A HeartEdge Conference for Churches
Wednesday March 19th 2025
9.30 for 10am to 4 pm
St Martin in the Bull Ring
Edgbaston Street
Birmingham
B5 5BB
This HeartEdge event, headlined by Steve Chalke and Sam Wells, provides an opportunity to consider how we might bring a vision of hope to the communities we are part of. The day will bring together a range of people leading us in practical on the ground workshops
In Steve’s recent book “A Manifesto of Hope”, we learn about ten tried-and-tested practical principles to develop joined-up, cost-effective, and community-empowering work. This process culminates in a call for a new social covenant that aims to transform the life opportunities of countless young people and families.
In Sam’s book “A Nazareth Manifesto” presents an impassioned ecumenical proposal for re-envisioning Christianity’s approach to social engagement, shifting from working “for” people to being “with” them.
The day will layer their insights with our own stories, experiences, and visions. Together, “before the concrete dries” with a new government in power, we will sculpt and articulate a theology of service and imagine ways in which local church communities can find practical and challenging ways to work in partnership to bring about real change.
Thrive Together Birmingham supports the movement of individuals, churches and organisations who, motivated by their faith, are committed to addressing issues of poverty and to playing their part in helping their neighbours to flourish. A number of our workshops will be led by their partners who all have a heart for people on the edge.
Join us as we come together to explore new ways of working within our communities. For some attendees, this event will also introduce the vision of the HeartEdge network: churches living out a theology of a God of abundance, focusing on the 4Cs of Compassion, Culture, Commerce, and Congregation. For existing HeartEdge practitioners, there will be a welcome chance to network with colleagues and form new connections.
Presenters Sam Wells and Steve Chalke:
Revd Dr Sam Wells is Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, a unique configuration of commercial, cultural, and charitable initiatives rooted in a vibrant congregational life. He is also a widely known preacher, pastor, writer, broadcaster, and theologian.
He co-founded the HeartEdge movement and co-authored the Being With enquirers’ course. He has served as a Church of England parish priest for 25 years – of which 10 years were spent in urban priority areas.
Steve Chalke is a distinguished author, speaker, former UN Special Advisor on Human Trafficking, and Baptist minister. In 1985, he founded the Oasis Trust, a leading UK charity dedicated to building inclusive local communities.
Today, Oasis operates across multiple countries, providing housing, education, healthcare, and various community-building initiatives. He continues to lead Oasis and remains a prominent voice on social issues.
Organised by HeartEdge
HeartEdge’s mission is to help you discover what God is doing in your church and community and equip you to develop your plans to be a transforming presence for good.
Across the country, there are churches that are creating new ways of being church in a changing world.
They are churches at the heart of their communities, whilst being with those on the edge.
When scarcity could so easily dictate their thinking and their actions, what the leaders of these churches have in common is an effective innovation skillset, a shift to an abundance mindset, and a belief that God provides more than they need.
Tickets:
The fee for the day will be £40 to include lunch and refreshments.
We are offering a reduced rate of £10 for a second member of a church or faith organisation to join a full price attendee.
But we don’t want these charges to be a barrier to people’s participation.
Please contact us at heartedge@smitf.org if you need help with this cost.
Refund Policy
Refunds up to7 days before the event
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable
