More than 80 children’s, youth and families leaders from across Church of England Birmingham gathered at St Philip’s, Dorridge for this year’s Flex Conference.
The annual training and resourcing event brought together volunteers, clergy and paid workers for a day of worship, teaching and practical seminars, all centred around this year's theme of intergenerational ministry.
Emma Sargeant, Growing Younger Adviser, and Tom Spicer, Children and Families Mission Enabler, welcomed delegates before keynote speaker Rachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith, encouraged churches to build communities where every generation can grow in faith together.
Throughout the day, attendees were able to choose from a range of practical seminars covering topics including creating a culture of relationship, pioneering schools work, mentoring young people, intergenerational discipleship, supporting children's ministry in smaller churches, using labyrinths with children and young people, prayer spaces in schools, and helping church services better engage children and families.
One conference participant said: “It's very good to meet other people who have similar experiences, and [the day has been] full of lots of thought-provoking ideas.”
Alongside the seminars, attendees explored the conference marketplace, connecting with organisations and resources supporting children's and youth ministry across Birmingham and the region.
In the afternoon, Rachel Turner returned to share further teaching on how churches can nurture discipleship in ways that reflect the unique context of each congregation. The day concluded with encouragement from Bishop Esther Prior, Bishop of Aston, who thanked everyone serving children, young people and families across the Church of England Birmingham.
Tom Spicer, Children, Families and Mission Enabler, said: “It was so amazing to spend the day being inspired and encouraged around how to help children, young people and families explore faith in their churches.
“We’re so excited to hear stories in the future of how churches are investing in all generations and sharing Jesus with everyone.”
Emma Sargeant, Growing Younger Adviser, said: “One of my favourite parts of the day is being in a room with a whole bunch on people who are as passionate about children and young people as me.
“We are all there to learn how we can equip ourselves to create even better spaces for children and young people to explore faith.”
Flex is part of Church of England Birmingham's commitment to equip churches with practical tools, fresh ideas and supportive networks to help children, young people and families encounter Jesus and flourish in faith.
Resources from the conference, alongside further training materials, are available through Toolshed, Church of England Birmingham's online learning hub for children's and youth ministry.