Explore every episode of the podcast FIEC Resources for Church Leaders
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Effect of Theology and Technology on Corporate Worship // Singing with the Saints (Part 3) | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:45:45 | |
The rise of the charismatic and pentecostal movements, plus societal and technological developments, meant that churches have had to respond to change in recent centuries - including how they approached corporate worship. In this In:Progress webinar, Graham Beynon (Associate National Director) covers changes in 20th- and 21st-century church history and how they have affected corporate worship in evangelical churches. The webinar covers the standardisation of services, the role of emotion and expression in sung worship, the updating of old hymns, and how new technology has led to the danger of "worship consumerism". Further reading on this topic is available on the FIEC website: https://fiec.org.uk/resources/theology-and-technology-on-corporate-worship. This is part 3 of 3 in the 'Singing with the Saints' webinar series. About the speaker: Graham is one of FIEC's Associate National Directors, helping churches and their leaders by managing FIEC’s team of Local Directors overseeing church planting, and giving advice and training. About the series: In this In:Progress webinar course, Graham Beynon (FIEC Associate National Director) looks at key moments in the history of independent worship and draws lessons for our corporate worship today. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Find out more: https://fiec.org.uk. | |||
| Cultural Influences on Corporate Worship // Singing with the Saints (Part 2) | 23 Jul 2026 | 01:02:48 | |
The church in the 18th- and 19th-centuries was influenced by the surrounding culture and therefore needed to understand how corporate worship could be expressed contextually without compromising to the culture. In this In:Progress webinar, Graham Beynon (Associate National Director) explores how different church leaders during those years approached corporate worship and what lessons we can learn for our practice today. The webinar includes examples from Isaac Watts, the Wesley brothers, the Salvation Army, and others, as well as how culture has influenced where churches meet and how sung worship is accompanied. Further reading on this topic is available on the FIEC website: https://fiec.org.uk/resources/cultural-influences-on-corporate-worship. This is part 2 of 3 in the 'Singing with the Saints' webinar series. About the speaker: Graham is one of FIEC's Associate National Directors, helping churches and their leaders by managing FIEC’s team of Local Directors overseeing church planting, and giving advice and training. About the series: In this In:Progress webinar course, Graham Beynon (FIEC Associate National Director) looks at key moments in the history of independent worship and draws lessons for our corporate worship today. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Find out more: https://fiec.org.uk. | |||
| Teaching English as Church Mission // David & Maura Baldwin | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:51:41 | |
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes are a great way to connect with the world on our doorstep. Lots of churches are finding these are manageable ways to make friends in the communities where our churches are located. David and Maura Baldwin (2:19 Teach to Reach) have many years of cross-cultural experience and will help us see how ESOL classes can form a significant part of a church’s mission strategy. This is a seminar from the 2025 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 10-12 November 2025. About the speakers: David the CEO of 2:19 Teach to Reach, a ministry that seeks to serve local churches as they reach out to the nations living in their own communities. Maura is Director of Operations at 2:19 Teach to Reach, a ministry supporting and equipping local churches to meet the needs of their international communities. About the Leaders' Conference: The title of the 2025 Leaders' Conference was Church Without Borders, exploring how we can serve God’s mission in a mobile world. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Find out more: https://fiec.org.uk. | |||
| Different Yet the Same: Is Complementarianism Unjust? // Linda Allcock // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 05 Dec 2023 | 01:09:13 | |
How do we answer the powerful claim that complementarianism is inherently unjust? How can we pursue gender justice in the church whilst apparently distinguishing so starkly between those who equally share God’s image? Linda Allcock, staff member at The Globe Church and teacher at London Seminary’s Flourish course, helps us think through these important questions and see how the answer must include how churches listen well to the voices of women. The seminar was introduced by Johnny Prime (FIEC Director for Pastoral Support) who also led a Q&A. You can get a copy of the slide deck on the FIEC website. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Justice in the Church // Graham Beynon // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:55:59 | |
Having justified his people, God calls his people to be just in their life together. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, looks at Biblical examples, identifies key principles, and reflects on contemporary applications. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. This seminar is from the Digging Deeper seminar track, exploring how the topics from the main gatherings relate to church life, and followed Jason Roach's message, Justice Declared. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Justice in God // Graham Beynon // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 01 Dec 2023 | 01:02:14 | |
God is the source of justice and only acts justly in his world. By contrast we so often pervert justice. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, helps us consider how God's justice - and our injustice - changes our perspective and life together. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. This seminar is from the Digging Deeper seminar track, exploring how the topics from the main gatherings relate to church life, and followed Ray Brown's message, Justice Denied. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Christians and Politics // Tim Farron and James Mildred // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 01 Dec 2023 | 01:15:01 | |
The ‘not quite’ election of Kate Forbes as First Minister in Scotland has once again raised the question of whether Christians can get stuck into politics. Tim Farron, MP and host of Premier’s ‘A Mucky Business’ podcast, and James Mildred, Director of Communications and Engagement at Christian Action, Research, and Education (CARE), will help us understand how we can see politics positively, how we can engage in it constructively and how we can help our congregations do likewise. Apologies that, due to technical issues, the sound quality of this recording is poor. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Justice Done // Colin Adams // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:31:58 | |
A place of perfect justice is coming, a place of delight and joy. Injustice will not be remembered, nor need to be, as wrongs are righted. We will be glad in God and he will be delighted in us. There will be no weeping or crying because God will eliminate the cause of all tears. So, let us point to the God who will put an end to injustice forever. We ended our 2023 conference sent out anticipating the great Day of the Lord as Colin Adams (Pastor, Greenview Church, Glasgow) preached from Isaiah 65:17-25. This talk is from the fifth of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Justice Displayed // John Stevens // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:41:53 | |
Jesus was sent in the power of the Spirit to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the world, and now his people are too. The church needs to be the just community it is called to be. John Stevens (FIEC National Director) preached from Isaiah 61:1-11 to show how the work of the church is not simply to enjoy God’s justice, but to display it to the world as servants of Christ. This talk is from the fourth of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Justice Demanded // Matt Oliver // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:24:09 | |
Isaiah wrote: "You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." (Isaiah 62:6-7) Matt Oliver (Pastor, Hardwick Baptist Church) preached from Isaiah 62 to boldly encourage us to give God “no rest” as we gathered to pray for gospel work in our churches and our land at our Leaders' Conference. This talk is from the third of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Justice Declared // Jason Roach // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:38:07 | |
Jason Roach (Director of Ministries, London City Mission) helps us see how the justice of God is declared in the work of the cross and justification, preaching from Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Jesus is the servant that Isaiah spoke of, who would bring true justice to the world. He is a wise servant, who was also despised and suffered as our substitute. He was cut off so that his people could be justified, and be freed to be justice bringing hands in the world. This talk is from the second of five main gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Justice Denied // Ray Brown // FIEC Leaders' Conference 2023 | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:35:35 | |
The foundation for our 2023 conference was to understand and rejoice in the character of God – and in particular his justice. He will do and does do right in his world. Ray Brown opened the conference by preaching from Isaiah 1:21-31: that God’s wrath at the failure of his people to exercise justice reveals the deep heart of the Father, and that the promised restoration and transformation brings hope. This talk is from the first of five main Gatherings at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. You can watch a video of this message and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Church Plants Working Together // Gospel Neighbours | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:29:07 | |
What could partnership between new churches look like? What does it take to start a new church? In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to find out what their partnership as leaders looks like and to discuss church planting. 00:00 - New London churches working together 10:12 - Thinking about church planting together 13:25 - Should church planters stay or go? 23:10 - Church plants need leaders 28:19 - Church planters' wives You can watch a video of this roundtable and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Leader-to-Leader, Church-to-Church (Church Leaders as Mission Partners) // Leonardo De Chirico & Emanuel Tundrea | 09 Jan 2026 | 01:00:29 | |
We have moved from the classic mission agency model of detached mission to seeing the value of leader-to-leader and church-to-church connection. What is the value of us as leaders building relationships with church leaders in the mission field? And how can those connections be truly two-way? Leonardo De Chirico (Reformanda Initiative) and Emanuel Tundrea (Romanian Christian leader) will show how they have been helped by such connections and give ideas for how churches can maximise connections. This is a seminar from the 2025 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 10-12 November 2025. About the speakers: Leonardo De Chirico is pastor of the Church Breccia di Roma, and a lecturer in historical theology in Padova, Italy, and the director of the Reformanda Initiative, seeking to resource Evangelical leaders to understand Catholicism.Emanuel Tundrea is an Associate Professor at Emanuel University of Oradea, the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Ethics in Entrepreneurship and Technology, and is leading the Romanian Christian Academic Network. About the Leaders' Conference: The title of the 2025 Leaders' Conference was Church Without Borders, exploring how we can serve God’s mission in a mobile world. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Find out more: https://fiec.org.uk. | |||
| Reflecting Diverse Communities in Church Life // Gospel Neighbours | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:31:09 | |
How does the local community affect local church life? How can partnerships with churches that are different help us grow and glorify God? In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (FIEC Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to discuss how they reflect their local communities and the benefits of learning from one another. 00:00 - Different communities in London 04:36 - Reflecting local communities in church life 12:18 - Sunday morning differences 17:42 - Differences in preaching 23:16 - Learning from different churches to yours 29:10 - Diversity to glorify God You can watch a video of this roundtable and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Learning from New London Churches // Gospel Neighbours | 13 Jul 2023 | 00:27:17 | |
Three new churches in central London are located in close proximity yet serve in very distinct settings. What can we learn from their shared experiences in different contexts? In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to find out about the differences in their local contexts - one transient, one on a council estate, one very diverse - and what they have learned through church planting and church mergers. 00:00 - How did The Globe, Hope Church, and Stockwell Baptist Church come to be? You can watch a video of this roundtable and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Unity in Christ (Ephesians 1) // Andy Hunter, Local Conference 2023 | 07 Jul 2023 | 00:32:57 | |
Our Local Conferences in 2023 aimed to help church leaders go deeper into the themes of the 2022 Leaders' Conference. They explored the pressing need for direct partnerships between churches, and how we can overcome some of the challenges. Andy Hunter (FIEC Acting Head of Local Ministries) opened the Liverpool Local Conference by preaching from Ephesians 1, reflecting on the unity involved in God's plan of salvation. How does that unity work out on the macro, universal level, on the micro, individual level, and everywhere in between? And, although this unity will fully come "when the times reach their fulfilment" (Ephesians 1:10), how can we lean into its truth now in church life? About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| FIEC Distinctives: our Ethos Statements | 30 Mar 2023 | 01:25:20 | |
FIEC churches unite around our Doctrinal Basis, but they also agree to our Ethos Statements which bring clarity to our life and ministry as a Fellowship: gospel unity; women in ministry; and same sex marriage. FIEC was founded in 1922 to be Independent churches united by primary gospel truths but with diversity on secondary issues. That unity has always been defined by the FIEC Doctrinal Basis but, since 1922, FIEC churches have adopted three ethos statements about key issues which they thought necessary to take a stand. These statements are crucial to gospel faithfulness and are essential to our identity and functioning as a Fellowship: To some extent, the statements have been adopted in response to what is happening more widely in evangelicalism or in the culture. Each year, FIEC churches recommit their agreement to these statements - churches do not have to agree with them but are free to leave the Fellowship if they have changed their position and no longer agree. In October 2022, FIEC National Director John Stevens spoke at Bradfield & Rougham Baptist Church to a group of churches in Suffolk to explain more about the Ethos Statements followed by a Q&A:
You can watch a video of this presentation and download it to show in your church on the FIEC website. 00:00 - The 1992 vision for FIEC About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Who Are You Yoked With? // Andy Rees, The Hub 2023 | 27 Feb 2023 | 00:39:23 | |
As the temple of the living God, we must not join with darkness but be yoked with Christ. Andy Rees (pastor, CityGates Church, Norwich) gives the second of three talks at The Hub conference from 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:3 to encourage those considering church ministry. You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and takes place every year in early January. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| More Blessed to Give than to Receive // Trevor Archer, The Hub 2023 | 23 Feb 2023 | 00:41:23 | |
In church ministry, to give is to imitate the very heart of God as the gospel travels out into the world. Trevor Archer (FIEC Director for London) gives the third of three talks at The Hub conference from Acts 20:17-38 to encourage those considering church ministry. You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and takes place every year in early January. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Great Endurance // Andy Rees, The Hub 2023 | 23 Feb 2023 | 00:33:42 | |
Endurance is necessary in church ministry. But that ministry is a privilege like no other: "making many people rich". Andy Rees (pastor, CityGates Church, Norwich) gives the first of three talks at The Hub conference from 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 to encourage those considering church ministry. You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and takes place every year in early January. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Regathering and Restarting (AGM 2022) | 15 Dec 2022 | 00:32:20 | |
A review of the past year - in which we emerged from lockdowns - and a look forward as we continue to serve God in FIEC's 100th year. We are grateful to God for growth after emerging from lockdown in the past year: FIEC churches are growing, FIEC is growing, and FIEC's capacity to help churches is growing. During the 2022 Leaders' Conference in Blackpool, FIEC National Director John Stevens gave a review of the past year (September 2021 - August 2022) and a look forward to the next year, including three challenges to FIEC churches. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| “The Law is an Ass!” or is it, in Fact, an Asset to Churches? // Edward Connor Solicitors, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 08 Dec 2022 | 01:17:03 | |
Too often we think about legal requirements in terms of restricting ministry, but in the current climate we need to see how good legal compliance can actually do the opposite; it will help contribute to a healthy church culture which enables gospel ministry and - in human terms – allows it to flourish. This seminar with our friends at Edward Connor Solicitors helps church leaders to understand how good legal practice equates to flourishing ministries across three key areas affecting churches: charity law, property law, and employment law. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Developing a Healthy Leadership Culture // Richard & Carolyn Lacey, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:51:00 | |
There has – rightly – been a lot of focus on some high-profile abuse in leadership. Many of us are wondering whether we have to rethink our own leadership styles and approaches. Richard and Carolyn Lacey (Woodgreen Church, Worcester) will discuss the foundational principles underpinning a healthy leadership culture and explore how we make progress in our own leadership and helping others in our church grow as leaders. Download the handout. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Moving Beyond the Mission Slot // Kev Croft | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:45:13 | |
How can our desire to see the nations reached impact what we sing, our sermon applications, our prayer life, our small groups? In this seminar, Kev Croft (Hope Church Vauxhall, London, and London City Mission) helps us think about how we make mission part of the church culture, not just a regular slot in the prayer meeting and service. This seminar was given at the 2025 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 10-12 November 2025. About the speaker: Kev serves as Field Director for South London with London City Mission, and is an elder of Hope Church Vauxhall - a church that was planted in 2018 on the Vauxhall Gardens estate. About the Leaders' Conference: The title of the 2025 Leaders' Conference was Church Without Borders, exploring how we can serve God’s mission in a mobile world. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Find out more: https://fiec.org.uk. | |||
| Joys and Challenges of Smaller Church Life // Jonathan Bond, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 07 Dec 2022 | 01:06:49 | |
Many churches in the FIEC are ‘smaller’, with memberships of less than 35. Although some of these churches are in decline, being smaller does not necessarily mean being unhealthy. Jonathan Bond (FIEC Director for Smaller Churches) helps leaders of smaller churches be reminded of the joys and think about dealing with the challenges of serving in this context. Also, from a smaller church perspective, how to help leaders of larger churches better understand how to help them without it appearing like imposing. Download the slide deck and handout. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Christ, Trauma, Abuse, and the Church // Phil Swann, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 07 Dec 2022 | 01:09:35 | |
An increasing number of church members have suffered trauma of one kind or another, including abuse of power within churches themselves. We need to know how to minister the grace of Christ to these saints without re-traumatising them. Phil Swann, pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales and facilitator of the Soul Care Network in the Wales Leadership Forum, will help leaders of all kinds chart a better course. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Finding the Right Hills to Die On // Mike Kendall, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:38:44 | |
If we are to develop meaningful partnerships, how do we do so when so many differences exist between churches? Are our differences all of the same kind? And how do we navigate the challenge of being clear on secondaries, without letting them become primary? Inspired by the book of the same title, Mike Kendall, pastor at St Neots Evangelical Church, will explore how we ensure that we are finding the right hills to die on. With help from a pre-recorded interview with author Gavin Ortlund. You can listen to more of this this interview on the FIEC podcast. Please note the discussion feedback and Q&A were not recorded. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Creating Meaningful Partnerships Across Cultures // Yannick Christos-Wahab, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:47:25 | |
We are most comfortable developing partnerships with people like us. But we need to recognise that such narrowness is not only unbiblical, it is severely limiting. In this seminar, Yannick Christos-Wahab (pastor at Stockwell Baptist Church in London) helps us explore what we need to look out for, what attitudes are necessary, and what realism we need to integrate alongside gospel optimism. Download the slide deck and notes sheet. Please note the discussion feedback and Q&A were not recorded. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Maintaining Church Unity in a Complex World // Colin Adams, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 06 Dec 2022 | 00:57:32 | |
Churches have often experienced sharpening divisions internally, for example, in how to respond to the Covid crisis. Sometimes elderships have been sharply divided. Colin Adams, pastor at Greenview Church in Glasgow, helps leaders think about developing perception and wisdom in our increasingly complex world. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Developing Meaningful National Partnerships // Tim Manson and Peter Roberts, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 06 Dec 2022 | 01:02:58 | |
One of the strengths of the FIEC is the ability to gather and facilitate local partnerships. But that also means that we are weaker at developing partnerships that are outside of geographic areas yet equally meaningful. Tim Manson (Gunnersbury Baptist Church, London) and Pete Roberts (Trinity Church, Everton, Merseyside) will share their experience of partnership from the South-East to North-West, and explore how such partnerships could develop elsewhere. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Developing Meaningful Local Partnerships // Paul Gamston, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 06 Dec 2022 | 00:45:22 | |
If we are to work together to reach Britain for Christ, our churches and leaders must have meaningful local partnerships which are based on trust. Paul Gamston, pastor at South Craven Evangelical Church in North Yorkshire, helps us answer how such trust can be developed and built on for effective church ministry. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Complementarianism in Practice // Paul Rees and Rachel Sloan, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 06 Dec 2022 | 00:55:16 | |
We may have attended many seminars and read many books on complementarianism; but how should it work in practice? Paul Rees and Rachel Sloan – both part of the pastoral team at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh – make connections with bible principles and church practice, including challenging some of our assumed orthopraxy when it comes to valuing and releasing the ministry of women in our local churches. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Engaging with Issues in an Unbelieving World // Sharon James, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 06 Dec 2022 | 01:01:43 | |
We increasingly find ourselves at odds with the world on ethical and moral issues, whether this be abortion, gender issues, freedom of speech or discrimination. Sharon James from The Christian Institute gives an overview of the current issues and helps church leaders think how to respond, including how we lead our churches through these issues. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Current Challenges in the Doctrine of the Church // Graham Beynon, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 06 Dec 2022 | 01:06:01 | |
Some of the current scandals in the evangelical (and wider) Christian world are shaking our ecclesiological convictions. Graham Beynon, pastor of Grace Church Cambridge, explores the challenges we are facing and what we can do to address them. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. Download the Powerpoint slide deck. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Help! My Church is Changing (Steps Towards an Intercultural Church) | 08 Jan 2026 | 01:17:51 | |
Our communities and churches are more diverse than ever before. In that context, how do we take the first steps towards becoming an intercultural church? Members of the FIEC Intercultural Ministry Team lead this seminar to explore the theological underpinnings of intercultural church before hearing from three FIEC churches engaged in this ministry to help us consider how churches can adapt to these changes. With stories from Alan McKnight (Harper Church, Glasgow), Lucas Coelho (Sunbridge Road Mission, Bradford), and Debbie Dickson (Cornerstone Church, Nottingham). This seminar was given at the 2025 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 10-12 November 2025. About the Leaders' Conference: The title of the 2025 Leaders' Conference was Church Without Borders, exploring how we can serve God’s mission in a mobile world. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Find out more: https://fiec.org.uk. | |||
| Independency Yesterday, Today, and for the Future // Robert Strivens, 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference seminar | 06 Dec 2022 | 01:04:32 | |
In Britain, Independency as a movement had its origins in relation to the question of the relationship between church and state. This has shaped the kind of independency that has arisen. FIEC Pastors’ Network member Robert Strivens (Bradford-on-Avon Baptist Church, Wiltshire) helps us see that Independency remains a biblically convictional position that sets us up well for ministry in our context. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 7-9 November 2022. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| The Church's Call in Challenging Times // John Stevens | 31 May 2022 | 00:58:54 | |
A series of crises over the last decade has caused a massive cultural shift. How can churches face the challenge of these times? John Stevens (FIEC National Director) speaks about the current state of the nation, the challenges faced by the church in these times, and suggests ways forward for the church to hear God's call to meet those challenges for the Kingdom. 00:00 - A massive cultural change This talk was recorded on Thursday 5 May 2022. You can watch a video of this talk and access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Keep Believing and Keep Serving // John Stevens, The Hub 2022 (Talk 3) | 10 May 2022 | 00:38:30 | |
What should you do as you make a decision about gospel ministry in the face of ridicule from the world? John Stevens gives the third of three talks at The Hub conference from 1 Corinthians 15. To the world, church ministry is a worthless, waste of time. Yet the gospel means that church ministry is worth it because it has eternal significance. You can watch a video of this interview and access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and runs every January. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| The Sheep and the Search Party // Sam Gibb, The Hub 2022 (Talk 2) | 10 May 2022 | 00:38:57 | |
Christ loves his sheep and goes after the ones who walk away from him, and calls the church to be his search party. Sam Gibb gives the second of three talks at The Hub conference from Matthew 18:18-20. Jesus loves his sheep and searches for each one that wanders - with the church as his search party. You can watch a video of this talk and access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and runs every January. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| The Proud and the Humble // Sam Gibb, The Hub 2022 (Talk 1) | 10 May 2022 | 00:37:07 | |
You will never see how Jesus sees people unless you daily let go of ego and come to him. Humility is the most important characteristic of a church leader. Sam Gibb gives the first of three talks at The Hub conference from Matthew 18:1-14. He shows us how pride and humility affect church leadership and encourages us that we have no idea how much Christ truly cares for us. You can watch a video of this interview and access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The Hub: The Hub conference is a weekend dedicated to serving those exploring the call to Independent church ministry or who have already started the journey. It is organised by FIEC and runs every January. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Leading a Leadership Team // John Russell and Ray Evans | 14 Apr 2022 | 00:25:17 | |
What are the important things to understand and consider in leading a leadership team well? In this interview, John Russell, Lead Minister at Cornerstone Church Nottingham, speaks with FIEC Church Leadership Consultant to share insights into how he leads the leadership team at the church, and his journey to full-time ministry. You can watch a video of this interview and access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Dealing with Retirement from Ministry // Peter Lewis, John Russell, and Ray Evans | 14 Apr 2022 | 00:18:40 | |
How can retiring church leaders deal well with handing on the baton and stepping back from ministry? In this interview, Peter Lewis, retired Lead Minister of Cornerstone Church in Nottingham, is joined by his successor John Russell to talk with FIEC Church Leadership Consultant Ray Evans about how he marked the end of a long ministry and approached retirement. You can watch a video of this interview and access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| Transitioning Church Leadership // Peter Lewis, John Russell, and Ray Evans | 14 Apr 2022 | 00:29:23 | |
After a long and faithful ministry, how do you know when and how to move on? In this interview, Peter Lewis, retired Lead Minister of Cornerstone Church in Nottingham, is joined by his successor John Russell to talk with FIEC Church Leadership Consultant Ray Evans about considering retirement from ministry and how to transition leadership to the next generation. You can watch a video of this interview and access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches and there are now more than 50,000 people who are part of churches affiliated to FIEC. Follow FIEC on social media: | |||
| The Glorious Future - The Hope (Steve Robinson, 2021 FIEC Leaders' Conference) | 14 Dec 2021 | 00:21:26 | |
With the 2021 Leaders' Conferences taking place in five different locations, a local pastor was asked to preach in the second session of each conference on the glorious future of the church. In Manchester, Steve Robinson, Senior Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Liverpool, preached from 1 Peter 1:3-9 on the hope that the church has for the future. You can watch or listen to all the talks at the 2021 Leaders' Conferences on the FIEC website. | |||
| The Glorious Future - The Shepherd (Colin Adams, 2021 FIEC Leaders' Conference) | 14 Dec 2021 | 00:18:46 | |
With the 2021 Leaders' Conferences taking place in five different locations, a local pastor was asked to preach in the second session of each conference on the glorious future of the church. In Edinburgh, Colin Adams, Pastor-Teacher at Greenview Church in Glasgow, preached from Revelation 7:9-17 on God's people and their shepherd in the New Creation. You can watch or listen to all the talks at the 2021 Leaders' Conferences on the FIEC website. | |||
| Governance Overload // Becky Thomas & Gavin Smith | 08 Jan 2026 | 01:14:06 | |
One of the recurring challenges in church life for both operations teams and trustees is the overwhelming nature of governance - either recommended or mandated. This seminar leads us through how to keep a cool head and serve the church well as leaders and trustees - by thinking about why good governance matters and how we can do the essentials well. It is led by Becky Thomas (FIEC Director for Church Governance) and Gavin Smith (The Church Office), who also look at some helpful resources to support good governance. About the speakers: Becky supports churches with administration and governance as FIEC's Director for Church Governance. Gavin is the Church Manager at Christchurch, Newport, and the founder of The Church Office, an online resource that supports leadership and the work of ministry behind the scenes. About the Leaders' Conference: The title of the 2025 Leaders' Conference was Church Without Borders, exploring how we can serve God’s mission in a mobile world. About FIEC: We are a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. Find out more: https://fiec.org.uk. | |||
| The Glorious Future - The City (Ray Brown, 2021 FIEC Leaders' Conference) | 14 Dec 2021 | 00:24:53 | |
With the 2021 Leaders' Conferences taking place in five different locations, a local pastor was asked to preach in the second session of each conference on the glorious future of the church. In London, Ray Brown, Senior Minister at Grace Church Brockley in London, preached from Psalm 87:1-7 on the heavenly city of God to which the church belongs. You can watch or listen to all the talks at the 2021 Leaders' Conferences on the FIEC website. | |||
| The Glorious Future - The Picture (John Russell, 2021 FIEC Leaders' Conference) | 14 Dec 2021 | 00:22:32 | |
With the 2021 Leaders' Conferences taking place in five different locations, a local pastor was asked to preach in the second session of each conference on the glorious future of the church. In Birmingham, John Russell, Lead Minister at Cornerstone Church in Nottingham, preached from Revelation 7:1-17 on the church's protection by God and praises to God. You can watch or listen to all the talks at the 2021 Leaders' Conferences on the FIEC website. | |||
| The Glorious Future - The Bride (Jonathan Thomas, 2021 FIEC Leaders' Conference) | 14 Dec 2021 | 00:18:15 | |
With the 2021 Leaders' Conferences taking place in five different locations, a local pastor was asked to preach in the second session of each conference on the glorious future of the church. In Cardiff, Jonathan Thomas, Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Abergavenny, preached from Ephesians 5:25-33, on the church as the bride of Christ. You can watch or listen to all the talks at the 2021 Leaders' Conferences on the FIEC website. | |||