Name: Before the Concrete Sets A HeartEdge Conference for Churches
Start: 2025-01-14T09:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-01-14T16:00:00+00:00
Location: B5 5BB

Join us at the HeartEdge Conference for Churches to explore how to build strong foundations before the concrete sets.
About this Event

Before the Concrete Sets A HeartEdge Conference for Churches

This HeartEdge event, headlined by Steve Chalke and Sam Wells, provides an opportunity to consider how we might bring a vision of hope to the communities we are part of. The day will bring together two significant visions.

Firstly, in Steve’s recent book A Manifesto of Hope, we learn about ten tried-and-tested practical principles to develop joined-up, cost-effective, and community-empowering work. This process culminates in a call for a new social covenant that aims to transform the life chances of countless young people and families.

Secondly, Sam’s book A Nazareth Manifesto presents an impassioned ecumenical proposal for re-envisioning Christianity's approach to social engagement, shifting from working 'for' people to being 'with' them.

The day will layer their insights with our own stories, experiences, and visions. Together, 'before the concrete dries' with a new government in power, we will sculpt and articulate a theology of service and imagine ways in which local church communities can find practical and challenging ways to work in partnership to bring about real change.

Join us as we come together to explore new ways of working within our communities. For some attendees, this event will also introduce the vision of the HeartEdge network: churches living out a theology of a God of abundance, focusing on the 4Cs of Compassion, Culture, Commerce, and Congregation. For existing HeartEdge practitioners, there will be a welcome chance to network with colleagues and form new connections.

The fee for the day will be £40 to include lunch and refreshments.

But we don’t want this charge to be a barrier to people’s participation. Please contact us at [email protected] if you need help with this cost.

Presenter

Revd Dr Sam Wells is Vicar of , a unique configuration of commercial, cultural, and charitable initiatives rooted in a vibrant congregational life. He is also a widely known preacher, pastor, writer, broadcaster, and theologian. He co-founded the HeartEdge movement and co-authored the Being With enquirers’ course. He has served as a Church of England parish priest for 25 years – of which 10 years were spent in urban priority areas.

Presenter

Steve Chalke is a distinguished author, speaker, former UN Special Advisor on Human Trafficking, and Baptist minister. In 1985, he founded the Oasis Trust, a leading UK charity dedicated to building inclusive local communities. Today, Oasis operates across multiple countries, providing housing, education, healthcare, and various community-building initiatives. He continues to lead Oasis and remains a prominent voice on social issues.