Theology for Life: Crosslands Winter Conference 2026

When: 12:00 29th – 13:00 30th January 2026

Where: Christ Church Newcastle, 7 Simonside Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5JX.

Theology for Life is a 2 day annual conference for both experienced Christian leaders and those training for ministry. The goal is to help one another to keep developing firm foundations in core theological themes and how they shape our lives, our teaching and the cultures we inhabit. With academic input from Crosslands faculty and other specialist contributors, the learning-community format will also include plenty of opportunity to reflect and apply with fellow learner-leaders.

There are three streams to choose from:

  • “Immortal, invisible, God only wise”: The Doctrine of Divine Simplicity and the Divine Attributes – part of the Seminary programme
  • Historical Theology: The Story of the Church – part of the Seminary programme
  • Better Than: Exploring the Book of Hebrews – part of the Lifelong programme

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise”: The Doctrine of Divine Simplicity and the Divine Attributes

Dr Jonathan Norgate

At the Winter Conference 2026 we will spend time contemplating the transcendent beauty and glory of God! We will look together at the Doctrine of Divine Simplicity and think about the question of what it means for God to be God! We will spend time thinking about the Divine Attributes, and what it means for us to describe God as Immutable, Impassable, Eternal, Omnipotent and Omniscient, Holy, Good, and Love! As we study these things, we will think through not only what these doctrines are, but what difference they make to our lives as Christians, and do some practical work together on how we can communicate them well in our ministry contexts. 

Historical Theology: The Story of the Church

Dr Tim Chester

In this introduction to church history, we’ll gallop through 20 centuries to give a sense of the big picture. It’s our stories that define us and that’s certainly true of the story of the church.

So expect to come away with explanations. The way we do things may start to make more sense. Expect to come away inspired. We’ll meet people who showed amazing courage or remarkable self-sacrifice. And expect to find a new sense of perspective. We’re not the first Christians to find ourselves in a hostile environment. The church has faced massive challenges throughout its history and yet survived and thrived despite them or perhaps because of them. 

In five action-packed sessions we’ll tell the story, look at some real historical artefacts and explore lessons for today.

Who it’s for:  This track is a mandatory requirement for Crosslands Seminary students, but is open to anyone who wants a lively introduction to the full sweep of church history.  It does not assume any prior level of theological study.  

Better Than: Exploring the Book of Hebrews

Dr Nathan Weston

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a church which was suffering, struggling, tempted, and tired; a church full of people wondering whether following Jesus was really worth it. In a masterclass of pastoral biblical theology, the author shows from (almost!) every page of the Old Testament how Jesus is better than… everything! He is better than all that has gone before in God’s salvation story: better than the angels, better than Moses, better than the Levitical priests, better than the temple sacrifices; offering a better rescue, a better covenant, and a better hope. And if Jesus is better than everything that came before him, he is also surely better than anything this world has to offer. Whether you’re preparing to teach Hebrews, or just want to delve into its glorious truths for your own joy and encouragement, join us for 5 stretching sessions with the goal of seeing and enjoying Jesus Christ.

Timings

Thursday 29th January

11:45 Arrive and welcome lunch

13:00 Teaching starts (breaks included!)

19:00-21:30 Graduation Evening Celebration (meal included)

Friday 30th January

09:00-12:00 Teaching (breaks included!)

12:00-12:30 Closing Celebration

13:00 Depart (lunch to go provided)

Price

The price to attend the full conference (teaching, evening celebration and meals) is £120.

Registration opens in November. However, if you’d like to express your interest, please fill in the form below.