Local Preachers + Worship Leaders Conference 2022 

On Saturday 15th October, people involved in leading worship and preaching from across the Beds, Herts and Essex District gathered at High Street Harpenden Methodist Church for a day of talks, discussion and practical ideas.

Rev Dr Jonathan Dean spoke about the theology of worship, challenging us to reflect on how we can point to Jesus and his grace using different elements of worship, including images and music.  We were presented with a number of questions to discuss briefly and to take way for further reflection:

• How can leaders of worship help a congregation to participate in worship rather than being a passive audience?
• In what ways does our worship encourage people to live differently?
• Does God’s grace spill out from our worship into our actions in daily life? 

Rev Dr Andrew Wood spoke about the prophecy of Jeremiah, encouraging us to see the prophet and his work with new eyes.  He drew links between the situation into which Jeremiah was speaking and the world of 2022, with themes of loss, destruction, exile and bereavement.  He explained Jeremiah’s use of acted parables and encouraged us to think about how we might use this approach in a contemporary context.



A lunch break provided opportunities for fellowship in the comfortable Wesleys Café. In the afternoon, the ministry team from High Street gave a presentation about how they have developed hybrid church, using live streaming and social media as mission tools.  Although not all churches have the same range of facilities, there were plenty of ideas and resources which encouraged everyone to think afresh about the possibilities which technology can offer.

This was a varied programme with lots of opportunities for discussion and interaction.  It was so good to be able to meet face to face and those who attended went away with plenty to think about.  Thank you to the speakers, to Rev Dr David Chapman, District Chair, for co-ordinating the day, to our hosts at High Street and to all who contributed in other ways.

Geoff Best (District Tutor) & Liz Little (District LP Secretary)