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Ireland is changing…
In Ireland today,
both north and south, a more secular culture is redefining
society’s values and ethics and Christianity is taking
a very different place.
How can we shape
a biblically informed response to the context in which we
are now called to serve God and witness to Christ?
‘Listening Post’
is a place to be resourced for creative engagement. Over four
days we offer you the opportunity to:
- Ask hard questions
not only of our society, but also of scripture and the church.
- Stretch your
faith
knowing that there is nothing in our world outside the scope
of God’s grace and love.
- Step outside
the box in
which Christian faith is placed by both the church and society.
- Discover biblical
faith not simply as a guard against a hostile world,
but as a resource we offer for the needs of this changing
world. We need a church which affirms faith that is active
in both confronting and shaping change.
Learning to listen
We hear so much about postmodernity, post-Christendom, post‘Troubles’
and post-Catholic Ireland. This residential school will help
you connect the concepts with reality as we learn about the
paradigm shifts that are impacting both society and church.
Listening to learn
During the Summer School we will explore the ways in which
we have been taught to read the biblical text and reflect
on what it means to be faithful to the gospel in this time
and place.
Listening on location
Belfast has experienced significant regeneration and growth
in recent years and during the residential we look at the
way in which planners, architects and artists are reshaping
areas of the city. Through a series of field trips we will
listen to the revival story that is embedded in the Belfast
City Masterplan.
Listening to lead
We will explore the mission and vocation of the church and
reflect on the spirituality that is required to effectively
lead communities of faith.
Listening to engage
During the residential we will consider two contemporary issues
facing the church in Ireland: engaging with Loyalist communities
and the challenges and opportunities posed by inward migration.
We invite you to
set aside time, in the company of others, to listen, reflect
and discern the will of God in this time.
Venue: Farset
International
Our conference this year will be held at the Farset International
which is situated on the Springfield Road, Belfast on the
side of a small, landscaped wildfowl reserve.
It was opened in 2003 in response to local community needs
for a neutral place for meetings, discussions and residentials.
It is community based and aims to contribute to the local
social development and economic regeneration.
Participants at the
conference will enjoy:
- En-suite rooms
with televisions and tea/coffee making facilities.
- Breakfast, lunch
and dinner provided by Farset International
- Lounges where
you can relax and feel at home
- 24 hour secure
parking
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