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 2022, the seminars will take place in the tented village (big blue tent and attached marquees) in the morning (11.45-12.45) from Monday 7 August to Friday 11 August.
Monday 7 August
TACKLING THE PORN EPIDEMIC
with Tim Parks – Naked Truth Project
How, and why, Christians should lead the way in talking about pornography
Why is pornography rarely mentioned in church? Are we oblivious to how many people struggle with it, both inside and outside the church? Do we feel overwhelmed by the size of the problem of pornography, and under resourced to help those impacted by it? Or perhaps it is just too awkward to mention? In this seminar we will be exploring how widespread pornography use is, the damaging impacts it has and why it is a discipleship issue. Together, we will look at the ways in which we all can play a role in talking about and tackling the harmful impacts of pornography.
Tim works for Naked Truth Project and seeks to engage with churches about how they can talk about and tackle the issue of pornography. He lives in Dromore, Co. Down with his wife Andrea and their sons.
When? Monday 7 August Venue: Main Stage Right
CROSSING BOUNDARIES FOR CHRIST
With David Moore
Looking at the work of the Presbyterian Church in reaching out to West Belfast
For many people outside West Belfast it is unknown. It is also a place where an evangelical expression of church is largely, although not completely unknown. In the past the Presbyterian Church had a number of congregations there, but the last closed in 1993. Yet the constituency of West Belfast is home to around 95,000 people! Last year a new four year development post was created to reach back into West Belfast, with the hand of friendship, service and grace. This seminar will look at the work of this project, its hopes for the future, and how it may help inspire other similar ventures.
David is a Presbyterian Minister working in West Belfast
When? Monday 7 August Venue: Overflow 2
GOOD NEWS PEOPLE IN OUR PLACE
With Donna Jennings, Caitlyn McCrea and CAP NI
Church communities bringing kingdom transformation of poverty & mental health
Beginning from a biblical conviction that the kingdom of God really is good news for individuals, communities, society and culture, we will explore a framework of gospel, church and mission that brings whole life transformation. Together, with CAP and Kintsugi Hope, we explore how to seek God’s Kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven into the experiences of poverty, debt and mental health. Come and hear good news stories, and take away ideas and inspiration for how you and your church community can join in the transforming, renewing work of God in your community in the name of Jesus.
Donna loves to create and connect conversations around the fullness of the gospel and the call on the church to witness to the transforming work of God’s Kingdom. She has worked in cross-cultural mission and now works with Evangelical Alliance.
Caitlyn is the NI Development Manager for Kintsugi Hope. Kintsugi Hope touched Caitlyn’s life and she loves to share her journey with Mental Health and Brokenness as she develops the work across Northern Ireland.
When? Monday 7 August Venue: Overflow 1
EQUIPPED FOR ROUGH TERRAIN
With Arianna Walker
The Power of Resilience
Resilient leaders have the ability to sustain their energy level under pressure- they cope with disruptive changes and know how to adapt. Resilience facilitates bounce-back from setbacks and overcoming major difficulties without engaging in dysfunctional behaviour or harming others. Combining both psychological constructs and biblical truth, this session explains the power of resilience and how to become a leader that is equipped for rough terrain.
One of our main speakers for the week, Arianna Walker is the CEO of Mercy UK, a Christian mental health charity, specialising in helping Christians from all walks of life to live free and stay free. She is an international speaker, author and leader with 25 years’ experience in developing people, leading teams and coaching individuals – especially in the area of mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
When? Monday 7 August Venue: Bann
Tuesday 8 August
THE GLOBAL CHURCH IN NORTHERN IRELAND
With Nathaniel Jennings – OMF
Come along and listen and learn from our international brothers and sisters.
The global church we are a part of is growing! The Lord is bringing many from it to live and minister on this island. He is using them to revive and grow the church here. They have amazing stories of sharing faith and seeing intercultural Christ communities emerging. Churches which powerfully witness to a warring world of what Jesus did on the cross, breaking down every barrier between people made in his image and creating a new humanity for his glory. Come and hear stories of how this is happening in our cities and towns and how we might be caught up in it too.
