CRE launches conference programme shaped by church leaders’ priorities for practical support, trusted guidance and real-world takeaways

London, UK – 30th March 2026: A new survey of Christian church leaders has highlighted the most pressing challenges facing churches today — with engaging younger generations and growing attendance/discipleship emerging as the joint top concerns.

Drawing on the views of 147 respondents across leadership, administration, youth, worship and buildings roles, the research was carried out to shape the content and focus of the new Church Leaders Conference and Building Resources Conference at Church Resources Exhibition this October.

Respondents also pointed to significant pressure on community outreach and mission, financial sustainability, leadership development and burnout, and church buildings and maintenance.

The biggest challenges churches are facing

When asked to select their top 5 challenges, respondents most frequently chose:

• Growing attendance / discipleship (62%)
• Engaging younger generations (62%)
• Community outreach & mission (47%)
• Financial sustainability / fundraising (42%)
• Leadership development / burnout (41%)
• Church buildings & maintenance (39%)

What church leaders want most from support and training

Respondents were also clear on the kind of practical help that would make the biggest difference — with training needs clustering around mission, community impact, families, wellbeing, and resourcing the church for growth.

Top areas where respondents most valued practical support/training included:

• Church growth & evangelism (53%)
• Community engagement & social action (43%)
• Youth, children & families (37%)
• Leadership & wellbeing (37%)
• Buildings, projects & grants (27%)

“Make it practical, trusted and immediately useful”

Asked what would make attending a conference worth their time, the strongest message was a desire for practical, actionable content delivered by people who understand real church life.

The top motivators for attendance were:

• Practical takeaways I can implement immediately (77%)
• Trusted speakers who understand church life (67%)
• Networking with other church leaders (38%)

When thinking about the most useful session formats, respondents overwhelmingly favoured practical “how-to” workshops (67%), followed by case studies from other churches (35%) and expert/professional guidance (33%).

Shaping the CRE Conference programme

The findings are now being used to shape the conference agenda at CRE – taking place on 14-15 October 2026 at Sandown Park.

Andy Flanagan, Executive Director of Christians in Politics, has already been announced as Conference Host and Moderator of the 2-day Church Leaders Conference, set to feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and practical sessions.

Commenting on his appointment, Andy Flannagan said: “Church leaders are navigating incredibly complex cultural, pastoral and organisational challenges. I’m really looking forward to hosting the Church Leaders Conference at CRE and helping create space for honest conversation, practical insight and encouragement. This is about listening well to church leaders and shaping a programme that genuinely supports them in the realities of ministry today.”

Find out more

CRE Conference will bring together church leaders, practitioners and solution providers for practical learning, encouragement and connection. To register interest or find out more visit www.creonline.com

About the Church Resources Exhibition (CRE)
Founded in 1985 as the Christian Resources Exhibition, CRE has grown to become the UK’s longest-running and most established exhibition serving churches and Christian organisations. Rebranded as the Church Resources Exhibition, CRE continues its mission to equip churches with practical resources, ideas and partnerships that support worship, mission and community impact across the UK.

Event Details
14–15 October 2026
Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey
www.creonline.co.uk

Media contact:

Lizzy Barford

01737 855000

elizabethbarford@quartzltd.com