April conferences to support and encourage church growth
Insights and experiences to help parishes to grow around the island will be shared at two significant events from the Church of Ireland’s Commission on Ministry next month for leaders in all areas of ministry. Entitled Growing God’s Church: Rooted in His Word, Responding to His Call, the conferences will run in Belfast and Dublin on 18 and 25 April respectively.
The Commission hopes to welcome around 150 participants at each venue, and warmly encourages every parish to consider sending representatives to one of these gatherings which will run from 8.00am to 6.00pm (including registration, lunch and coffee breaks).
An invitation to hope
The Rt Revd David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore and Chair of the Commission on Ministry, said: “Each conference is offered as an invitation - an invitation to pause, to pray, and to believe again that, in God’s power, growth is not only possible but part of His loving purpose for His Church. Our hope is that those who attend will return to their parishes encouraged in faith, renewed in vision, and equipped to sow seeds for God’s Kingdom, for the sake of the Gospel and for the blessing of communities across Ireland."
Dates and Venues
Friday 18 April 2026 – Stormont Hotel, Belfast Register HERE
Friday 25 April 2026 – Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin Register HERE
The conference will open and close with worship, intentionally framing the day in prayer, praise, and dependence on God. Through plenary addresses, we will reflect together on:
the biblical call to bear fruit and grow as God’s people;
the witness of renewal within the Church of Ireland through the generations, and
the vital role of children’s and youth ministry in shaping the church of tomorrow.
The keynote address will be delivered by Revd Canon Michael Alastair Graham, formerly Rector of Mullingar in the Dioceses of Meath and Kildare.
Alongside the plenary sessions, a range of practical seminars will be offered, designed to equip both clergy and laity for faithful and hopeful ministry today. These seminars will explore nine key areas of parish life, and will focus on:
Growth through Evangelism
Growth through Stewardship
Growth through Prayer
Worship and Church Music
Leading you your context.
Community Engagement
The Bible. Read, Mark, Learn
Buildings: not a burden but a resource for mission and church growth. Also, practical advice on permissions from RB
Communication: in the church and community.
These sessions are intended to offer encouragement, practical tools, and space for reflection on how God may be calling each parish to respond in its own context.
Programme and Registration
This will be a full day conference, beginning with registration and refreshments, followed by plenary sessions and seminars across three time slots. To support genuine commitment and careful planning, a modest registration fee of between €10/£10 will apply. Registration will be on an individual basis, with participants asked to select their preferred venue and seminar choices.
Friday 18 April 2026 – Stormont Hotel, Belfast Register HERE
Friday 25 April 2026 – Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin Register HERE