Nathaniel is OMF UK & Ireland’s Intercultural Ministries Director. He is passionate about serving local churches as they seek to witness to and embody the coming kingdom where people from every background will gather together in worship of Jesus.
When? Tuesday 8 August Venue: Overflow 1
BEHIND THE SCREEN
with Stuart Bothwell, International Justice Mission
The hidden online world of human trafficking
No child should live with the daily fear of violence. As Christians, seeking to live out Micah’s call to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God, how do we bring hope and light into dark places? Join Stu as he shares about his time with International Justice Mission tackling the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children. This new form of trafficking targets children in places like the Philippines and is fuelled by demand from places like the UK. But there is hope. Hear how Christians are engaging with suffering and helping to bring about miraculous transformation in across the world.
Stuart is married to Emma and together they are loving life as they raise their little girl Eliza in Lisburn. He serves as pastor of Lagan Valley Vineyard and is passionate about seeing people learning to live Christ’s life in Christ’s way.
When? Tuesday 8 August Venue: Main Stage Right
MISSION TO THE MARGINALISED: BRIDGING THE GAP
With Jonny McClune and Jonny Matthews – Youth for Christ NI
Supporting the church to reach out and be a welcoming place for the marginalised
Are the poor and disadvantaged under-represented, or even absent, from our churches? Is the church seen as a charitable service rather than a family to those in need?
Discover how marginalisation creates a barrier to building relationships and sharing the gospel. Let’s explore together how we can overcome barriers by reconsidering our approach to this mission. Those on the margins need a church family, not simply charity; Come and hear about how you and your church can make a difference in our communities if we are prepared to challenge our biases and step out of our comfort zones.
Jonny McClune is the Operations and Ministry Development Director for Youth for Christ Northern Ireland and is passionate about how the church engages in mission. He lives in Belfast with his wife Bethany and their son Jack, who was born earlier this year.
Jonny Matthews is the Centre Coordinator for Craigavon Youth For Christ and also a Church leader of a church in the area called Cara Craigavon working alongside disadvantaged people. He lives in Craigavon with his wife Laura and two children, Betty and Jack.
When? Tuesday 8 August Venue: Overflow 2
SPEAKER Q & A
With Arianna Walker and Tony Horsfall
Hear Main Stage speakers answer your questions.
An opportunity to meet our main speakers to ask questions about their talks so far and more generally about their life, passion and concerns for the wider Church.
When? Tuesday 8 August Venue: Bann
Wednesday 9 August
READING HABAKKUK IN A TIME OF CRISIS
with William Ford
‘Though the economy does not recover…’ Habakkuk, lament and us
What does it mean to have faith in God in a time of crisis? Habakkuk’s little book grapples with this question. In the middle of a national crisis the prophet engages with God through lament. He starts by questioning why the eternal, good God allows injustice and evil (1:2-4, 12-17), and ends by trusting in God even in the middle of disaster (3:16-19). As we follow Habakkuk in his journey, we will consider how this book can speak to us in the various crises that we may face, and how engagement with God through lament can lead to greater trust.
William teaches Old Testament at Belfast Bible College. He loves preaching/speaking/writing about the Bible whenever he can, especially the lesser-known/more difficult passages. He worships at Lowe Church, Belfast with his wife and two children.
When? Wednesday 9 August Venue: Overflow 2
POSITIVE PARENTING IN A DIGITAL WORLD
Deborah Webster – Thrive Academy
Helping children and young people to become digitally aware, wise and resilient
In this practical, informal and non-judgemental seminar we will explore how children and young people use the online space and how some simple biblical principles can help them to become digitally aware, wise and resilient. The areas we will look at include the risks of the internet, categorised as the four Cs: Content, Contact, Conduct and Contract; the impact that social media has on the wellbeing of children and young people and different ways that parents, carers and those with responsibility for children can help them to cope with the risks and negative impacts of the online space.
Deborah lives in Craigavon with her husband and two children. She has a background in education and safeguarding, and established Thrive Academy in 2021, a social enterprise set up to help young people navigate the online space.
When? Wednesday 9 August Venue: Main Stage Right
Leading joyfully when plans turn to ashes
With Paul Coulter, Geoff Donaldson, Alison Mark and Alistair Bill – Living Leadership
Help to keep serving when your plans don’t work out and you face disappointment
A leader is often expected to have a vision and a plan to achieve it. But sometimes a vision turns out to be a mirage and plans fall to pieces for reasons the leader cannot control or anticipate. How can leaders maintain joy amidst discouragements and disappointments? This seminar is intended for leaders in churches and Christian agencies. The Living Leadership team will lead us in thinking about the issues and in reflection and prayerful response. They will also be available for one to one prayer and ongoing support as needed.
A medic, pastor and theologian, Paul serves fulltime as Head of Ministry Operations with Living Leadership. He is also Executive Director of the Centre for Christianity in Society.
Geoff has served as a pastor, Bible College lecturer and missionary. He is director of European Christian Mission Ireland and is an Associate with Living Leadership.
Alison is retired and living in Moira. She ministered alongside her husband, Rev. Douglas Mark, for 42 years – in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the USA, and latterly with Open Doors.
Alistair served as a congregational minister in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland for over 40 years and in four contexts before retiring to Coleraine.
When? Wednesday 9 August Venue: Bann
Intentionally welcoming refugees & asylum seekers
With Emily Shepherd, Patrick Purdy and Anna Arnold – Welcome Churches
How do we practically respond to the biblical call to welcome refugees in 2023?
There are countless examples in the Bible of God’s caring heart for the refugee and the foreigner. Across Northern Ireland, many are arriving in our communities seeking refuge and a welcome – whether they be seeking asylum or from Ukraine, Afghanistan or Hong Kong. No matter where you are based, there is something you can do to say welcome! Come and hear real life examples of churches that are being transformed as they fulfil the Biblical mandate to welcome the stranger, as well as useful resources and tools to help you respond to show God’s heart to refugees in your community.
Emily is Joint CEO, and cofounded Welcome Churches in 2018. She is passionate about seeing the UK Church being at the forefront of welcoming refugees.
Patrick is the Welcome Churches Coordinator for Northern Ireland, helping to equip, train and resource churches to welcome all those seeking refuge.
Anna is creating new resources for churches to engage with Afghan refugees and running the ‘Welcome Homes’ project – connecting compassionate homeowners with refugees in need.
When? Wednesday 9 August Venue: Overflow 1
Thursday 10 August
GENDER IDENTITY AND THE CHURCH
with Simon Byrne – True Freedom Trust
Support for those experiencing gender incongruence/engaging trans narratives
Questions about gender identity are among the most sensitive and confusing facing the church today. This seminar will provide an overview of the topic, and will consider what the bible says about being male/female while also discussing the range of transgender experiences that those in the church’s care might feel. The seminar will offer no ‘one-size fits all’ answers, but will offer a framework for navigating some of the pastoral and practical dilemmas facing churches (and parents) in this area. At all times, we’ll remember we are dealing with people, not just theological arguments.
Simon is the Teaching & Outreach Manager for True Freedom Trust, a charity that supports Christians in the UK and Ireland who experience same-sex attraction and/or gender incongruence and wish to live in accordance with historic Christian teaching.
When? Thursday 10 August Venue: Main Stage Right
THE WORD OF GOD HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
with Dave Wilson – Precepts Ireland
The Book of the Law was rediscovered in the Temple
Josiah chose to pursue God at 16 years old, purging the nation of idols and restoring the House of God. When the Book of the Law was discovered and read, Josiah called the nation to heart repentance and a renewal of their covenant relationship with God, resulting in revival. As our culture becomes more secular, the church is strategically placed to be distinctively different, but this will only happen as we embrace the words and ways of God in the power of His Holy Spirit. The challenge must be to re-engage God’s people with Gods Word so that they are transformed by the renewal of their minds.
