CRE focuses on church growth

The National Christian Resource Exhibition (CRE) returns to Sandown Park next month with a seminar, workshop and special features programme carefully constructed to meet the needs of people at all levels of church leadership.

The national event hopes to build on the success of the recent Heart of England CRE, held in Telford in February, which drew more than 4,800 visitors.

"The theme 'Know your onions and grow your church' clearly resonated with visitors," said CRE Event Director Steve Briars. "We attracted a fresh audience who made the most of an exhibition full of ideas, resources and new thinking. We are taking a lot of positives from Telford and working them into the show at Sandown Park."

Up to 350 organisations will exhibit at the National CRE from May 13-16, now under the ownership and management of Bible Society, and more than 14,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Worship, debt, emerging church and children and the Bible are among several key subjects in a series of practical seminars and workshops. An extensive arts programme will include presentations from the London Community Gospel Choir and Saltmine Theatre Company.

Authors, publishers and readers will discover which titles have been voted the best in Christian publishing at the UK Christian Book Awards. The awards are organised by Speaking Volumes who place Christian books in the community through schools and libraries.
"I'm delighted to announce the winners at such a prestigious event," said Adrian Plass, author of the million-selling Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass. "I will also share my passion about the importance of communicating the faith through the written word to both Christians and a wider audience."

Thousands of books will be on sale in CRE's two bookshops, located in the Esher Hall and Premier Radio Pavilion. The best in Christian music will also be available, along with other resources from Bible commentaries to school assembly materials aimed at meeting the needs of church leaders of all kinds, from ordained ministers to youth leaders and Sunday School teachers.

Chinese evangelist and author Brother Yun will speak at CRE for the first time on Wednesday 14 May. With the Olympics held in Beijing in August, Yun, whose remarkable story is recounted in his book The Heavenly Man, will challenge complacency in western churches.

In CRE's IT Village, the UK's top Christian suppliers of information technology will offer expert advice on everything from website design to data management.

Throughout the day there will be practical demonstrations and talks on key IT-related subjects with an opportunity for one-to-one consultations with IT experts.

A new feature at the year's CRE is the Exhibitor Spotlight, hosted by TV and radio broadcaster Robert Bond and offering 10-minute presentations through the day to inform, challenge and motivate.

Apart from the main seminar and workshop programme, other highlights include a Youth and Children's Zone run by Scripture Union, a Christian Residential Experience Zone, organised Christian holiday association CCI giving advice on church weekends and summer camps, and two half-day conferences entitled Fundraising with Confidence by Craigmyle fundraising consultants.

"CRE has an ongoing responsibility to be at the cutting edge of church life," said Colin Saunders, CRE's Executive Chairman. "We aim to meet the resource and training needs of all involved in church leadership - not only those in full-time church or ministry employment but the many thousands who voluntarily work in churches at all levels."

Saunders' vision is to take CRE towards an EXPO concept, where exhibition and Christian experience come together to provide a real hands-on experience as well as an exercise in gathering information.

More info: www.creonline.co.uk