‘Living the life of Jesus today is not about meandering wherever we want to go. Neither is it about obediently Walking the Way.’

These thought-provoking words from Neil Thorogood, Principal of Westminster College opened the ‘Meandering Off the Path’ conference, held at the college by a group of URC friends and colleagues with thoughts to share about the direction and future of the denomination.

With input on the future shape of ministries, ecumenical living, discerning God’s call, listening to the Spirit, the importance of silence, the intricate nature of humanity in relation to each other and to God, as well as the effect of privilege on theology and life, there was certainly enough for everyone to think about.

Simon Peters, Walking the Way project manager, said ‘This event offered a brilliant opportunity to be with friends and colleagues with a deep passion for whole-of-life discipleship and a deep commitment to the URC’s reformed, non-conformist nature. It was fascinating to share thoughts on what it truly means to Walk the Way of Jesus and what that should mean for the life, witness and future of the URC.’

Times of worship punctuated the conference, ensuring God was very much at the centre of everything and giving everyone the opportunity to place all of the exciting, but often challenging thinking before God in prayer, asking for guidance and strength.

The conference ended with a very helpful feedback session which encouraged participants to focus, not simply on what they’d like to see happen, or on what others could do, but on what they could do, in their own lives and contexts, to make a difference based on all they had considered together. This positive process allowed everyone to find ways of doing something tangible with what they had learned.

Papers from the conference will be made available soon. In the meantime, check out the ‘Meandering off the Path’ Facebook page for more information.