Conference Reflection from a newbie

Mark Wood, Vicar of Wilton Parish Church, a first time attender at MCN conference, writes;

As both and Oxford alumnus and an MCN “new boy”; this year’s Conference provided me with a wonderful blend of nostalgia and novelty! As Rector of one of the smaller “Market Town Churches”, it was really useful to meet others in the Network who are also working with a relatively small team of volunteers, and very few employees. And the sense of mutual encouragement, alone, made the conference worthwhile – but there was much more! Jim Walters (LSE) set the bar high at the opening session reflecting some of the ways our very public buildings can reflect, and speak into, changing circumstances. More practical advice was on offer as well. Workshops ranging from net zero carbon programmes to insurance and security issues and Bishop Andrew Rumsey offered some theological underpinning to our churches’ role within the broader “story” of our communities.

There was an inspired session on leadership facilitated by Dr Pegram Harrison of the Saïd Business School. After a brief demonstration, a number of delegates were pitched into conducting five solo singers, without any training or music!  As leaders with complex responsibilities that may not fit our own skill set, we were being asked: “How can we enable others to play their part as well as they can?” And the answer? Focus on them, not your own anxieties. Ask them what they need and who can provide it. Lastly, wordless communication can't be faked. A sobering thought!

For me, the Oxford Conference offered a perfect venue – splitting our time between the University Church and “Teddy Hall” – and with just the right balance of structured input and incidental networking at meals, and in the bar. My first MCN Conference will definitely not be my last!