Just over 50 people gathered for the Emerging Church 101 event in Bristol on 14-15 January, co-sponsored by the Incarnate Network, Urban Expression and two theological colleges in the city.

Although most were from Bristol itself, some came from South Wales, Yeovil, Birmingham, Coventry, London and elsewhere. Some had been at the Church Planting 101 event in September, but many were new faces. By no means were all Baptists.

At the heart of the event were conversations with practitioners, who shared their stories, reflected on why they were doing what they were and responded to questions about their practice. Our guests were James Karran (Solace, Cardiff); Nick Crawley (Crossnet, Bristol) and Janet Sutton (formerly of Sanctus 1, Manchester, now in Devon). Before and after these conversations there were sessions on what kinds of churches are emerging, why this is happening, what we can learn from those who are leaving inherited churches, and what inherited and emerging churches can learn from each other.

Feedback on the event has been very positive. We are now planning ahead to further Church Planting 101 and Emerging Church 101 events in Bristol in late 2011 and early 2012.