News

Jesus didn't do business in the temple – he was constantly ‘fishing’ in the marketplace.

So claims Rev Celia Apeagyei-Collins, pastor and international speaker, in the third of a series of thought-provoking webinars for church leaders in advance of this year’s Church Resources Exhibition (14–15 October 2026, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey).

‘Jesus got his “staff” from the marketplace. That's where he went about his business. But when you look at where churches invest their money, it's mostly about putting on the best show possible on a Sunday morning,’ said Celia. ‘They believe in the kingdom and a holistic gospel and that God's people should be released to make an impact beyond the four walls – but the reality is different.

‘On a Monday morning, after a great Sunday service, many people are confused because they don't know how to put into practice what they have heard in church.

‘If we don't like our political system, if we were to get rid of everybody, who is there to put in their place? Nobody – if we're not intentional in developing leaders. We need to nurture older leaders, but especially those that are young and emerging, preparing mindsets, world views and hearts – helping people find a sense of purpose and an intentionality in their living.’

Together with Andy Flannagan, executive director of Christians in Politics, Rev Celia explores how churches can move beyond traditional models of discipleship and actively support people stepping into influence across business, education, politics and more.

‘Nothing irritates me more than people expressing problems about nations and not suggesting solutions when we are connected to the solution giver!’ she tells Andy. ‘I have teams that pray for some part of the globe every single day, Monday to Friday, every single day, because I believe that it's the bedrock, the foundation of change.’

Andy will be host and moderator for the new two-day Church Leaders’ Conference, taking place at CRE (14–15 October 2026, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey). The conference will address real-world challenges and opportunities facing church leadership teams today and feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and practical sessions, supporting thousands of church leaders, staff and volunteers from across the UK.

You can download the webinar here. Information about the next webinar taking place will be available soon.