Open Conferences are normally held annually in Scotland, the Annual Conference normally held in England.
WHO ARE CONFERENCES FOR?
Conference is open to all, whether members of BPF or not, clergy or lay, professionals working in the ‘talking’ professions or those engaged in pastoral visiting within their local church or community. If you are seeking space for reflection and personal growth in an ethos of spirituality then this conference is for you. Read the account of someone attending their first conference.
CONFERENCE FORMAT
The work of the conference takes place within evening plenaries, daily small personal growth groups, afternoon workshops, morning and evening worship and social occasions.
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PERSONAL GROWTH GROUPS - Meeting daily in the same group is an integral part of the conference. Within the life of the group and with the support of experienced facilitators, members are invited to explore personal issues brought with them or raised during the conference. Personal matters raised in the group are always confidential. Group facilitators are assisted in their work through supervision each day during the conference. If unfamiliar with small group work please be warned that they can be an intense experience as strong emotions and feelings may be expressed or even triggered. Anyone currently under medical/psychiatric care or taking significant medication is asked to make contact with the office before applying.
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WORKSHOPS – You will have the opportunity to participate in up to three workshops chosen from a list. Workshops may relate to the theme of the conference, focus on theological or psychological issues and/or be experiential in content.
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DAILY WORSHIP - The life of the conference is held and sustained through meditation, communion & prayers. There are opportunities for leading and experiencing many forms of worship from traditional through to contemporary.
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SOCIAL OCCASIONS - Dinner on Thursday evening will be a more formal celebration followed by the traditional last night Barn Dance and ceilidh, the ceilidh providing an opportunity (for those who wish to) to share in singing, poetry, dance in fact anything you would like to contribute – so come prepared!
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PLENARIES – These normally take place each evening when Guest Speaker(s) will be addressing the conference.
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TUTORS’/FACILITATORS’ CONFERENCE
Conferences are held for tutors/facilitators in order to maintain the high level of training standards. These conferences are open to BPF members who are authorised tutors or facilitators and assistant tutors or facilitators.
