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As Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture 2008 it seemed appropriate that the 2008 National Stewardship Network conference, held at Hope University, Liverpool had the title ‘Culture, Context & Change’.
The aim of the conference was to engage with leading thinking on how a common message can be incorporated within differing cultures and contexts.
- Equipping stewardship advisers and others with the skills and tools that will make a difference to how they work
- Challenges to how we change the way we contextualise the message of stewardship effectively in differing, and changing cultures
- Support for one another through fellowship and discussion
- Enagagement with an enjoyment of Liverpool as European Capital of Culture
 Over 70 delegates were blessed by the guest speakers.
Ann Morisy, freelance community theologian, sociologist and lecturer opened the conference by exploring the big picture of sociological change in Britain over recent years. Ann was followed by Revd. Canon Professor Loveday Alexander who explored how Paul adapted his message for the sake of the Gospel and how his experience can help us to think through problems faced in communicating across cultures today. Lovedale is a former professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield and is now the Canon Theologian of Chester Cathedral.
Other speakers included Phil Potter, Director of Pioneer Ministries for the Diocese of Liverpool who spoke on Church and culture today. Mike Eastwood, Diocesan Secretary and Cathedral Administrator in the Diocese of Liverpool, introduced us to the ‘Tipping Point’ methodology based on the book by Colin Dykes.
 We strolled around Albert Square, spent time with the Archers, joined Saga or the School Run or spent time amongst the Wags and Jags as we wandered from table to table having café style discussions on what church might mean to these different groups of people.
Bill Crooks and Jackie Mouradian, a professional actor and scriptwriter, had delegates drawing pictures, telling stories and wearing funny hats(see picture) as we explored together how to communicate stewardship in a more context-sensitive way. It provided the opportunity to try ideas, to work in small groups and to learn from each other.
The Rt. Rev’d James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, spoke through the book of Acts to draw out messages for today. Bishop James said “When we are giving we are more like God because He is a God of giving….. That’s why God loves a cheerful giver because God’s a cheerful giver and we are called to be like God.” | 
