The Forge Gathering

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The Forge Gathering from Parenting for Faith is a residential retreat for local children’s, youth and families’ leaders (both paid and voluntary) hosted by the Parenting for Faith team.

What is The Forge Gathering for?

The goals of The Forge and are to provide time to:

• worship and reflect
• hear about new developments in children’s, youth and families work
• learn from each other
• have fun together!

It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet others working in the same field as you, and you’ll leave with loads of contacts and some great new friends.

What happens?

A typical programme looks like this:

Day 1

• Arrival and refreshments
• Worship and teaching
• Free time (board games, country walk, nap, chat or read)
• Worship room
• Leadership seminar
• Dinner
• Worship and teaching
• Evening ice-cream, nibbles, games and entertainment

Day 2

• Breakfast (including optional breakfast seminars)
• Worship and teaching
• Working groups (see below)
• Lunch
• Free time (with optional activities)
• Leadership seminar
• Dinner
• Worship and teaching
• Evening ice-cream, nibbles, games and entertainment

Day 3

• Breakfast (including optional breakfast seminars)
• Worship and teaching
• Working groups
• Lunch
• Say goodbye to lots of lovely new friends!

What are working groups?

Each morning we have time in working groups of about five people to gather together to support each other. Each of you will have around 45-60 minutes to use as you want in the group. You might want to use the experienced brains around you to input into your new curriculum, help you plan a new initiative, answer a question or advise on a tricky pastoral issue. Or you might just want to have a vent about your situation! Most importantly, everyone has time to be prayed for by the others in their group.

Come prepared with what you want to use your time for, and be ready to lighten each other’s load and bless the socks off each other with wisdom and resources.

Here’s what a Forge delegate had to say about working groups:

Initially I had no concept of what ‘working group’ meant, apart from it sounded like we’d be doing some sort of work! In fact, it was just the opposite. 

 Each member had a full hour where they could share anything they needed to with their group. This seems an odd thing to do with complete strangers, but it worked surprisingly well. I think this was because: 

a)    Everyone in the group was coming from a similar vocational background so they not only quickly understood the issues being talked about without the need for lots of questioning and explanation but were able to genuinely empathise.

b)    Not knowing the others was an advantage because it meant you had complete freedom to talk about anything or anyone troubling you, without fear that it might get back to those in your church setting (which can be hard to find in normal life.)

What about breakfast seminars?

We know that learning from each other is incredibly powerful, so each Forge we ask some of the delegates to share their wisdom. It’s optional, and it’s really informal – just grab your tea and toast and sit at their breakfast table for 30 minutes of sharing and chatting. You might hear about the way one church has started a breakfast club, or learn about how to maximise the power of social media, or get a sneak peek at someone else’s new course. We’ll let you know what’s on offer when you arrive.

What are leadership seminars?

Again, these are an optional activity – just a place where we can share or ask others to share what God’s been showing them as they lead in their setting.

What about our free time? What’s on offer?

During both afternoons and evenings, there is free time for you to use as you like. You can head out for a walk or for a drink in a coffee shop. There are always plenty of board games to enjoy (if you enjoy games, please bring your favourites to play with others!), and plenty of people to chat to. Depending on venue and location, we’ll often organise some activities too – perhaps to a local place of interest, or using a facility offered by the venue. You are also very welcome to sleep, read or enjoy the outside space – it’s entirely up to you.

In the evenings we generally chat, play games, eat ice-cream and relax together. Sometimes there are organised activities. Recent Forge evenings have included a Bake-Off watch party, a quiz, Disney karaoke and a Beetle drive!

When is it?

The next Forge is Forge East, 12 – 14 November, at Letton Hall in Norfolk.

What does it cost?

£225 which covers everything including food, accommodation (in shared rooms) and activities.

Places are limited and will be first come, first served.

How can I book?

Click here to book for Forge East