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
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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
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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
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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
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Pew, what a scorcher! Heated cushions for your chilly church
One CRE 24 exhibitor will make sure churches give a warm welcome to visitors – and contribute to the Church of England commitment to achieve carbon net-zero status by 2030.
Sit & Heat has partnered with the church to supply sustainable heated cushions for chairs and pews to more than 40,000 churches throughout the country.
Anthony Gerard, who has worked for more than 30 years with designers, architects, catering organisations and building promotors all over the world, is the UK agent for the cushions which are made in the Netherlands.
‘They are ideal for cathedrals and churches with chairs or historic pews requiring preservation,’ he explained. ‘They deliver direct warmth to individual parishioners, providing a “green” heating alternative without the need for conventional heating throughout the whole building.
‘The cordless, rechargeable cushions feature both battery-powered and fixed-wire options and are designed to fit any seating arrangement. They are equipped with individual controls and smart sensors, automatically activating and deactivating to conserve energy – with a significant reduction in heating bills.
‘With endorsements from King Willen Alexander of the Netherlands, and the Church of England, Sit & Heat has received commendable recognition, demonstrating a significant alignment with energy and environmental stewardship at the highest levels!’
While endorsed by the Church of England, Sit & Heat cushions can be supplied to churches of all denominations.
• Sit & Heat are on stand B6 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
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Navigating pinnacles, peregrines, policies and people – the Ecclesiastical way
Half a ton of stonework falling more than 30 meters – just as well Worcester Cathedral was properly insured. Severe winds from Storm Arwen had torn away part of a pinnacle from the cathedral tower.
‘Our immediate priority was to ensure the safety of the building and put temporary measures in place to protect the building from further damage,’ said Annaleise Jones of CRE 24 exhibitors Ecclesiastical Insurance.
Preserving the cathedral’s history was of utmost importance during the restoration process. Extensive discussions with structural engineers led to the construction of a permanent steel frame within the roof void to support the vaulted stone ceiling. Metal hangers and a flat metal plate reinforced the masonry, ensuring structural integrity.
Around 1,500 organ pipes, contaminated with dust and debris, were carefully extracted and cleaned off-site. A digital organ was sourced for continuity of services. Once repairs were completed, the organ pipes were reinstalled.
During restoration, peregrine falcons nested on the cathedral spire. The restoration of the pinnacle was put on hold until the chicks had fully fledged. A live webcam allowed people to witness the growth of Peggy, Peter, Penguin, Penelope, Percie – and Mr Lazy.
Carving of the new pinnacle began while waiting for the chicks to fledge. The damaged pinnacle was replaced with a new one crafted by the cathedral’s stonemasons. Preservation of the cathedral’s architectural heritage was ensured using red sandstone sourced from Hollington quarry in Staffordshire.
Interim Dean, Canon Stephen Edwards of Worcester Cathedral commented: ‘We are extremely grateful to Ecclesiastical for their support from the moment the news broke and all the way through the restoration journey. They navigated peregrines, programming, policies and people with perfection!’
Ecclesiastical will give four talks at CRE 24:
Unlocking the power of support by Helen Richards (2pm, Wed 9 Oct)
Open churches: balancing safety and security by Heather Ford (3.30pm, Wed 9 Oct)
Greening your mission by Helen Gray and Chris Pitt (11am, Thu 10 Oct)
Church insurance support made easy by Heather Ford (1.30pm, Thu 10 Oct)
• Ecclesiastical are on stand A1 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
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Porn: now there’s hope beyond the harm
Mike Genung was at CRE Midlands last year when he heard his name being called.
‘As no-one knows me in the UK, I ignored it at first,’ he recalled. ‘But a woman asked me if I was the person giving a talk on porn addiction.’ Mike nodded. ‘I’ll bring my husband then,’ she said.
At the end of his talk the couple approached Mike. In tears, they thanked him.
‘Porn addiction had caused pain and wrecked their marriage for years,’ he recounted. ‘Now they had hope.’
Mike started Blazing Grace more than 20 years ago in the USA, to help people who struggle with porn addiction, sex addiction and adultery. The charity offers counselling by Zoom and in person for men and women. Mike, who speaks in churches and other venues, has written nine books and gets many requests for help from men and women in the UK.
‘I’ve been exhibiting at CRE for five years,’ said Mike. ‘I’ve also spoken in churches and led counselling sessions in the UK for individuals and couples. At every show, I hear repeatedly that there are no other Christian ministries in the UK that offer help in the sexual arena like Blazing Grace.’
On the morning of the first day of Mike’s first CRE, no one came to his stand.
‘It was as if we had spiritual leprosy!’ he said. ‘I prayed against the spiritual battle with the CRE prayer team, a wonderful couple. The dam broke and people started approaching us.’
According to Mike, the UK is the second largest consumer of porn in the world, second only to the US. Surveys show that upwards of 70 per cent of UK Christian men view porn.
‘I see the UK as a mission field that is ripe for ministering to the sexually broken,’ said Mike.
Mike told CRE News that an opportunity has surfaced to create a video series on recovery from sexual sin for men, wives and young people that would be promoted to the 70,000-plus UK churches. It will cost around £8,000.
‘We have also been praying for an office to offer counselling,’ he said. ‘This could be as simple as a room at a church.’
You can find out more about Mike’s talk at CRE 24 (12.30pm, Thu 10 Oct) here.
• Blazing Grace are on stand B27 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
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Blazing a trail for creative storytelling
A scavenger hunt based on the nativity story introduces the birth of Jesus in a new, engaging way.
It’s all part of Tale Trails, an initiative to help churches develop work with families and young people.
‘I wanted to use my expertise to provide a series of events for use in church and school situations,’ said Kirsty Allen, a former primary school teacher with drama training. ‘My first activity – the scavenger hunt – went down extremely well in a trial with 40 to 50 children in my home district.’ Kirsty, 55, intends to produce a number of Tale Trails to encourage children and adults to delve deeper into biblical stories.
‘I will cover subjects such as Easter along with some more suitable for schools and community use,’ she said, ‘to introduce children to parts of the Bible and traditional tales such as Goldilocks.’
The Nativity Trail features eight original illustrations which participants in teams hunt for. They then scan the attached QR code using a mobile phone or iPad and watch a short and entertaining video about one of the characters from the story. They must work as a team to rise to the creative challenges set within the trail, such as making their own videos based on the story.
‘A smart device (iPhone or tablet) able to scan QR codes is necessary,’ explained Kirsty. ‘A second device that can take photos and videos will be useful. Each team will need one QR code-friendly device and one photo-friendly device.
‘Through this engaging activity, participants experience stories by hearing from the characters involved and learn along the way by answering questions to unlock the next clues. The project is suitable for ages four to 94, so great for all-age events.’
• Tale Trails will be on stand P13 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
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Moving forward, future proofed
Integrating technology into some of the UK’s most historic listed buildings – that’s the mission of first-time exhibitor FWD-IP at CRE 24.
Future-proofing buildings by enhancing network infrastructure, telecommunications and security, the firm designs and installs state-of-the-art CCTV camera systems, contributing significantly to health and safety protocols, security measures, visitor management and crowd control. Their door and gate access control, barrier systems and automatic number plate recognition technology help manage car parking and secure premises effectively.
In operation since 1992, FWD-IP has partnered with time-honoured institutions such as Ely Cathedral, The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge (OLEM), the Fitzwilliam Museum and Cambridge University.
‘We are thrilled to participate in our first CRE, where we will showcase our premier security solutions designed to safeguard places of worship and our national treasures,’ said FWD-IP director Will Everitt. ‘With many venues hosting an increasing number of large-scale events, our technology ensures seamless and secure operations, allowing them to focus on their mission and community.’
• FWD-IP are on stand C1 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
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Speaksee set to ‘amaze’ at CRE 24
A ground-breaking technology that delivers live speech transcription directly to a mobile phone or AV system will be launched at CRE 24.
Iain Harvey-Smith, of DM Music, believes Speaksee will have church leaders amazed at how it can help deaf people and those who hard of hearing. ‘This is a brand-new product in the UK,’ he said. ‘Seeing Speaksee in action will provide a better understanding of its capabilities than any description I can offer!’
An added benefit of Speaksee is that it can also be an effective language-translation tool for those for whom English is not their native language
DM Music – established over 30 years ago as a dedicated church supplier and installer of sound equipment – is now one of the leading AV system installers with installations in over 3,000 churches.
Adam Lee, the UK regional director for the Dutch-based Speaksee company, will join Iain at CRE 24.
• DM Music are on stand A17 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
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CRE 25 is Wed 15 and Thu 16 Oct
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