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 10 August Venue: Overflow 2
Leading with zeal without burnout or explosions
With Paul Coulter, Geoff Donaldson, Alison Mark and Alistair Bill – Living Leadership
Help to sustain passion in leadership without burning others or burning out
Zeal for God’s house can consume us like it did Jesus. That is good, but it is also dangerous! If we do not handle passion well it can destroy us and snuff out smouldering wicks. Join the Living Leadership team to explore how we can sustain zealous leadership for God’s glory and others’ good. This seminar is intended for leaders in churches and Christian agencies. The Living Leadership team will lead us in thinking about the issues and in reflection and prayerful response. They will also be available for one to one prayer and ongoing support as needed.
A medic, pastor and theologian, Paul serves fulltime as Head of Ministry Operations with Living Leadership. He is also Executive Director of the Centre for Christianity in Society.
Geoff has served as a pastor, Bible College lecturer and missionary. He is director of European Christian Mission Ireland and is an Associate with Living Leadership.
Alison is retired and living in Moira. She ministered alongside her husband, Rev. Douglas Mark, for 42 years – in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the USA, and latterly with Open Doors.
Alistair served as a congregational minister in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland for over 40 years and in four contexts before retiring to Coleraine.
When? Thursday 10 August Venue: Bann
Friday 11 August
Illuminating darkness
With Emma Lutton and Linda Abwa – CMS and Chris Phillips – Open Doors
Stories from the global church will illustrate God’s redeeming work: darkness to light
Through personal testimonies from the global church, this seminar will explore how the light of the gospel has brought joy even in places of challenge and darkness. Millions of our brothers and sisters around the world face extreme persecution for following Jesus. Considering this alongside other topics of war, displacement and gender-based violence, we will see examples of God redeeming suffering and the gift of God-given joy will be presented. Voices from the global church will tell their stories. There will also be opportunity for discussion on what the church in Ireland can learn from experiences of Christians across the world.
Emma is the CMS Ireland Communications Coordinator. She has a background in teaching English and Drama at secondary school level.
Linda is a Partnership Coordinator for CMS Ireland. She facilitates partnerships between churches in Ireland churches in South Sudan, DR Congo, Norther Uganda, Egypt and Ethiopia. Linda worked in Nigeria for many years in community health.
Chris Phillips is the Ireland Team Leader for Open Doors UK & Ireland.
When? Friday 11 August Venue: Overflow 1
THE THINGS CHRISTIANS SAY…
with Jonny Campbell – Alpha NI
10 things Christians love to say that aren’t true!
Join us for a bit of fun looking at some of the jargon, maxims and motivational memes that Christians love to repeat and share. Discover that usually the Biblical perspective is more nuanced, more helpful and far more beautiful.
Jonny is Associate National Director for Alpha UK having led the ministry of Alpha in Northern Ireland for six years. He lives in East Belfast with his wife Naomi. He once won a lifetime supply of energy saving lightbulbs on Blue Peter.
When? Friday 11 August Venue: Overflow 2
Disappointed with God?
With Tony and Jilly Horsfall
How can we recover from disappointments?
Most of us will have had moments when we have been bewildered by what happens to us and made to wonder if God is really there, and if so, does he actually care? Prayers are unanswered, suffering seems unjust, and God seem inactive, silent or even absent. Hopes are dashed and dreams unfulfilled. Our faith takes a battering and we are simply hanging on. Without offering trite solutions, or pretending that there are any quick-fix solutions, we will share some responses that together provide ‘glimpses’ of an answer and a way forward to a deeper and more robust relationship with God.
Tony and Jilly Horsfall live in Bournemouth, and between them have four children and six grandchildren. Tony, who is main Bible teacher at New Horizon 2023, is an author, retreat leader and mentor. He has served as a missionary, local church pastor, and has his own ministry, Charis Training. Jilly is a former nurse and midwife, now a trained counsellor with her own practice and over 20 years’ experience. They share a passion to help people grow in their relationship with God and know their identity as God’s deeply loved children.
When? Friday 11 August Venue: Bann