Diocese of Oxford Licensed Lay Ministers’ Annual Conference “Developing servant Leaders in a time of change” 9th to 11th September 2005
More than 77 delegates attended this very successful conference held at the All Saints Pastoral Centre at London Colney.
On Friday evening, after the initial welcome by Diocesan Adviser Joanna Coney, performer (and Reader) Lance Pierson gave a very enjoyable and light hearted look at life and the Giver of life entitled ‘Being cheerful keeps you healthy (Proverbs 17:22)”. Saturday morning was spent looking at different aspects of servant leadership, led very ably by Keith Lamdin. In the afternoon Archdeaconry Advisers led their groups in studying Luke 7 v.36 – 38, 44 – 48. then after dinner, keynote speaker Brother Samuel, Minister Provincial of the European Province of the Society of St Francis, spoke about “Spirituality of Leadership, Ministry as Service.” He outlined five spiritual elements of leadership, namely penitence, fraternity, self-emptying, contemplation and joy, drawing on insights from St Francis and relating them to ministry today. On Sunday morning, a team of six members of the staff of STEM ran informative and useful workshops on various aspects of leadership. Finally, after lunch, the conference ended with a communion service in the chapel.
As well as the talks and workshops mentioned above, the SPCK bookshop provided by William and Paul, morning and evening worship and simple fellowship with fellow LLMs formed an important and integral part of the conference. Delegates returned home refreshed, stimulated, informed and affirmed.
