Events

Conversational Ministry

Getting beyond the small talk

Conversational ministry web sized
Date 10 Nov, 2026
Time 10:30am - 2:30pm
Location Assembly Buildings, Belfast
Price £20 (including lunch)

Grasping the opportunities of ministry in everyday conversation

The ministry of God’s Word takes place in a range of settings each week – from the pulpit, as part of a regular church programme, during a pastoral visit, or an evangelistic course.

While these may be the primary, formal and regular settings in which the truth of God’s Word is passed on and applied, many significant opportunities for ministry arise alongside them – unplanned, informal, everyday conversations.

These opportunities emerge:

  • over coffee after the morning service;
  • in a one-to-one chat that gradually moves beyond the surface as someone shares the realities of their current life circumstances;
  • during an everyday interaction with a friend, colleague or family member that opens a door to speak about faith, hope and God.

How can we recognise and respond to these opportunities rather than let them pass us by? How can we grow in confidence as we encourage one another as fellow believers and engage in meaningful gospel conversations with those who do not yet know Christ?

Whether we serve as ministers, elders, ministry leaders or church members, we all have opportunities to minister God’s Word through everyday conversation.

This conference will help those who attend:

  • think more intentionally about these opportunities;
  • grow in confidence in both pastoral and evangelistic conversations;
  • develop practical wisdom for speaking God’s truth with grace, compassion and conviction.

Keynote speakers

The Conversational Ministry conference will bring together two experienced speakers whose ministries have helped Christians engage more thoughtfully and effectively in life-giving conversation.

Dr Ed Welch 

Dr Ed Welch serves on the faculty of the Christian Counselling and Educational Foundation (CCEF). Through books such as Side by Side and Caring for One Another, he has helped many churches across PCI cultivate meaningful relationships and a culture of wise, gospel-shaped conversation in their congregations.

Andy Bannister

Andy Bannister is an experienced evangelist and apologist who serves as Director of Solas Ministries, whose vision is to share the good news of Jesus persuasively and equip Christians for evangelism practically. Through books such as How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot and Have You Ever Wondered?, he helps Christians engage naturally, confidently and persuasively in real conversations about our faith. 

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