
30 Jan 2025, 17:22Pastor Joe Philpott
Strengthening Church Leadership: Connected Leadership 2024
From the 15th to 17th November 2024, the North England Conference (NEC) hosted its annual Connected Leadership event at Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry. This transformative weekend brought together church leaders – elders, treasurers, deacons, and deaconesses – for a time of spiritual renewal, learning, and leadership development.
A Weekend of Spiritual Enrichment and Leadership Growth
Organised by Elder Michael Agyei-Asare (Treasurer) and Pastor Juljan Kastrati (Ministerial Association Secretary), the weekend was designed to equip leaders with practical skills, spiritual insights, and a deeper sense of mission. Dr James Doggette Sr, the keynote speaker, delivered compelling messages that inspired attendees to lead with conviction and faith, even if it means challenging the status quo and asking honest questions.
The weekend began on Friday evening with a welcome session led by Elder Agyei-Asare and Pastor Kastrati, followed by uplifting praise and worship. Dr Doggette Sr’s opening sermon set the stage for the weekend, encouraging leaders to embrace their roles with confidence and a spirit of service.
The Sabbath programme began with Sabbath School led by Dr Gina Miller (NEC Sabbath School Director), followed by another thought-provoking Divine Service sermon from Dr James Doggette Sr. His sermon challenged leaders to reflect on their calling and the impact they have within their churches.
In the afternoon and on Sunday morning, multiple workshops ran simultaneously for elders, treasurers, deacons, and deaconesses, ensuring that each group received training tailored to their specific roles. The workshop speakers included:
Sandra Aguiar (Adventist Risk Management) – Risk management strategies for church leaders
Pastor Leslie Ackie (BUC Family Life and Safeguarding Director) – Safeguarding our vulnerable adults and minors
Elder Wederly Aguiar (BUC Treasurer) – Financial stewardship in local churches
Pastor Sam Gardner (NEC Minister) – Conflict resolution and leadership
Michael Hopewell (Cybersecurity) – Faith and security in the digital age
Dr Beatrice Kastrati (NEC Health, Community Services, and Possibilities Ministries Director) – Community outreach and health ministries
Pastor Ian Philpott (NEC Stewardship & Prison Ministries Director) – Stewardship: A commitment to faith and responsibility
Dr Ivan Milanov (Lecturer, Newbold College): Street Pastors: A Community Outreach Avenue
Pastor Steve McKenzie & Alan Rodney: Buying a Property - A Step-by-Step Guide
A United Vision for Leadership
Reflecting on the success of the event, Pastor Juljan Kastrati highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the weekend possible, expressing gratitude for the speakers, organisers, and attendees who contributed to a deeply enriching experience. Elder Michael Agyei-Asare emphasised the importance of strong, spiritually grounded leadership in today’s church.
As participants departed, they left with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper commitment to serving their congregations. The Connected Leadership 2024 event not only strengthened leaders, but also fostered a greater sense of unity and shared purpose across the NEC.
To view more images from the event, click here.
From the 15th to 17th November 2024, the North England Conference (NEC) hosted its annual Connected Leadership event at Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry. This transformative weekend brought together church leaders – elders, treasurers, deacons, and deaconesses – for a time of spiritual renewal, learning, and leadership development.
A Weekend of Spiritual Enrichment and Leadership Growth
Organised by Elder Michael Agyei-Asare (Treasurer) and Pastor Juljan Kastrati (Ministerial Association Secretary), the weekend was designed to equip leaders with practical skills, spiritual insights, and a deeper sense of mission. Dr James Doggette Sr, the keynote speaker, delivered compelling messages that inspired attendees to lead with conviction and faith, even if it means challenging the status quo and asking honest questions.
The weekend began on Friday evening with a welcome session led by Elder Agyei-Asare and Pastor Kastrati, followed by uplifting praise and worship. Dr Doggette Sr’s opening sermon set the stage for the weekend, encouraging leaders to embrace their roles with confidence and a spirit of service.
The Sabbath programme began with Sabbath School led by Dr Gina Miller (NEC Sabbath School Director), followed by another thought-provoking Divine Service sermon from Dr James Doggette Sr. His sermon challenged leaders to reflect on their calling and the impact they have within their churches.
In the afternoon and on Sunday morning, multiple workshops ran simultaneously for elders, treasurers, deacons, and deaconesses, ensuring that each group received training tailored to their specific roles. The workshop speakers included:
Sandra Aguiar (Adventist Risk Management) – Risk management strategies for church leaders
Pastor Leslie Ackie (BUC Family Life and Safeguarding Director) – Safeguarding our vulnerable adults and minors
Elder Wederly Aguiar (BUC Treasurer) – Financial stewardship in local churches
Pastor Sam Gardner (NEC Minister) – Conflict resolution and leadership
Michael Hopewell (Cybersecurity) – Faith and security in the digital age
Dr Beatrice Kastrati (NEC Health, Community Services, and Possibilities Ministries Director) – Community outreach and health ministries
Pastor Ian Philpott (NEC Stewardship & Prison Ministries Director) – Stewardship: A commitment to faith and responsibility
Dr Ivan Milanov (Lecturer, Newbold College): Street Pastors: A Community Outreach Avenue
Pastor Steve McKenzie & Alan Rodney: Buying a Property - A Step-by-Step Guide
A United Vision for Leadership
Reflecting on the success of the event, Pastor Juljan Kastrati highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the weekend possible, expressing gratitude for the speakers, organisers, and attendees who contributed to a deeply enriching experience. Elder Michael Agyei-Asare emphasised the importance of strong, spiritually grounded leadership in today’s church.
As participants departed, they left with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper commitment to serving their congregations. The Connected Leadership 2024 event not only strengthened leaders, but also fostered a greater sense of unity and shared purpose across the NEC.
To view more images from the event, click here.