FIEC Resources for Church Leaders

We know the truth of justification by faith in our heads, but how does it drop to our hearts? In Galatians 2:11-21, Paul challenges Peter about his behaviour; his concern is that Peter is not "walking in line with the gospel". The gospel of justification by faith sets the path of life and Peter is deviating from it (in this case by not eating with Gentiles). So, Peter is not denying the...

The Bible tells us that God loves justice (Psalm 99:4). But is it intrinsic to his very nature? Can we be sure? In this seminar, Paul Mallard, FIEC Director for the West Midlands and chair of the FIEC Theology Team, and Sarah Allen, a pastor's wife in Huddersfield and member of the FIEC Theology Team, explore the topic of God's justice. They explain how John Owen changed his mind on the su...

Independent churches are free to stand firm for biblical truth whilst reflecting the diversity of their individual contexts. In this interview, John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discusses Independency: is it biblical?; what are its advantages?; what are its challenges? This video was recorded at The Hub, FIEC's conference for those exploring the call to ministry or who have already started...

Jesus shows his love for his sheep by laying down his life for them. How you love Jesus' sheep is a sign of your love for him. Graham Thomson (pastor at Spen Valley Church in West Yorkshire) speaks from  Matthew 25:31-46  at  The Hub 2024 . You can watch a video of this talk and get more resources for church leaders on ⁠ the FIEC website ⁠. About The Hub : The Hub conference is a weekend dedic...

How should we live and minister in the world as we wait in expectation for the coming return of Christ? If we want to honour the Lord Jesus and know his welcome when he returns, we need to live out the life he's given us as we fully expect his return. Graham Thomson (pastor at Spen Valley Church in West Yorkshire) speaks from Matthew 25:1-30 at The Hub 2024. You can watch a video of this talk...

There is an intensity to Christian ministry that we must hold in tension: the cost and the joy; the privilege and the pain; the blessing and the burden. Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) speaks from  Hebrews 12:1-3  on the nobility of Christian ministry and the costs to Christian ministry: two sides that church leaders must hold in tension. About The Hub : The Hub conference is a...

There are reasons for optimism when we look at the growth of the gospel in FIEC and its churches over the past year. In 2023, we find ourselves in a post-Christian context with a declining institutional church, making Christians in an ever-decreasing minority. Yet evangelical churches - that faithfully proclaim Christ, provide a warm welcome, and connect with their communities - are growing in a s...

How can the church be a clear voice when it comes to beginning and end-of-life issues such as abortion and euthanasia? James Mildred, Director of Communications and Engagement at Christian Action, Research, and Education (CARE), and Pete Killingley, Head of Church Engagement at CARE, explain what the current challenges are, and help us think about how a right view of justice enables us to speak up...

Much of what passes for the pursuit of justice can be tinged with a hint (or more) of cultural superiority. How can we serve people well without becoming paternalistic or colonial? In this seminar, Inonge Siluka, founder of Restored Hope Zambia, will help us see how actions and words can often be unwise and misunderstood and how we can serve others thoughtfully, wisely and carefully, following in...

What place does the church have in bringing healing to a fractured world when it comes to race? In this seminar, Jason Roach, Director of Ministries at London City Mission, explores how the church can both lead the way in how it relates to all its members but also speak clearly and winsomely into a debate which is often divisive and sometimes bitter. The seminar was introduced by Johnny Prime (FIE...

There is both a long history and much debate about working for justice in the world around us. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, clarifies the key issues, sketches the territory, and helps churches navigate their way forward. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. This seminar is from the Digging Deeper seminar track, expl...

Can we love and be concerned for God’s creation without going liberal? Or is the caricature valid that we either care for gospel mission or the world, but not both? In this seminar, Dave Gobbett, pastor of Highfields Church in Cardiff, helps us to see what true stewardship of the world looks like. You can order a copy of Dave's book The Environment from The Good Book Company . You can get a co...

What administrative and operational burdens do you currently carry? What would happen if you could raise up gifted administrators that would release you from this burden and enhance the work and ministry of the gospel? Gavin Smith, founder of The Church Office, leads a seminar focused on people, structures, and workflows to help identify some practical areas that could make a difference and explor...

David VanDrunen’s Living in God's Two Kingdoms gives us one model of how Christians should engage with issues of justice. Is it helpful or are there better models? Are we at liberty to reach different conclusions about cultural engagement and issues of justice? Paul Mallard, chair of the FIEC Theology Team, hosts this panel discussion with Dan Strange, Bill James, and John Stevens – in the st...

How can ministry leaders keep on going in the complexity, frustrations, and suffering of local church life without burning out or becoming cynical? In this seminar, Sarah Allen and Lewis Allen, both serving at Hope Church in Huddersfield, help leaders think through some helpful steps for pastoral resilience. You can watch a video of this seminar on the FIEC website . You can order a copy of Lewis...

Younger adults seem increasingly reluctant to take on responsibility in the local church. How do we encourage them to see the call to leadership positively? In this seminar, Peter Dray, one of the directors of UCCF, explores this issue and helps us explore how we can invest in younger leaders, especially when resources are limited. You can get the slide deck and more resources for church leaders o...

We know legal compliance is important, but there is a danger that church policies and procedures are a dry, tick-box exercise, rather than a living reality. In this seminar, staff from Edward Connor Solicitors aim to change your mind about the law, sharing some top tips about how the law can be worked into your church relationships, to work out righteousness and justice that is evident to all. Thi...

Paul calls Timothy to care for widows who are really in need ( 1 Timothy 5:3 ). Jonathan Parkinson, CEO of  Caring for Life , helps us think about who the marginalised groups are today and how we can serve and help them. This seminar is from  the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference  held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. About FIEC : We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

What does it mean to be just as we think about the relationships and partnerships that exist between churches, especially where there are disparities or differences in size, resources, culture and social standing? Pastor of Hardwick Baptist Church Matt Oliver helps us consider this and think about what can be practically done to overcome such injustice, especially reflecting on 2 Corinthians 8:14...

How does a right view of the justice of God shape our mission and desire to see the unsaved escape the judgement of God through the mercy of Christ? Steve Palframan, pastor of West Kilburn Baptist Church in London, explores how applying the paradigm of justice will change the way we think of world mission in particular. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool f...

How can a right view of justice help a church to be effective as it welcomes those with neurodivergence – such as autism - in both adults and children? In this seminar, Kay Morgan-Gurr, co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance, helps us consider what practical and spiritual steps need to be taken to teach the whole church family these important lessons. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leader...

Justice issues have long been difficult for evangelicals to grapple with. What is it about our theology that makes it difficult for us to deal well with these important issues? Yannick Christos-Wahab, Martin Salter, and the FIEC Theology Team help us to consider this question. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. About FIEC : We are ⁠...

How do we answer the powerful claim that complementarianism is inherently unjust? How can we pursue gender justice in the church whilst apparently distinguishing so starkly between those who equally share God’s image? Linda Allcock, staff member at The Globe Church and teacher at London Seminary’s Flourish course, helps us think through these important questions and see how the answer must include...

Having justified his people, God calls his people to be just in their life together. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, looks at Biblical examples, identifies key principles, and reflects on contemporary applications. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. This seminar is from the Digging Deeper seminar track, exploring how...

God is the source of justice and only acts justly in his world. By contrast we so often pervert justice. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, helps us consider how God's justice - and our injustice - changes our perspective and life together. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. This seminar is from the Digging Deeper s...