Because HOUSE provides a space to "learn how to fish" instead of simply "get a fish". That is, HOUSE invites you into a space to theologically reflect on your practice with your peers in youth and children's ministry, and the space to work out a way forward in your context. Most other conferences focus on models, skills, programs, and "how-to's". There's nothing wrong with that approach, HOUSE includes practical electives too, but HOUSE aims to deliver more. HOUSE encourages you to develop your professional skills in adapting and reflecting on your practice in your own context from year to year.

You should come because HOUSE will help you lead an effective youth and children's ministry that is theologically and biblically faithful, reflective, contextual, and growing disciples.

No. It is a deliberate objective for HOUSE conference that youth and children's ministers gather and confer together in person. You can read good theology in books, you can get practical tips for youth and children's ministry from podcasts, you can watch presentations on Youtube. But you only get the personal connection, the fellowship, and the shared community knowledge by turning up in person to be part of it. Why not take some time-out and come along?

It is always a bit daunting coming to a conference when you don’t know anyone, but you’re coming to a conference with other like-minded youth and children’s ministers, and they love to hang out and chat about almost anything! There is opportunity on Monday night to network with other people around specific topics of interest in proximity to a fireplace and a hot cup of something. You can just turn up, join a topic group and start chatting away.

We’re all grown ups here, so you can carve out time wherever you like to do the work you need to do. There's at least 2 hours of free time each day and you can always choose not to do an elective. Just remember that this is a unique 3 day opportunity that doesn’t come around all that often and you want to make the most of it for your own wellbeing and the advancement of those you lead.

After you register online, you'll be sent an email about electives closer to the date of the conference. If you don’t intend on going to an elective at HOUSE, you can, of course, elect not to (see what we did there?).

This will help our presenters to have a more accurate idea of what numbers they have, the group dynamics and what resources to provide. You are welcome to attend an elective you haven’t booked for while you are at HOUSE, but we cannot guarantee that you will have any of the resources that come with that elective.

In addition to these electives we hope to have a number of impromptu workshops that form resources in response to the sessions and papers that are presented.

Each year we organise our own onsite speciality coffee for purchase. You can buy quality coffee served in all your favourite ways.

Of course you can still take the free option and use the site's instant machines or be “that guy” who brings their own beans, a hand grinder and an aero-press.

HOUSE will be at Deer Park, Chaldercot and Telford at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking, Rathane Road, Royal National Park.

Contact Youthworks Ministry Support via the form below or call 02 8268 3355.