NH Explore – Seminars
NH Explore is the space to explore in depth God’s will for us and to take further what we’re learning in the Bible Teaching and Evening Celebrations. In 2024, all the seminars will take place in the tented village (big blue tent and attached marquees) in the mornings (11.45-12.45) from Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August.
Monday 5 August
THE EXTRA-ORDINARY MOSES – FROM EGYPT TO SINAI
with William Ford
Learning from the life of Moses – part 1
Moses is one of the most famous characters in the whole Bible. From the beginning of Exodus to the end of Deuteronomy, he is used by God in an amazing way. However, in the spirit of James 5:17: ‘Moses was a man just like us’. As we journey through the Moses story we will see how Moses was a ‘treasure in a jar of clay’, how the extraordinary things that he did were due to him living out his relationship with God, and how this can speak to us as we live for God. This is the first of two seminars on Moses’ life. In this seminar we will think about his early life from Egypt to Sinai.
William teaches Old Testament at Belfast School of Theology (formerly Belfast Bible College). He loves speaking and writing about the Bible, especially the more difficult passages. He worships at Lowe Church, Belfast with his wife and two children.
When? Monday 5 August Venue: Bann Tent
THE CALL OF EVERY DISCIPLE
With Pam and David McCullagh
Sharing the good news of Jesus is the call of every follower of Jesus.
Exploring what everyday mission looks like isn’t as scary as we think. The rhythms and practices we put into place enable us to take opportunities that come our way to share the good news of Jesus. As Christians, being involved in our local church is key to this task as we grow in Christ and in fellowship with other believers as we serve our church families, our local communities and the great commission of making disciples of all nations.
Pamela is the coordinator for Mission Action Partnership (MAP), the Northern Ireland office of Global Connections. She has missional experience with the Navigators in the UK and Malawi. David is the minister of Annalong Presbyterian Church. He has served on the mission field in Ivory Coast and Malawi. He remains passionate about global mission, specifically in how we relate to the world church.
When? Monday 5 August Venue: Main Stage Right
EXTRA-ORDINARY GENEROSITY
With Chris Thompson and Rick Hill
The surprising truth about what generosity does in our hearts
We know generosity can change the world, but did we know it can also change us?Discover how a renewed focus on generosity can change your life. We know it makes an impact on the causes we support, but do we know what generosity does in our hearts? A generosity of spirit, rooted in the generosity of God tunes our hearts towards Christ and towards others – and that can transform our lives. In fact, it’s the perfect antidote to a chaotic world and a core part of our discipleship! Together we’ll reconsider the place generosity has in shaping our hearts to be more like Jesus.
Chris is the Director of Tearfund in Northern Ireland. He’s from Waringstown, loves running (especially on the North Coast) and is passionate about the role of the church in bringing transformation to those living in poverty.
Rick Hill is Executive Secretary to the Council for Mission in Ireland within the Presbyterian Church. He is the author of ‘Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples’, which explores principles and practices to help develop a life of lasting faith.
When? Monday 5 August Venue: Overflow 1
CONFLICT AND WAR
With Stephen Williams
Exploring war in the Old Testament and in our contemporary world.
Stephen considers the question of war against the background both of the current global situation and the Old Testament. The current situation involves the use of Artificial Intelligence in warfare. The Old Testament includes what appear to be orders from God to commit genocide. In the centre of Christian thinking is the person and character of Jesus.
Stephen Williams is Emeritus Professor of Theology at Union Theological College, Belfast, and was Honorary Professor of Theology at Queen’s University from 2017-2024
When? Monday 5 August Venue: Overflow 2
FAITH IN EDUCATION
With Andy Brown and Diane McClelland
Exploring the vital role that Christians play in our schools
For over a century, Christianity has been at the heart of the Northern Ireland education system. Today, the link between faith and education is increasingly in the spotlight, with certain voices questioning its relevance and purpose. Andy Brown will explore the challenges posed by an increasingly secular society to the vital role that Christians and Christianity play within our schools. His friend and colleague, Diane McClelland, will consider the opportunities available to Christians from her perspective and experience as a parent, governor, teacher and teacher-educator. Together they will explore the role that Christians can play going forward, considering how they can be strategic, prayerful and practical in partnership with their local schools.
When? Monday 5 August Venue: Main Stage Left
Tuesday 6 August
CLAY JARS IN COLLABORATION
With Mark Drennan, Angela Kiire and Mark*
Serving the Mission of the Global Church
Explore the dynamic world of global missions and consider your own role in it as we delve into the complexities of responding to an unchanged Great Commission in an ever-changing world! Drawing inspiration from the Biblical analogy of clay jars, we will consider how our human fragility underscores our dependence on God’s strength and grace, how we are vessels for God’s Spirit and instruments of His purpose on earth, and the crucial role of true collaboration in fulfilling His mission. This seminar will offer insights on approaching short- and long-term missions with humility, highlighting The Potter’s power in the lives of believers who are being reshaped, restored and transformed into His image.
Mark Drennan is the UK & Ireland Director of Children of the Nations, beginning his service with the ministry as a volunteer in Sierra Leone in 2008. Mark grew up in Monaghan but now lives in Belfast with his wife and their two children.
Angela Kiire serves as the Uganda Liaison at Children of the Nations. Born in Uganda, she spent her childhood in Harare, Zimbabwe. She now lives in Belfast with husband, Ian, and kids, Luuka and Taaya.
Having previously served in various mission and ministry roles both in Ireland and Central Asia, Mark* now serves as a Regional Director for an agency working in West & Central Asia. His heart is to see people equipped for engagement in God’s mission. *full name withheld for security reasons
When? Tuesday 6 August Venue: Main Stage Right
THE EXTRA-ORDINARY MOSES – FROM SINAI TO CANAAN
With William Ford
Learning from the life of Moses – part 2
Moses is one of the most famous characters in the whole Bible, who is used by God in an amazing way. However, in the spirit of James 5:17: ‘Moses was a man just like us’. As we journey through the Moses story we will see how Moses was a ‘treasure in a jar of clay’, how the extraordinary things that he did were due to him living out his relationship with God, and how this can speak to us as we live for God. This is the second of two seminars on Moses’ life, in which we will think about his life from Sinai onwards. (You do not have to have heard the first seminar to come to this one.)
William teaches Old Testament at Belfast School of Theology (formerly Belfast Bible College). He loves speaking and writing about the Bible, especially the more difficult passages. He worships at Lowe Church, Belfast with his wife and two children.
When? Tuesday 6 August Venue: Bann Tent
CREATING SPACE
With Judith Cairns
Cultivating honest conversations about authentic relationships
In an increasingly complicated world, which seems to be accelerating and changing all the time, the task of parenting can seem daunting. How can we create space for both clarity and compassion as we step confidently into conversations about identity, relationships, and sex? In this seminar we will consider how we can be people who share God’s better story at each age and stage with our children, encouraging them to build strong healthy relationships.
Jude is CEO of Love For Life. Love For Life’s vision is to see every young person valuing themselves, relationships and sex in a thriving society. Jude is passionate about equipping the church to discuss and share God’s model for relationships and sexuality with wisdom and grace.
When? Tuesday 6 August Venue: Main Stage Left
WISE STEWARDSHIP AND BUDGETING
With Mags Rankin
A practical seminar on how to budget and steward the resources God has given us.
How to be better stewards of our resources. We will share some good practices of Budgeting, and share some of the wider picture of what poverty can look like in our country and how CAP can help our local communities.
Mags is Area Manager for CAP NI. CAP are on a mission to release people across the UK from poverty, to enable churches to help end poverty through their communities, and to encourage people to live with faith, actively served by their church.
When? Tuesday 6 August Venue: Overflow 1
HONESTY OVER SILENCE
With Patrick Regan OBE
Dealing with anxiety, anger and overwhelm.
Patrick Regan examines the strength in letting go of our need to be in control. He helps us explore how we can prevent or manage feelings of overwhelm, manage anger and stop comparing ourselves to others and instead live authentically and honestly, as we grow into the people God has created us to be.
Patrick Regan OBE is an activist He founded two award-winning charities, XLP and, most recently, Kintsugi Hope, He is the author of 7 books. He recently won CEO Monthly Trainer of the Year for Mental Health,
When? Tuesday 6 August Venue: Overflow 2
Wednesday 7 August
THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP
With Sheridan Voysey and Phil Knox
Explore the most important, least talked about relationship in the church
Over 20% of British adults have no close friends, creating a wellbeing crisis. As a society we have more connections, but less close friends than ever before. What if the church could be good news in this vital area of need? Join Phil Knox (author of The Best of Friends) and Sheridan Voysey (founder of FriendshipLab.org) for a fun, informative session on the heart and art of making our and other’s friendships flourish. We will explore the power of friends, the pressure on our relationships, and how we can cultivate lifelong, life-giving and life-extending friendships.
Phil is an evangelist and missiologist at the Evangelical Alliance. He is passionate about making Jesus known and the power of friendship. He is also an award winning performance poet and author of Story Bearer and The Best of Friends.
Sheridan is an author, speaker, and founder of FriendshipLab.org. His books include Resurrection Year and The Making of Us and he is a regular presenter of Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2. www.sheridanvoysey.com
When? Wednesday 7 August Venue: Bann Tent
‘SO, ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD’!
With Philip McMillan and others
It’s time we started to understand the faith worldview of our new neighbours
As more people come to Northern Ireland from across the world we need to have an understanding of the basic tenets of their faith. What do Hindus and Muslims believe? How do we address the argument that all roads/faiths lead to God? Do we have anything in common with other faiths? We’ll be hearing from several people who have spent time ministering to peoples of other faiths, we’ll discuss how conversations have been developed and making reference to what others understand when talking about salvation, forgiveness and grace.
Philip is currently the Chair of MAP. He and his wife Deborah have been involved in ministry in Nepal for over 25 years. Over recent years he has become excited about the missional opportunities that are presenting themselves on our doorstep.
When? Wednesday 7 August Venue: Main Stage Right
LET THE CHILDREN COME
With Roger Cooke, Tash McBride and David Templeton
Caring well for children and young people in our communities
The Bible reveals God’s heart for those on the margins of society… including children whose life circumstances make them particularly vulnerable. As followers of Jesus, we are called to play our part as we connect our worship with our welcome. This seminar, which is co-hosted by Home for Good and Safe Families, will explore how our churches can make a significant difference for isolated families and vulnerable children in our communities.
Roger is the NI & Nations Lead with Home for Good, a Christian charity that promotes and supports fostering and adoption in the Church. Roger is a foster carer in Belfast and has spent over 20 years helping churches engage more deeply in mission.
Tash is NI Coordinator with Home for Good. She and her husband lead a church in Portadown and they have the privilege of raising three children: two by birth and one through adoption. Tash longs to see the Church offering hope within the care system.
David is the NI Community Volunteer Team Leader for Safe Families, a charity that creates relationship and connection for isolated families. David lives in Belfast with his wife and daughter. He believes churches can offer hope through ‘belonging’.
When? Wednesday 7 August Venue: Overflow 1
SLAVERY – LOCAL AND GLOBAL
With Ben McMehan, Hannah Elliot, Jill Robinson and Kirsty Pugh
Join IJM and Flourish NI for a conversation about modern slavery today.
International Justice Mission (IJM) and Flourish NI are joining together to answer the big questions on slavery and share stories of hope and transformation.
IJM is a global organisation working to protect people from slavery and violence. IJM have brought over 95,000 people to safety and have seen a decrease in slavery by 86% in places they operate.
Flourish NI support survivors of human trafficking in NI to a brighter future that is not defined by their past circumstances. They provide long term ,survivor centred support that helps their clients overcome trauma and rebuild their lives
Ben McMechan is the Ireland Mobilisation Manager for International Justice Mission. Ben loves to share stories of how God is on the move in bringing freedom to those in slavery around the world.
Hannah Elliott is the National Director in Ireland for International Justice Mission. She is passionate about championing the cause for people living in poverty and joining with the church to tackle injustice.
Jill Robinson is the co-founder and the lead within the charity, Flourish NI. Jill is passionate about people and justice and ensuring that all survivors of human trafficking have access to specialist support services.
Kirsty is a caseworker and policy developer within the charity, Flourish NI. Kirsty has worked across the UK and internationally at various Modern Slavery organisations and is passionate about seeing change in survivor care
When? Wednesday 7 August Venue: Overflow 2
Thursday 8 August
LIFE – NOT WHAT I’D EXPECTED
With Catherine Campbell
Don’t Give Up! God Isn’t Finished With You Yet.
What happens when your dream turns sour, or your goals become unachievable because your circumstances change? How do you make sense of what you hadn’t bargained for? How is God glorified in lives that are broken? This seminar unpacks the struggle of life’s unexpected challenges, against the background of God’s grace, and our place in His Big Plan. We’ll look together at dealing with wrong attitudes, and learning to change our focus with our eyes fixed on the joy set before us.
Catherine Campbell is a writer and speaker who focuses on what the Bible has to say about life’s tough stuff. Married to Philip, they love spending fun time with their grandchildren.
When? Thursday 8 August Venue: Bann Tent
LIVING FOR JESUS AT WORK
With Danielle McElhinney
A resource to equip you to live out your faith in your workplace
Jesus calls us to live for Him in all aspects of our lives, including the workplace, which for many of us is where we interact most with those who do not yet know Him. We are to live as salt and light, talking with our colleagues about Jesus, influencing our organisations and encouraging integrity in how the organisation behaves. None of this is easy, but this is our calling to live for Jesus at work. This seminar will inspire and equip Christians to faithfully live for Jesus in their workplaces and tackle some of the tricky challenges Christians face there.
Danielle McElhinney is the public policy officer for the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland representing evangelical Christians in the public square and speaking up on issues that matter to evangelical churches.
When? Thursday 8 August Venue: Main Stage Right
HOW TO TRUST THE BIBLE
With Mark Wells and Dave Wilson
Find out why it is a trustworthy book and how to read it
The Bible is an ancient book written for a different culture. How can it be relevant for us today and is it even an accurate and trustworthy text? If it isn’t, we’re in trouble! But if it is, then it is something we can build our lives on. Come and join us as we explore some reasons why we can trust the Bible and tips on how to engage with it.
Mark works for the Bible Society in Northern Ireland and is passionate about helping people to engage with God’s Word. He lives in Bangor and loves running, swimming and singing in Church.
Dave is the National Director for Precept Ireland, an all island ministry that seeks to equip Christians with confidence and the skills to help them better engage with God’s Word.
When? Thursday 8 August Venue: Overflow 1
Drop-down menu
With Sheena McCartney
Helping our young people reimagine their digital diet
When should I let my child have a phone? Will I give in to the demands for Snapchat, Tiktok, or the latest social media craze? How can I keep them safe in a world where they probably know more than me? If you’re feeling defeated along your digital parenting journey, or just really want to get it right, this seminar will build your confidence and inspire you to help your children train a taste for healthy relationships and positive online connections.
Sheena McCartney has spent 14 years on the Love For Life team, and currently leads their church engagement. Wife to one and Mum to three, in moments of calm amidst the chaos she loves to drink tea, make music, and walk in beautiful places.
When? Thursday 8 August Venue: Overflow 2
Friday 9 August
FACE TO FACE WITH PETER WILLIAMS
With Peter Williams
Find out about the faith, life and ministry of our main stage Bible teacher.
In this interview-style seminar, Peter Williams will chat honestly about his life, his personal faith and his work as a theologian and principal of Tyndall House, sharing his passion for the word of God and his deep knowledge of the scriptures.
Peter J. Williams (PhD Cambridge University) is Principal of Tyndale House, Cambridge, the UK’s largest Bible research institute. He is married to Kathryn and is author of books including Can We Trust the Gospels? and The Surprising Genius of Jesus.
When? Friday 9 August Venue: Bann Tent
Raising Mission Minded Kids
With Peter Wright, Growing Young Disciples
How can we teach our children about God’s heart for mission?
Increasingly we find ourselves living in a cultural moment that is post Christian, post truth and characterised by expressive individualism. How can we raise children and young people who will be engaged in mission as global disciples even from a young age? What might it look like to be families who are proactively teaching our children to be on mission for the Lord Jesus wherever He has placed them? These are some of the questions we will be considering during this seminar. If you are a parent, grandparent or in any way are passionate about shaping the next generation for Christ then this seminar is for you.
Peter is the Assistant Director of Growing Young Disciples, a charity devoted to supporting biblical youth and children’s ministry in the UK & Ireland . Prior to this, he spent 12 years in local church ministry in Northern Ireland working with children, young people and families. He is passionate about helping local churches to raise the next generation for Jesus and is particularly burdened to help people teach the Bible creatively and clearly to children and teenagers. Peter has lectured on youth ministry at Union Theological College in Belfast, Irish Baptist College and is currently a tutor with Crosslands Seminary.
When? Friday 9 August Venue: Main Stage Right
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND HUMAN IDENTITY
With David Glass
Thinking biblically about the impact of AI on humanity.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a huge impact in the world around us. While the technology has a lot of benefits, there are also a lot of concerns about its impact on society and it also raises fundamental questions about human identity. Could AI become as intelligent as humans or become conscious? Is there a danger, as some have speculated, that AI could take control or even replace humanity? This seminar will introduce some of these issues in the context of thinking about what it means to be human from a biblical perspective.
David Glass is a senior lecturer in the School of Computing at Ulster University, where he is a member of the Artificial Intelligence Research Centre. He has a BSc in mathematics, MA in philosophy, and PhD in theoretical physics from Queen’s University, Belfast. He also writes and speaks about the relationship between science and Christianity and is the author of Atheism’s New Clothes.
When? Friday 9 August Venue: Overflow One
