Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”… and that includes the CR UK Conferences!

During 2025, the Celebrate Recovery UK team wanted to provide multiple opportunities for people to gather in different parts of the UK for such encouragement.  As a result, we had the privilege of hosting three CR UK Conferences: starting with Edinburgh in May, Gloucester in September and Lancaster in October.

All three were very well attended and each had its own unique feel.  The Edinburgh conference was primarily focused on helping interested churches to set up a new Celebrate Recovery ministry; whereas Gloucester and Lancaster were tailored for both new ministries as well as helping existing teams to grow and develop – all through a variety of seminars and workshops where people could glean ideas as well as ask / share any thoughts from their own experiences.

We were encouraged at the sincerity and enthusiasm of those who asked questions as they sought to understand the DNA of Celebrate Recovery as well as ways to develop and enhance ministries that are already running.   And it has been wonderful to hear of new churches looking to start Celebrate Recovery as a result.

The real key to the conferences though was seeing people using the opportunity to network with other CR groups during the break times and share stories and experiences together.  Thus developing a real sense of ‘family’  and belonging for all who attended, genuinely “spurring one another on to love, good works and encouragement”

Feedback from the Conferences has been very positive and encouraging with comments such as: 

• “So much encouragement. Moving testimonies”
• “Helpful reminders of DNA and ideas for growing and developing the group”
• “I found the workshops very helpful. It made me think about how we can build on our group”
• “It’s good to connect with others outside of our local context. Good to hear what is happening in the wider world of CR around the UK”
• “Having reps available to answer queries. Excitement of where CR is going!”
• “Personal testimonies shared and practical helpful steps. Good to hear others’ experience and benefit from it”

We are more than grateful to all those who attended and facilitated each Conference – without the generosity of the local churches, they could not have happened, and without the commitment from each person who attended they would have been less successful.

As always in Celebrate Recovery, we look to learn and improve, and the conferences are no different(!), and so we have taken on board the suggestions made for future events and, as we reflect on how God used our conferences in 2025, we are very excited to plan ahead for further opportunities in 2026! So please watch this space!

Save the Date! Our next conference will take place on the 24th October 2026. Click here for more information.