When hope is just a call away
Originally created in response to Covid lockdowns, the DailyHOPE Telephone Line is celebrating five years providing vital spiritual comfort to older people.
Initially developed by Faith in Later Life, in partnership with the Church of England and other Christian organisations, the service helps older people – particularly those without internet access – connect with worship and spiritual comfort during a time of social isolation.
In a letter to the organisation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the ongoing value of DailyHOPE to the lonely and isolated, calling it ‘a vital resource… that has continued to provide prayers, church services, reflections, hope and comfort’ over the years.
Faith in Later Life’s CEO, Alexandra Huggins said: ‘We were truly encouraged by the Prime Minister’s kind words. His recognition reflects what we hear all the time, that DailyHOPE remains a vital resource for people unable to get to church or access the internet for online worship. As we mark this anniversary, we remain committed to helping people have faith in later life beyond the church threshold.’
The DailyHOPE line is provided by Faith in Later Life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering hymns, prayers, and reflections from the Bible on 0800 804 8044.
• Faith in Later Life will be on stand U18 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Local church growth: community is the key
Through hosting events and community services, churches are successfully growing their congregations – as well as bringing in vital funds.
That’s the conclusion of a new survey conducted by CRE 25 exhibitor Ecclesiastical Insurance in which 541 churches were asked about their engagement with local communities. The most popular ways they open their doors to locals are:
- Putting on their own events (85%)
- Hosting external events (64%)
- Running community outreach services (62%)
- Being a hub for community use (60%)
Of the community events hosted by churches, almost half (49%) run toddler/baby groups and two in five (40%) run coffee shops. Scout and Guide groups (30%), youth clubs (30%), concerts (30%) and lunch clubs (27%) are also popular ways for churches to open their doors. Almost three out of five (58%) take donations when hosting, while nearly half (49%) take a rental fee for their facilities and a third (32%) make money from the sale of refreshments.
Three out of five (60%) say hosting events is a way to help grow a congregation.
Nine out of ten (92%) churches believe they offer a vital community hub – a fact backed up by their willingness to offer services such as food banks (pictured), bereavement support, Alcoholics Anonymous groups, Citizen’s Advice drop-ins and warm spaces for those affected by fuel poverty.
During a recent debate in Westminster on the impact of churches and religious buildings on communities, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha de Cordova MP, referenced the National Churches Trust’s ‘House of Good’ report which reveals that for every £1 invested in churches, the resulting benefits to society are worth more than £16.
Ecclesiastical’s church operations director Helen Richards said: ‘It’s no surprise to see churches opening their doors to the wider community and offering vital services to so many people. This has been true over centuries but with continuing economic instability these services are needed more than ever. By hosting events and community services, churches are successfully growing their congregations – and bringing in vital funds.
‘With the recent “Quiet Revival” report from the Bible Society showing an increase in church attendance, particularly within Gen Z, there is an opportunity for churches to reach a whole new audience.’ A guide to help churches host events has been produced by Ecclesiastical and can be found here.
• Ecclesiastical are on stand M10 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
How live streaming wasn’t just for Covid
While the Covid pandemic is long gone, live streaming is still having a positive impact on parishes up and down the country.
‘Churches of all denominations demonstrated a remarkable level of creativity and resilience in making worship accessible online,’ said Stephen Neath, sales director at audio-visual installers APi Sound and Visual. ‘Much like a dog isn’t just for Christmas, live streaming wasn’t just for Covid. It is a really powerful tool with, for example, people now “attending” weddings and funerals from the other side of the world. They can be a part of these events despite the impossibility of attending in person.’
APi have helped hundreds of churches create reliable livestreaming set ups during and since the pandemic. Their typical system includes one or two PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras – ideal for capturing everything from the pulpit to the entire congregation.
‘Our entire ethos is about giving a high-quality system which is simple to operate, so we use a customisable controller which can be designed to each church’s requirements,’ said Stephen, who offers churches three Top 3 Tips.
- Audio is key – Poor sound turns viewers away, even with great visuals. So, if you can only afford a basic camera, make sure that you get a clean audio feed, ideally with an output from the main sound desk.
- Keep it simple – Don’t overcomplicate your setup. You don’t need a huge production switcher with hundreds of buttons. Sometimes a laptop is enough.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help – Equipment is not as expensive as you might think and the added value a high-quality system can bring to the church can prove invaluable.
Experts from APi will be at CRE 25 to offer personal advice and expertise.
• APi Sound and Visual will be on stand P4 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
The ‘Quiet Revival’: so how should local churches respond?
If hostility and apathy to Christianity are truly being replaced by openness, especially among the young, what we should be doing about it?
This will be a major point for discussion and subsequent action at CRE 25, in light of the Bible Society’s recent report,The Quiet Revival whichsuggests that Generation Z show ‘above-average levels of warmth to spirituality’.
One of the report’s researchers, Dr Rob Barward-Symmons (above) will speak to the findings and take questions from visitors.
The Quiet Revival compares two nationally representative polls of attitudes and behaviours around the Bible, the church and Christianity among adults in England and Wales, commissioned by the Bible Society and carried out by YouGov.
First undertaken in 2018 with 19,000 adults, the survey was repeated in 2024 with 13,000 – in both cases providing high confidence levels. In 2018, four per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds reported that they attended church monthly, compared with 16 per cent in 2024. For men in this age range, this increased from four per cent to 21 per cent, and, for women, from three per cent to 12 per cent.
As well as a shift in cultural attitudes towards church and Christianity, the report suggests ‘a deep search for meaning, order and belonging’ among younger generations.
‘With the normalisation of Christianity in culture, and the confidence and comfort of Christian friends to share their own faith experience, a large number of young adults now appear to be looking towards the church as a space for finding healing and community as well as a deeper sense of meaning in their life,’ suggests the report.
The Quiet Revival concludes with four recommendations: firstly that ‘policy-makers and opinion-formers’ recognise churchgoing Christians in society and that churches work on increasing Bible discipleship, engage in intergenerational conversations within congregations and more widely and ‘recognise the importance and impact of authentic personal relationships.’
In his foreword, the Bible Society’s chief executive, Paul Williams, writes: ‘Our “Quiet Revival” is low key, but it is widespread. It doesn’t draw attention to a particular leadership style, or way of doing church, or political influence. Instead, the story told in this report is revolutionary in terms of the public assumptions about Christianity in England and Wales, and transformational in terms of how Christians think about themselves.’
‘When a report like this comes along it is important not to overstate or understate its significance,’ said CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘The exhibition provides an important platform for critical and rigorous discussion on an important piece of research. We encourage leaders at every level of local church operations to join us in October.’
• The Bible Society will be on stand E9 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
And they’re off! Tickets now on sale for CRE 25 at Sandown Park
Tickets for CRE 25 are now available online from as little as £3 each.
The exhibition, first held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London in 1985, will celebrate its 40th anniversary at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey (Oct 15-16 2025).
‘We are delighted to return to a venue much appreciated by both exhibitor and visitor alike,’ said CRE event director Brett Pitchfork. ‘Since our last exhibition there in 2022, we have received a steady stream of requests to bring it back to a venue that is close to the M25 and where parking is free and plentiful.’
Some 200 organisations are expected on the exhibition floor, supported by a 50-strong talks and presentations programme covering everything from faith sharing to fund raising. Among the contributors will be musicians Graham Kendrick, Paul and Fiona Jones and Andy Flannagan. Comedians and writers Paul Kerensa and Tiny Vino will also take part in a packed programme. More information here.
‘Now is the time for local church leaders to get a group together of people in key positions in the fellowship,’ said Brett. ‘They will find targeted products and services at CRE to help them fulfil their roles more effectively. A day at CRE is a day of discovery – and we look forward to seeing friends old and new at Sandown Park.’
CRE 25 at Sandown Park opening hours: Wed 15 Oct, 10am-5pm; Thu 16 Oct, 10am-4.30pm. Advance tickets cost £4 each or £3 each if three or more book in advance (£8 per person on the door). Click here for more information.
Photo: CRE returns to Sandown Park in October
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Friends will gather at CRE 25 to extend Legg’s legacy
Musicians Graham Kendrick, Andy Flannagan and Paul and Fiona Jones will join comedians Paul Kerensa and Tiny Vino to celebrate the life and legacy of late evangelist Steve Legg at CRE 25 (Oct 15-16, Sandown Park, Surrey).
Top row, left to right: Tiny Vino, Paul and Fiona Jones, Paul Kerensa; bottom row: Graham Kendrick and Andy Flannagan.
Steve, who died in September 2024 aged 57, began his entertainment career in 1988 using escapology to grab the attention of his audience. He became well known for presenting the Gospel using a combination of comedy and magic tricks in events across the UK and overseas.
A prolific author, he wrote 20 books and founded Sorted, a lifestyle magazine for men with a Christian perspective.
Adventurer Bear Grylls called him ‘hilarious’ and TV presenter Jonathan Ross called him ‘very clever indeed.’ Mark Greenwood, director of evangelism at Elim Churches, described him as ‘one of the funniest, most creative and risk-taking evangelists’ he had ever known.
‘The Steve Legg Arts Theatre at CRE 25 will honour and extend our good and much-missed friend’s legacy,’ said CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘For two hours on each of the exhibition’s two days we will bring together some of the people Steve worked with over the years – on Sorted magazine and at events all over the UK. His commitment to helping “ordinary blokes” make sense of the Christian faith is something we want to try and help sustain.’
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Robbie’s story: from robbing banks to restoring furniture
A Manchester mission which started 20 years ago to help unemployed youngsters is now providing aid to hundreds struggling during hard times – including former bank robber Robbie.
The founder of Renewal North-West, Wesley Downs, still heads the work as chief executive officer, but is amazed at how many people – young and old – are still short of the essentials in life such as food and accommodation and how the charity has grown to provide invaluable assistance in so many areas of life.
One of the ministries is the provision of accommodation for ex-offenders and the homeless – people like Robbie, a heroin addict for 20 years who read the Bible in prison, came off drugs and became a Christian (see video).
Joining the residential programme provided by Renewal North-West, exhibitors at CRE 25, he later volunteered for service and manage the furniture showroom before getting married and moving away.
‘Robbie is a wonderful Christian, now with two children and it is great to see the change Jesus Christ made in his life,’ said Wesley, 59. ‘He was in prison for bank robbery among other things but before leaving us he was banking money from clients. How amazing is our God!’
The charity works with people who are long-term unemployed and helps them break down the barriers which prevent them working. Projects include:
- A second-hand shop providing low-cost, high-quality goods
- Community Appliances refurbishing white goods and sells them
- Renewal House Clearance with usable items sold in the charity shop
- Refresh Coffee House offering fresh, low-cost food and a space for the lonely
Accommodation is also provided for ex-prisoners and drug users referred to the charity by chaplains and prison ministries.
‘After completing our programme, 64 per cent of those involved never offend again,’ said Wesley. ‘The cost to arrest, convict and imprison someone for a year is roughly £65,000 – based on that figure our scheme has saved the public purse £3.6m.’
- You can find out about Renewal North-West on the Emmaus stand D8 at CRE 25
Photo: Former heroin addict Robbie
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Enjoy a close encounter of the family kind
The whole family – grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins – can enjoy a week of worship, family activities and outdoor adventure on the North Devon coastline this summer.
From August 16 to 22 2025, Encounter!takes place in the 300-acre Lee Abbey estate, a joint effort between the popular conference retreat centre and the Bible Society.
With a wide-ranging choice of activities for all ages, the week had its trial run last year when one participant said: ‘The speakers were excellent and the teaching very on-point for me! Our children loved their group activities.’
Lee Abbey’s Mark Scyner told CRE News about the centre’s long-term vision. ‘After five years, there will be people camping all around the place,’ he said, ‘with everyone converging on the field for times of worship.’
Warden Gordon Crowther explained: ‘The hope is that it will be about encountering Jesus and making it possible for people of many stages and backgrounds of life, including those who don’t come from a particular church background, to find a festival environment more informal and hospitable.
‘The Encounter week will provide a wide range of activities, worship times, and teaching sessions for all ages with accommodation provided in the estate centre’s historic house and activity centre. Eventually it will also provide space for self-catering tented accommodation but this August the concentration will be on getting together a series of activities, study sessions and big tent worship to bless young and old.’
- Lee Abbey will be on stand F7 at CRE 25
Photo: Lee Abbey: venue for Encounter!
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Charting the post-Covid church conference boom
Since the end of lockdowns in 2021, the Christian Conference Trust (CCT) has seen demand for its facilities skyrocket – attracting new groups from predominantly black-majority congregations as well as those from Brazilian, Chinese, Korean and traditional churches.
CCT’s Mark Rowe told CRE News: ‘After a two-year hunt for a suitable third venue, we opened the doors at Highgate House in Northamptonshire last June. What was once a coaching inn is now a 200-delegate retreat centre.’
Meanwhile, High Leigh, a retreat venue in the heart of rural Hertfordshire, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the construction of a new state-of-the-art meeting hall.
‘In response to increasing demand, more than £2 million is being invested in a new, 320-seater meeting hall, set to replace Yew Tree Hall,’ explained CCT’s chief executive officer John Heasman. ‘This will allow the centre to host larger groups, fulfilling its mission to provide exceptional spaces for Christian gatherings.
‘With cutting-edge AV, soundproof dividers to create two smaller halls (seating 200 and 100) and eco-friendly features including solar panels, rainwater harvesting and air-source heat pumps, the hall is designed to meet the needs of guests in the next season of Christian conferencing while caring for God’s creation.’
While construction is underway, the fully-equipped Garden Suite will serve as a replacement meeting space for Yew Tree during 2025, ensuring High Leigh continues to welcome guests without interruption. The new hall is scheduled to open by January 2026, with the old Yew Tree Hall being transformed into a welcoming foyer and breakout area.
‘This exciting project marks a significant milestone for High Leigh,’ said John. ‘Thanks to the generosity of a Christian benefactor, we can meet the growing needs of our groups, providing them with a modern and sustainable space to gather, worship and grow in faith.’
- The Christian Conference Trust are on stand B3 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Theological study: time to think inside the box
Budding students can now order a package of resources to help them begin theological studies at their own pace.
Bible College in a Box is a product of the School for Discipleship run by Lansdowne Church in Bournemouth, exhibitors at CRE 25.
‘The box provides a wide range of ways to access discipleship training remotely if you are unable to attend a course in person,’ said programme director Chris Sinkinson. Five core textbooks look at biblical, applied and systematic theology, along with other study books and a number of easy-to-read bibles that can be used in evangelism. Online video content, supplementing contents of the box, will be available soon.
‘We want to feed minds and change lives,’ said Chris, who was lecturer in Christian doctrine, biblical background and apologetics at Moorlands College for 15 years. He joined Lansdowne Church as an associate minister to develop the tools for discipleship training.
The box, costing £49.99, is available to order here and the online programme will be fully live by September – in time for its promotion at CRE 25.
‘It contains everything to enable a local church to provide and run some kind of theological training and discipleship course in its area,’ said Chris. ‘It could help enable a student to become a full-time Christian worker or simply understand the Bible more fully. It even contains a pair of reading glasses and a pen!’
You can meet members of the School of Discipleship team at CRE 25.
- Lansdowne Church and Bible College in a Box will be on stand S3 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk