encourage those considering church ministry.
You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and takes place every year in early January.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
More Blessed to Give than to Receive // Trevor Archer, The Hub 2023
In church ministry, to give is to imitate the very heart of God as the gospel travels out into the world.
Trevor Archer (FIEC Director for London) gives the third of three talks at The Hub conference from Acts 20:17-38 to encourage those considering church ministry.
You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and takes place every year in early January.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Great Endurance // Andy Rees, The Hub 2023
Endurance is necessary in church ministry. But that ministry is a privilege like no other: "making many people rich".
Andy Rees (pastor, CityGates Church, Norwich) gives the first of three talks at The Hub conference from 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 to encourage those considering church ministry.
You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.
About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and takes place every year in early January.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Regathering and Restarting (AGM 2022)
A review of the past year - in which we emerged from lockdowns - and a look forward as we continue to serve God in FIEC's 100th year.
We are grateful to God for growth after emerging from lockdown in the past year: FIEC churches are growing, FIEC is growing, and FIEC's capacity to help churches is growing.
During the 2022 Leaders' Conference in Blackpool, FIEC National Director John Stevens gave a review of the past year (September 2021 - August 2022) and a look forward to the next year, including three challenges to FIEC churches.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
“The Law is an Ass!” or is it, in Fact, an Asset to Churches? // Edward Connor Solicitors, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
Too often we think about legal requirements in terms of restricting ministry, but in the current climate we need to see how good legal compliance can actually do the opposite; it will help contribute to a healthy church culture which enables gospel ministry and - in human terms – allows it to flourish.
This seminar with our friends at Edward Connor Solicitors helps church leaders to understand how good legal practice equates to flourishing ministries across three key areas affecting churches: charity law, property law, and employment law.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Developing a Healthy Leadership Culture // Richard & Carolyn Lacey, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
There has – rightly – been a lot of focus on some high-profile abuse in leadership. Many of us are wondering whether we have to rethink our own leadership styles and approaches.
Richard and Carolyn Lacey (Woodgreen Church, Worcester) will discuss the foundational principles underpinning a healthy leadership culture and explore how we make progress in our own leadership and helping others in our church grow as leaders.
Download the handout.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Joys and Challenges of Smaller Church Life // Jonathan Bond, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
Many churches in the FIEC are ‘smaller’, with memberships of less than 35. Although some of these churches are in decline, being smaller does not necessarily mean being unhealthy.
Jonathan Bond (FIEC Director for Smaller Churches) helps leaders of smaller churches be reminded of the joys and think about dealing with the challenges of serving in this context.
Also, from a smaller church perspective, how to help leaders of larger churches better understand how to help them without it appearing like imposing.
Download the slide deck and handout.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Christ, Trauma, Abuse, and the Church // Phil Swann, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
An increasing number of church members have suffered trauma of one kind or another, including abuse of power within churches themselves. We need to know how to minister the grace of Christ to these saints without re-traumatising them.
Phil Swann, pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales and facilitator of the Soul Care Network in the Wales Leadership Forum, will help leaders of all kinds chart a better course.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Finding the Right Hills to Die On // Mike Kendall, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
If we are to develop meaningful partnerships, how do we do so when so many differences exist between churches? Are our differences all of the same kind? And how do we navigate the challenge of being clear on secondaries, without letting them become primary?
Inspired by the book of the same title, Mike Kendall, pastor at St Neots Evangelical Church, will explore how we ensure that we are finding the right hills to die on.
With help from a pre-recorded interview with author Gavin Ortlund. You can listen to more of this this interview on the FIEC podcast.
Please note the discussion feedback and Q&A were not recorded.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Creating Meaningful Partnerships Across Cultures // Yannick Christos-Wahab, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
We are most comfortable developing partnerships with people like us. But we need to recognise that such narrowness is not only unbiblical, it is severely limiting.
In this seminar, Yannick Christos-Wahab (pastor at Stockwell Baptist Church in London) helps us explore what we need to look out for, what attitudes are necessary, and what realism we need to integrate alongside gospel optimism.
Download the slide deck and notes sheet.
Please note the discussion feedback and Q&A were not recorded.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Maintaining Church Unity in a Complex World // Colin Adams, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
Churches have often experienced sharpening divisions internally, for example, in how to respond to the Covid crisis. Sometimes elderships have been sharply divided.
Colin Adams, pastor at Greenview Church in Glasgow, helps leaders think about developing perception and wisdom in our increasingly complex world.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Developing Meaningful National Partnerships // Tim Manson and Peter Roberts, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
One of the strengths of the FIEC is the ability to gather and facilitate local partnerships. But that also means that we are weaker at developing partnerships that are outside of geographic areas yet equally meaningful.
Tim Manson (Gunnersbury Baptist Church, London) and Pete Roberts (Trinity Church, Everton, Merseyside) will share their experience of partnership from the South-East to North-West, and explore how such partnerships could develop elsewhere.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Developing Meaningful Local Partnerships // Paul Gamston, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
If we are to work together to reach Britain for Christ, our churches and leaders must have meaningful local partnerships which are based on trust.
Paul Gamston, pastor at South Craven Evangelical Church in North Yorkshire, helps us answer how such trust can be developed and built on for effective church ministry.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Complementarianism in Practice // Paul Rees and Rachel Sloan, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
We may have attended many seminars and read many books on complementarianism; but how should it work in practice?
Paul Rees and Rachel Sloan – both part of the pastoral team at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh – make connections with bible principles and church practice, including challenging some of our assumed orthopraxy when it comes to valuing and releasing the ministry of women in our local churches.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media:
Engaging with Issues in an Unbelieving World // Sharon James, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar
We increasingly find ourselves at odds with the world on ethical and moral issues, whether this be abortion, gender issues, freedom of speech or discrimination.
Sharon James from The Christian Institute gives an overview of the current issues and helps church leaders think how to respond, including how we lead our churches through these issues.
This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022.
About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC.
Follow FIEC on social media: