CRE 24: ‘You just don’t know what’s going to come from a face-to-face conversation’
By 4pm on the first day of CRE 24 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, exhibitors Chris and Kim Dunphy had already had so many helpful and detailed conversations with visitors that they were ‘completely talked out’.
Chris, founder of ChurchEcoMiser, will now make several site visits to churches over the next few months – introducing them to the company’s eco-friendly heating system. Over the past few exhibitions Chris and Kim have distributed more than 1,000 free tree saplings to CRE visitors. In spite of two long days interacting with hundreds of visitors, they, along with more than 60 other organisations, have already booked their stand at CRE 25 (15-16 Oct, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey).
Margaret Wylie was equally busy at Holy Socks. ‘Working from home or an office is fine, but it’s good to get out and actually meet people face to face,’ she said. ‘You just don’t know what’s going to come from a face-to-face conversation.’
CRE 24 was the first-ever at the Marshall Arena. More than 150 organisations were represented on the exhibition floor and total attendance over two days was 1,786, comprising 1,446 visitors and 340 exhibitors – almost identical to CRE 23 in Solihull.
‘Once again we sent out the 60-page exhibition handbook free to thousands of former visitors and new contacts, several weeks before the event,’ said CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘It meant they came fully informed and ready to do business.’
Modernising churches was a theme picked up by ITV News, who filmed the exhibition in full flow and broadcast a report in a prime spot on the first evening of the show. The BBC also published a piece on their regional website.
But CRE wasn’t just about ‘holy hardware’. Two days of worship and discussion about worship were led by popular worship leaders and songwriters Lou and Nathan Fellingham, Lucy Grimble, Roger Jones and Devon Brown.
‘We have presented hints and tips on the practical way of writing from the heart,’ said Lou. ‘It would be great if those who attended the sessions are released to use the gift that God has called them to exercise.’ Nathan, 47, who wrote the popular song Lift up His Name when he was just 17, added: ‘There will always be a need for more songs and hymns and we hope many will be inspired to craft them.’
For two visitors in every five, this was the first CRE they had ever attended. One of them was Ellen Andrews, a children and family worker at Biggleswade Baptist Church. ‘The song-writing workshop looked interesting,’ she said. ‘I have not thought of writing a song before, but it has inspired me to think more about doing so.’
A series of more than 40 talks and presentations covered fundraising, faith sharing, bereavement support, social media, church security – and much, much more.
The exhibition was opened by Daniel Cutting, 10 times Guinness football freestyle world champion. Also a youth leader in his local church, Daniel declared the exhibition open while bouncing a football on his head, knee, foot and arms.
‘I was surprised at the amazing range of subjects and equipment covered at this event,’ he said. ‘The friendliness of stand holders and visitors was wonderful.’
There were a number of new exhibitors, including Liverpool-based Nick Radcliffe, who gave up his practice as a GP to produce eye-catching Christian posters.
‘This is the first time I have had a stand at an exhibition, but it has fully justified my decision to give up being a doctor,’ he said. ‘I have had so many conversations and sold a good number of posters.’
The Rev Simon Faulks, a 56-year-old Anglican priest in Bletchley, was also enthusiastic about the number of people interested in his workshops on storytelling and circus illusions. ‘I have chatted to lots of people and was delighted to be here,’ he said.
The event returns to Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey (15-16 Oct) where it will celebrate 40 years as the UK’s biggest and longest-running exhibition of resources for churches.
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Open a meaningful window of faith for children
There is one outstanding reason why people do not believe in God – when it is absent from their education as children.
So says Dr Aiyana Willard, a psychologist from Brunel University, where two surveys were carried out recently to find out what was behind lack of belief in God.
‘Not learning to be religious is what counts,’ Dr Aiyana Willard said. Those who did not see their parents participate in religion, or were not taught about religion, tended to be atheist.
David Marshall, from the Meaningful Chocolate Company, said: ‘It seems that if children are not told about God or hear the stories which inspire faith, then they are more likely to be atheist. We aim to play our part in reversing the trend.’
The company’s 2024 Real Advent Calendar comes with a 24-page copy of the Christmas Story and includes challenges such as supporting charities and saying a prayer.
‘Giving a Real Advent Calendar opens the minds of children and parents to the possibility of faith as they learn more about the Christmas Story over the 24 days of Advent,’ said David.
• The Real Advent Calendar will be on sale at the 10ofThose bookshop (stand D1) at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
BySimon
A new high for recovering addicts
In every congregation there are active addicts too scared to talk about their problem – but help is at hand.
‘We are a healing community with a holistic approach,’ said Yeldall Manor’s Chris Wood. ‘We help them speak out and start to heal.’
Yeldall is a residential drug and alcohol recovery centre near Reading. All the residents went away to the Brecon Beacons recently for a three-night stay of activities and team building.
‘Recovery from addiction has many facets – not least, enjoying life without drugs and alcohol,’ explained Chris. ‘Our residents, ranging from early-20s to mid-60s, took part in gorge walking, high ropes and zip wire, kayaking, caving and climbing Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in the south of the UK.’
One resident said that it was his first-ever holiday and worth a month of therapy.
‘A happy recovery cannot be achieved alone or without God,’ said Chris. ‘The residents with a faith felt uplifted and those who are still searching took a few more steps towards knowing the Jesus that saves and sustains.’
Chris believes we all know an addict, whether it’s a parent, husband, wife or sibling.
‘Addiction isn’t something to be ashamed of and needs to be recognised as the biggest destroyer of lives in the UK today,’ he said. ‘Please come and talk to me at CRE.’
• Yeldall Manor are on stand P25 at CRE 24
Main photo: Recovering addicts scaling Pen-y-Fan
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
We’ve been reaching out all summer long
Christian summer camps are a space and place where people encounter God.
That’s the experience of Transform Europe Network (TEN), part of Mission on the Map at CRE 24.
‘Our heart is to come alongside indigenous leaders in Eastern Europe and the Balkans and see lives transformed through compassion, evangelism and church planting,’ said TEN’s Lucy Reid.
One of TEN’s partners, Alban Krasniqi, who leads Youth for Christ Kosovo, shared how transformational summer camps can be in his local context.
‘Most of the young attendees were of the Muslim Faith,’ reported Alban, ‘with many experiencing a Christian camp for the first time and others returning for the third time. These camps are crucial. We see transformation in those who attend multiple times, as they become more open to discussing and sharing their lives and are more receptive to the gospel and its message.’
One of the organisation’s TEN teamers, Ellen,17, from Northern Ireland, shared about her experience this year at Camp Fokus.
‘The group I was with provided unwavering support, engaging conversations, and inspiring testimonies of God’s work in their lives,’ she said.
‘If you are interested in joining one of our TENteams trips next summer,’ said TEN’s Lucy Reid, ‘or as a church would be interested in organising a trip to Eastern Europe and the Balkans, please visit us at the TEN stand at CRE or contact the organisation at tenteams@ten-uk.org.’
• Transform Europe Network (TEN) are on stand P45 at CRE 24
Main photo: TEN team selfie in Split
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Safeguarding Sunday: ‘Let’s be open about what we’ve got wrong’
Churches will be encouraged to be more transparent about their safeguarding practices as part of next month’s Safeguarding Sunday (17 Nov).
Promoted by independent Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight, who are exhibiting at CRE 24, churches will reflect on where they may have got things wrong in the past, think about how they are supporting those who have been hurt or harmed and highlight and celebrate all the good work that is being done behind the scenes to protect vulnerable people.
Peter Wright, Thirtyone:eight’s head of communications and campaign lead, said: ‘It’s time to have open and honest conversations about what we’ve got wrong and what we’re getting right. It’s a chance to listen and talk together about how we can effectively prevent abuse and create a Church where everyone can feel and be safe.”
To take part Churches can register for a free digital resource pack at safeguardingsunday.org which makes running a service easy, including, prayers, sermon notes, activity ideas, children’s resources and loads more.
Thirtyone:eight’s safeguarding accreditation scheme, to enable churches to raise safety standards, will also be a focus on the Thirtyone:eight stand at CRE 24. The first-of-its-kind, the scheme enables UK-based churches, charities and organisations to independently verify and demonstrate their commitment to creating safer places for all.
Leigh McFarlane, public policy and research manager for Thirtyone:eight, said: ‘With more than 168,000 registered charities in England and Wales, and over 28,000 in Scotland, the need to demonstrate compliance and a commitment to safer practice is vital so that those who engage with them can have full confidence that they will be properly protected from harm or abuse.’
• Thirtyone:eight are on stand B19 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Why unity does not have to mean uniformity
Currently celebrating its 40th year, the Open Bible Trust is promoting one of its most important books at next week’s CRE 24 – Unity in Christ.
Written by W M Henry and Michael Penny, one reviewer stated: ‘If a Scottish Baptist and a Welsh Salvationist can work together on a book about Christian unity, and allow an Anglican to design the cover, there is hope for the church!’
The first part of the book, written by Henry, majors on ‘oneness’, and Jesus’ prayer for his disciples ‘that they may be one as we are one’ (John 17:11). He also describes various pictures of ‘oneness’ given by the Lord. The word ‘unity’ only occurs twice in the Bible, both in Ephesians. The first, ‘The unity of the Spirit’ (Ephesians 4:3) is a God-given, God-created unity which Christians are told to keep or guard. The basis of this unity is that when we believe the gospel of salvation, we are sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Michael, who has been chair of Churches Together in Reading for 14 years, said: ‘I am a great believer in unity, but not uniformity. People like different types of Christians music, different postures for prayer, different translations of the Bible. However, these differences are not deficiencies. They add to the rich diversity there is in Christianity. If we believe that Jesus is our Saviour, he binds us together and we are one in the Spirit. If we can love one another as he loves us, that may be the answer to his prayer that ‘they may be one as we are one.”’
Michael was one of a team of eight which launched the Open Bible Trust and was its first administrator and editor before moving to America in 1991 to pastor a church. He returned to the UK in 1999 and in 2007 took up the reigns of administrator and editor of the mission again.
He will speak at CRE 24 on ‘The good, the better and the best from the book of Ecclesiastes’ (12.30pm, Thu 10 Oct). More here.
• The Open Bible Trust are on stand A21 at CRE 24
Main photo: Open Bible Trust will promote their book Unity in Christ at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
From morning song to Mamma Mia: deep dive into the church and music at CRE 24
Music in churches has always been a contentious issue – should it be a ‘one style must fit all’ or are there ways of incorporating multiple cultures and tastes?
Seasoned musical composer and worship leader Roger Jones will cover the vexed question at CRE 24, alongside colleague Devon Brown, in Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual songs (2.30pm, Wed 9 Oct).
‘We’ll look at biblical quotes and principles and illustrate it all in various styles, asking what essentials must be maintained or aimed at,’ said Roger. ‘People grow by what they sing, so how can we ensure they receive a healthy diet?’
He will also look at how different styles can be integrated into a typical Sunday morning service.
On Thursday (2pm), Roger and Devon will turn their attention from morning song to Mamma Mia – and the use of musicals in mission and evangelism.
‘Musicals with a biblical theme can be a major tool for reaching people with the Gospel, as well as an effective in-reach for the church community,’ said Roger, who has written 25 in his career, the latest on the story of Zacchaeus. He will look at what constitutes a classic musical and how the genre has developed over the years.
‘I’ll also cover what may be achieved through staging a musical and who can be involved, with a special reference to the final message,’ he said. ‘Should we leave the musical to speak for itself, make an appeal – or finish with a spoken message?’
Main photo: Mamma Mia: the musical
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Freestyler Dan to get CRE 24 ball rolling
As a child, Daniel Cutting was praised by his father for doing 100 ‘keepie uppies’ – and it only encouraged him to go for more!
‘I would push myself, and even at a young age would practise for longer than my friends,’ the professional football freestyler told CRE News. A perfectionist by nature, his finely-honed skills will be evident when he opens CRE 24 (10 am, Wed 9 Oct).
He thought of becoming a physical education teacher but as his skills developed, he decided to make a career out of freestyling – currently holding 10 world records for juggling with a football.
Now 37, and married with two children aged five and two, he entertains crowds galore with his half-time performances. He has also performed for school children at assemblies – especially those with learning difficulties – and inmates of a high security prison in South Africa. Then there are the TV adverts for companies such Adidas and Hyundai.
His world records include the fastest 100 metres sprint balancing a football on his forehead, and the longest time controlling the ball on his chest. He has stood in for stars such as David Beckham and Steven Gerrard when filming special effects.
A member of a local church in Milton Keynes, where he and his wife run a youth group for 20 or so young people, Daniel said: ‘I am particularly excited when I can do events in a Christian setting, using my gift to glorify God.’
Steve Goddard, owner of CRE and a football fan, said: ‘I am not quite sure how Daniel will open the show but I guarantee it will be entertaining and yet another first for us and Daniel!’
Main photo: Football freestyler Daniel Cutting will open CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
New module launched to ease church safeguarding admin
A brand-new module to help churches with their safeguarding administration will be launched at CRE 24 by iKnow Church.
More than 10 months in the making, the tools include:
- Manage concerns – Users can record information and manage different stages of concern as well as uploading supporting documents and controlling access to the information. An unlimited number of notes and attachments can be added to each concern.
- DBS – All information is managed in one place – with alerts when a DBS refresh is due. Supporting documents can be uploaded along with custom information.
- Risk Assessments – These can be created and future dates set if re-assessment is required.
- Custom Fields – Custom information can be added to both concerns and DBS.
Safeguarding information is kept separate from other church data ensuring that only the right people have access. Restricted access can also be given to key areas of the Safeguarding module.
‘The team have worked hard to develop this important module,’ said iKNow Church’s Kyle Cottington. ‘We have already had great feedback when showing the software to organisations and look forward to launching it at CRE 24.’
A spokesperson for Thirtyone:eight, also exhibiting at the CRE, said: ‘The effective management of data is an essential part of creating safer places. A good platform for doing this is therefore critical to ensure data informs safe practice. We encourage any setting to consider the value such a system can bring to their safeguarding arrangements.’
iKnow Church will also launch their new software design after the company’s biggest rebrand in more than 10 years.
• iKnow Church are stand F1 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
MomentumYes: igniting passion for global mission
A free, online video course is revolutionising how believers engage with the Great Commission.
Developed by an ordinary US church passionate about reaching the unreached, MomentumYes offers a discipleship journey through six engaging sessions. Adopted and adapted by a collaboration of UK mission agencies, the course challenges participants to rethink their perspective on the Bible, missions – and their own identity as followers of Christ.
‘Within weeks of running courses we had participants starting up their own groups,’ said Simon Patrick, head of communications at Frontiers. ‘It is perfect for any church looking to deepen its discipleship and practically engage with the Great Commission, both with our neighbours and to the nations.’
At its core, MomentumYes, part of Mission on the Map at CRE 24, emphasises that every Christian has a vital part to play in God’s mission. Whether through going overseas, sending others, mobilising the church, or reaching out to diverse cultures locally, believers are equipped to find their unique role, the course combines compelling video teaching with thought-provoking discussion questions and hands-on activities. Participants are encouraged to pray for unreached people groups and explore tangible ways to engage in cross-cultural ministry.
Ideal for churches, small groups and individual study, participants gain a renewed vision for mission and discover practical steps to integrate God’s global purpose into every aspect of their lives. More than a course, it’s a catalyst for a lifestyle of mission, inspiring Christians to say ‘yes’ to God’s momentum in reaching every nation, tribe and tongue.
• MomentumYes are on stand P46 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk