A RECIPE FOR CHANGING THE NATION...

Over the last year, you have probably come across the terms North and East (or N&E), London and South East (or LSE) and Central and South West (or CSW) in reference to the three New Wine summer conferences. The reason for these separate events is all to do with 'regionalisation'. 

Here's a brief summary of what it's all about. To find out more, see John Coles' article from the October 2006 issue of our magazine.  GO>>

Why regionalise?

As Shepton Mallet was reaching capacity in 2004, we recognised a need to review and develop our summer conference strategy. New Wine in the North was subsequently born in 2005, led by Ian and Nadine Parkinson and a team of leaders from other churches in the North. Coming from the same region, people have found that they are able to maintain fellowship and continue to support each other at other regional New Wine events throughout the year.

2007

This successful model of a regional conference run by regional leaders was then replicated in the South. For the first time in 2007, Mark and Lindsay Melluish recruited a leadership team for the first week at Shepton Mallet, from churches in London and the South East region. Mark and Karen Bailey recruited a team for the second week from the Central and South West region.

2008

The same leadership structures are in place for 2008, but to better reflect the regions we aim to serve, New Wine in the North has been renamed North and East. This conference is still being held at the Newark and Nottinghamshire showground.

The future 

Our vision is to see every region of the country filled with hundreds of churches with similar New Wine values effectively equipped and seeing the Kingdom come in their village, town or city. 

Frequently asked questions

Q What region am I in?
A The regions are loosely defined – we don’t have strict ‘parish boundaries’! Go where, when, and with whom you would like to.

Q Do I have to go to the event for my region?
A No. Church leaders will in most cases suggest to their people that they should go to their regionally targeted conference, but please don't feel you have to do so. We realise that for many people, relationship with friends and the desire to be at the same summer conference will take priority over regional loyalties.

Q Does this mean that I can’t come for two weeks?
A No, you are most welcome to come for two weeks if you would like to. We are aware that many people come for one week to receive, and benefit from all the teaching available, and come for another week to serve on one of the teams.

Q I have served on team for two weeks in the past. Can I still do so?
A Yes. We are really grateful to everyone who is willing to come and serve the wider church family in this way.

Q What difference will regionalisation make to the feel of the summer conferences?
A There aren't many obvious differences for delegates, because of our commitment to the same values. The advantage is that more church leaders and churches have the opportunity to play a significant role both in leading ministries in the summer and developing other New Wine ministries throughout the year.

Q Won’t New Wine fragment?
A No! We are all equally committed to our Vision and Values, and to our relationship with each other. Moreover, we believe that we can achieve far more if we stay together than if we were to go our separate ways; our vision to see the nation changed requires a united national strategy.