Faith in the Second Half Conference to become an annual event following success of first conference

Faith in Later Life, in partnership with Keswick Ministries, are delighted to announce that, following a successful conference earlier this month, Faith in the Second Half Conference will become an annual event in the Christian calendar between the two ministries.

Plans to launch an in-person conference in Keswick focusing on older people and the church’s response to present issues for this demographic began before the pandemic, but sadly needed to take a pause. An online conference took place in 2021, but earlier this month, around 70delegates gathered in person for the first official Faith in the Second Half Conference.

The three day event took place in the context of worship, prayer, keynote speakers and the opportunity for a retreat for delegates to seek God on their own plans for older age and those they minister with.

Professor John Wyatt was the keynote speaker reflecting on what older age is for and included guidance for older people on how to be empowered through how God sees them.

There were two streams: the first was Retiring Well, which is a five part course for those approaching retirement or recently retired to consider questions around their own future. This was led by Gillian Philips, who delivered the content written by Helen Calder, who is herself retired.

The fourth age stream included contributions from Professor Keith Brown, Debs Fidler, Jeremy Marshall and Jenny Brown.

Delegate feedback suggested this was a special conference and much needed in the Christian landscape to resource older people’s ministry. This has enabled both ministries to commit to moving forward to this as a regular event.

Reflecting on this year’s conference, James Robson, Ministry Director of Keswick Ministries said:

Too often, older people are forgotten or taken for granted, both in society and in the church. This conference, with outstanding contributions from speakers, helped empower, equip and encourage older people and those ministering with them, all in the context of worship and prayer.

We’re looking forward already to next year!

Jamie Hill, CEO of Faith in Later Life spoke of his excitement of the development of this partnership:

Faith in the Second Half was something I inherited as I came into role as CEO of Faith in Later Life and I’m delighted I did – because there is no such conference out there in the UK church which brings together such expertise on older people and the opportunity to ask God about our own calling to this important age group.

It has been a joy to work with Keswick Ministries on this first conference and I’m excited about the future of making this a regular fixture in the calendar.

The dates for the 2023 Faith in the Second Half Conference will be 9th to 11th May 2023 in Keswick.

Further details of the programme and how to obtain tickets will be available in due course.