Transformations!
The Risen Christ and the going-before Spirit
Meet the Speaker
Rev Dr Martyn Atkins
Martyn became a Christian at 17 in a nightclub and was soon welcomed into his local Methodist youth club, where he quickly sensed a call to ordained ministry. Before training, he spent time playing in a Christian rock band at Greenbelt—an experience he now jokes is best forgotten. He trained for ministry in Manchester from 1977 to 1981, marrying Helen during this period, and then served for a decade as a local church minister. During those years he and Helen welcomed three sons, and he completed a PhD. He later spent five years as chaplain of a Methodist school.
In 1996 Martyn joined Cliff College as postgraduate tutor in mission and evangelism, becoming Principal in 2004. He was elected President of the British Methodist Conference in 2007 and appointed General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Britain the following year.
After leading Methodist Central Hall, Westminster from 2015, he retired from full‑time ministry in 2023 following a short period serving a United Methodist congregation in Florida. He has written several books on mission, evangelism, fresh expressions, and preaching, and looks forward to sharing in Castlewellan Holiday Week.
“Our adult Bible studies will focus on some of the occasions when the Risen Lord Jesus appears to his disciples and others. But also, following his Ascension into heaven, on the role of the Holy Spirit in terms of leading and enabling the infant church in the great commission given it by Christ. These themes are very precious to me personally.”
“My early Christian formation was in a Methodist church deeply influenced and touched by the renewal of the Holy Spirit, and I considered exercising the gifts of the Spirit as 'normal' Christianity. Without ever rejecting these things my understanding of the nature and role of the Holy Spirit broadened in later years. Particularly through studying the Acts I came to realise the Holy Spirit of God is also and essentially the Spirit of mission, always 'going before' the called-out church of Christ, fuelling and filling the people of God for evangelism, proclamation and transformation. Those themes, unpacked a little, will also be the focus of our studies together. I look forward to being with you all.”
Martyn writes…
Meet the Youth Speakers
Benji & Lauren O’Neill
Benji and Lauren are part of the pastoral staff at House Church in their hometown of Newtownards.
If they were to give a snapshot into their heart for ministry it would be “the pursuit of seeing the local church filled with people (especially young people) who are captivated by the reality that they are found in Christ”.
Lauren pursues this vision through the leadership of their youth ministry, where for her, there really is nothing more beautiful than seeing young hearts set on fire for God. Benji pursues this through the leadership of their worship ministry, where his prayer is that he can help facilitate moments of intimacy between the Lord and His people.
Ministry is a family business, and so as only becoming a family of three this past year they couldn’t forget to mention their little boy Koa who by the grace of God is very happy to socialise with the church family!
Pray for CHW26
Speakers
Pray that Martyn, Lauren & Benji will be guided by the Spirit as they prepare what they will share with us. Pray that God will use their words to encourage, challenge, and inspire. Pray for their energy, protection, and spiritual refreshment throughout the week.
Logistics
Pray for the committee, worship leaders, youth and children’s team, and everyone who serves. Pray that every practical detail from accommodation to activities will run smoothly, creating a welcoming environment where people can rest, worship, and grow.
Transformation
Pray that CHW26 will be a place of genuine transformation where we encounter God. Pray that hearts will be softened, relationships restored, and new callings awakened as God works deeply and personally amongst every person who joins us in August.
