Bookings have opened for the Church Growth Conference 2026, the Diocese’s largest annual event, which will take place on Thursday 8 October at Welcome Church, Woking.
The conference is open to all and is particularly designed to enable clergy, PCC members, staff and ministry leaders from each parish to attend together.
Last year, more than 600 people gathered to hear Pete Greig and Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf explore the opportunities created at this time of spiritual awakening, growing openness to faith and increased levels of engagement.
This year, we will welcome two more inspirational keynote speakers: the Rt Revd Ruth Bushyager, Bishop of Horsham, and Gavin Calver, Chief Executive of the Evangelical Alliance.
Together, they will continue to explore the opportunities now emerging for churches. Drawing upon case studies, Bishop Ruth will focus on how Church of England parishes of all traditions can take their congregations deeper in commitment and create the conditions which enable new Christians to flourish. Gavin Calver will explore in-depth research conducted amongst new Christians on what prompted them to explore faith, the role of Christian friends and churches in their journeys, and the strategies being adopted by the fastest growing churches of all denominations.
Bishop Ruth is also an Archbishops’ Evangelist and the Chair of CPAS and previously led St Paul’s Dorking. Gavin is an ordained evangelist, former leader of Youth for Christ and Chair of Spring Harvest, a broadcaster and author, with a passion for the church working together to share the gospel across the UK.
The day will be highly practical, with case studies and evangelistic strategies and tactics to inspire and equip all congregations to share their faith and there will also be an exhibition offering a wide range of resources.
David Senior from the Mission Enabler team who organises the conference said: “It has been so encouraging to see this event grow in size and impact over the years. According to the feedback, parishes particularly value the opportunity for lay and ordained leaders to attend together, engage with truly inspirational speakers and to come away with a wealth of insights, ideas and resources to help them grow their churches in this season of unprecedented opportunity.”
Tickets cost £12 (including lunch). Booking details and further information are available via Eventbrite.