09.01.2014
Great Interest in Dublin Church Planting Seminar
Over 60 people from all over Ireland gathered in Christ Church Cathedral yesterday (Wednesday January 8) to explore new ways of engaging with communities. ‘Missional Discipleship in Ireland Today’ looked at the challenges and practicalities of creating a missional discipleship culture.
The main speaker was Paul Maconochie (pictured) who runs Network Church in Sheffield. He outlined how the church, which started out in St Thomas Crooke’s Anglican church, developed networks throughout Sheffield.
Other speakers highlighted their local experiences. These included PJ Booth, leader of Open Arms Christian Fellowship and national leader of the AGI; Andy Carroll, minister of Donabate Presbyterian Church; and Ross and Lucy Hill, leaders of Hope Community Church, Ringsend.
Yesterday afternoon’s session of the event was aimed at everyone and topics covered included empowering lay leaders, personal growth and development, creating a culture of discipleship and discipleship that leads to mission.
A second session took place this morning. It was aimed more specifically at church planters – those who are currently or have recently planted a church or those who are planning something new in their community.
While the event took place in Christ Church Cathedral, it was overseen by an interdenominational group. The team includes Andrew McNeile of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Rathmines; Seán Mullan, Dublin Central Mission; Simon Kilpatrick, Urban Junction, Blackrock; Ross Hill, Hope Community Church, Ringsend and Mark Forsyth, Methodist Minister, Dunboyne.