Our National Conference is for those serving in Christian residential ministry across the UK - a vital space to reconnect, refocus, and be refreshed among those who understand the unique calling and challenges of this work.
'Jesus at Work': How we can integrate our faith in Jesus into our daily work so that it becomes a natural expression of our Christian lives rather than something separate? As people serving in Christian residential ministry, how can we share the hope we have in Christ with confidence and authenticity among our guests and others we encounter?
TO BOOK, CLICK HERE
Keynote Speaker: Andy Bannister from Solas
Andy is the Director of Solas and is an evangelist, speaker, writer, and broadcaster.
From universities to churches, cafes to pubs, schools to workplaces, Andy regularly
addresses audiences of both Christians and those of all faiths and none on issues
relating to faith, culture, politics and society.
With our theme of Jesus at Work, this year’s conference is an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day demands of running a Christian residential venue or holiday ministry, reconnect with others across our sector, and be encouraged and equipped for the year ahead.
Whether you’re a centre manager, trustee, part of the leadership team, or involved in the practical running of your organisation, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got an excellent line-up of speakers and seminars, covering everything from sharing our faith and supporting guests, to leadership, safeguarding, governance, finance and marketing.
What’s on the programme?
Here are just a few highlights to whet your appetite:
Sharing our faith with confidence – Andy Bannister, Solas
Our keynote speaker, Andy Bannister, will lead three sessions exploring how we can integrate our faith into everyday working life. How can we share the hope we have in Jesus naturally and confidently with our guests, colleagues and others we encounter? Andy will help us think about moving beyond the fears that sometimes hold us back and making the most of the opportunities God gives us. He’ll also lead a seminar exploring how the wonder of nature can provide a natural starting point for conversations about the gospel.
Making the most of AI without losing the personal touch – Ben Whitaker
AI is increasingly part of everyday working life, but how can we use it wisely in residential ministry? Ben will explore practical ways AI can help with administration, planning and communications, while keeping people at the heart of what we do. He’ll also lead a session on online safety, AI-driven risks and protecting the children, young people and vulnerable people in our care.
Supporting neurodivergent children and young people – Mark Arnold, Urban Saints
How can we create environments where neurodivergent children and young people feel understood, included and able to belong? This interactive session will explore practical changes that can make a real difference, with case studies and time for questions and answers.
Fundraising: Stories That Stir Generosity – Wendy Pawsey, Evangelical Alliance
Fundraising is about more than communicating a need. Wendy will explore how we can tell stories that connect with people, communicate impact and inspire generous giving, while honouring the people behind those stories.
When the Charity Commission comes calling – Edwina Turner, Anthony Collins Solicitors
A particularly valuable session for trustees and senior leaders, Edwina will share insights from her experience as an interim manager appointed during statutory inquiries. Discover the warning signs of poor governance, what good governance looks like, and what charity leaders can learn from organisations that have faced serious challenges.
And there’s much more…
The seminar programme also includes:
- Leading From the Inside Out – Amy Summerfield, Kyria: why healthy leadership begins with a healthy soul.
- Creating Culture – Amy Summerfield, Kyria: shaping the culture around us through integrity and everyday influence.
- Wise as Serpents: Protecting the People in Our Care Online – Ben Whitaker: understanding emerging online risks and responding wisely.
- Planning a major building project? – John Heasman, Christian Conference Trust: a practical six-step approach for non-experts.
- Finding the balance – Margaret Wooding Jones: finding space for stillness and reflection amid the pressures of ministry.
- Conversations that reach the heart – Nick Jackman, Biblical Counselling UK: listening well, asking thoughtful questions and sharing biblical truth with compassion.
- Growing through organisational change – Nicola Firth: navigating change with clarity, fairness and care.
- Supporting Those Who Support Others: Mental Health Awareness – Sara Taylor, Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: practical guidance on wellbeing, supporting others and recognising when further help is needed.
- Managing Risks and Insurance: Top 10 Risks Every Charity Should Know – Unity Insurance: understanding key risks and strengthening your organisation’s resilience.
- Beyond Promotion: How Strategic Marketing Drives Trust, Engagement and Sustainable Growth – Sarah Francis, Yellow Cherry: building trust, engagement and long-term growth through strategic marketing.
- Employment Law 2027: Stay Ahead of the Changes – Emma McGrath, Citation: an accessible overview of upcoming employment law reforms and what leaders need to know.
- The Wonder of Nature: How the Environment Can Be a Clue to the Gospel Story – Andy Bannister, Solas: using the natural world as a starting point for conversations about faith.
Alongside the sessions, the conference is a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, share ideas, learn from one another and build relationships with others who understand the particular joys and challenges of Christian residential ministry.
We’ll also be celebrating 40 years of CRNet (formerly CCI) on Tuesday 12 January at 5pm, with a special anniversary celebration and dinner.
Join us in January
We’d love to see as many CRNet members as possible at The Hayes this January. Whether you come every year or haven’t joined us for a while, we hope you’ll find the conference both encouraging and genuinely useful for your work and ministry.
And please do encourage colleagues, trustees and other members of your team to come along too. The programme offers something for a wide range of roles, and there’s real value in attending together and bringing what you learn back to your organisation.
For full details of seminars, click HERE
Tuesday 12th to Thursday 14th January 2027
The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire DE55 1AU
Here's what some attendees from the 2026 Conference had to say:
“Thank you so much to all the team for making me feel so welcome - I definitely gained a lot by being at the conference: I almost didn't want to leave!” (First-time attendee)
“The CRNet conference reminds you that you are not alone in residential ministry and is a great opportunity for being re-motivated to continue with your mission.”
“It's all too easy to get bogged down in the day to day running of our own ministries. It's REALLY helpful to be able to find the time to see that we are not on our own, many people struggle with the same things, and there's lots of advice and help from those who have walked the same road before us. Meeting together to pray, encourage and listen to each other from a business perspective is as important as not neglecting to meet together as fellowships.”
2026 National Conference
