UCAN are delighted to host our 2023 Cutting Edge Day conference in central London at St Mellitus College.

Our Cutting Edge stream of teaching equips and resources those with leadership, management, and senior administration responsibilities in the UK church to respond to the present challenges they face.

Over the last 3 years, many churches have faced a tightening of resources, but a growing need in the communities around them. With fewer financial resources, fewer staff and fewer volunteers, expanding provision or even delivering “business as usual” has never been more challenging.

How can the UK church respond to accomplish MORE with LESS?

Our 2023 day conference seeks to respond to this paradox, sharing wise and practical insights into how the UK is called to operate in this season, and sharing what we believe the Holy Spirit is saying to the church at this time. 

How can you have more IMPACT while stewarding LESS resources in a more efficient and effective way – especially when MORE activity is neither possible nor called for?

We look forward to welcoming you to Cutting Edge 2023, as we recognise the truth that God always provides everything His church needs, for the mission He is calling it to.

The day will consist of 2 'live' on-the-day Keynotes, 1 pre-recorded and pre-released keynote with 'live' in-person Q&A, and the opportunity to attend 2 seminars of your choice.

Keynote 1:  Order fulfilment: The Great Commission. 

As we feel the resource pinch, it is crucial to keep focussed on our commission to make disciples, approaching this goal with increasing strategic purpose, discipline, and efficiency. Andy will explore how effective organisational management can be the key to increasing impact, when you have less to play with. 
with Andy Bagwell (Executive Director UCAN)

Keynote 2: A Lesser Church, serving those with Lesser Still

We may have fewer funds, reduced staff teams, and a shortage of volunteers, but just look at the world around us. Has it ever needed Jesus more? What does it look like to meet the needs of our community in a world of deficit budgets and capacity constraints? 
with Julian Mander, Director of Birmingham Money Advice Service and former UCAN Executive Director. Keynote 3: 

"And by this, they will know that you are my Disciples..."

A workplace focused on Jesus will have a healthy, people-honoring culture, which delivers its goals and looks after the team along the way. What does this look like and how do we consistently deliver this well, in times of pressure?

with Jules Morgan (Executive Director UCAN) and GiANT Leadership Consultant.

Seminar Option: HR / People – Fewer people, same expectations. How can you manage this conflict well, seeking to identify the best staffing structure for your missional needs, whether through recruitment, restructuring your existing team or increasingly enabling the ministry of 'volunteers'. with John Truscott

Seminar Option: Finance – Less money, more bills. This seminar will explore a holistic approach from encouraging giving, communicating finance well, and wisely stewarding your budget to make your finances work when you’re short of £s. with Andy Bagwell

Seminar Option: Time Management – Growing task list, not enough time. Building on themes from our Area Training Days, this seminar will take a deeper dive into effective time management skills. Enabling you to use your time well when your time hardly seems sufficient.  

Seminar Option: Managing (Leading) with less – Guiding principles for how you lead and manage a team well in a season of uncertainty, change, grief and lament. hosted by Thrive Worldwide

Who is the day for: 

The Cutting Edge programme is aimed at anyone with leadership and management responsibilities in your church. Ideally attend with your senior leadership/management team, to grow in a common understanding of the challenges you face and plan your response cohesively.