In a time when those involved in ministry are carrying increasing responsibility and pressure, there is a deep need not simply to keep going, but to be refreshed. This weekend is an invitation to step aside, slow down, and drink deeply from the wells of the revelation of God’s Word and Spirit.
Hosted by MLG with Les Wheeldon, Dr Paul Blackham and Tim Cross, this ministry weekend is designed for anyone involved in serving others, whether leading a church, preaching, pastoring, discipling, leading small groups, children’s work, or other forms of Christian ministry. It is a space to be renewed rather than relied upon, restored rather than stretched, and re-centred on Christ.
Through extended time in Scripture, worship, and ministry, we are trusting God for fresh revelation of Jesus and a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As we see Christ more clearly, we believe hearts will be restored, callings strengthened, and spiritual vitality renewed. We long to be people who minister not from dryness or depletion, but from deep wells of life that overflow to others.
Although hosted by MLG, this weekend is open to all, whether or not you attend an MLG church. Our prayer is that those who come will leave refreshed, re-filled, and re-anchored, living and serving from the deep, life-giving resources of God in a fragmented and demanding world.
Les Wheeldon
Les Wheeldon is a British preacher, missionary and Bible teacher with decades of experience in church leadership and global ministry. Ordained in 1979, he and his wife Vicki pioneered a vibrant church in West Africa before Les went on to pastor in the UK and teach extensively across Africa, Asia and Europe. He currently serves as Head of Biblical Studies at the Marketplace Bible Institute in Singapore and regularly leads seminars and teaching events worldwide. Les is known for his clear, Scripture-centred preaching and his passion to help believers grow deeper in Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Dr Paul Blackham
Dr Paul Blackham is a respected Bible teacher, preacher, and church leader with a lifelong passion for Scripture and mission. He has been preaching since his teens and holds a PhD in systematic theology from King’s College London, focusing on the Holy Spirit in Puritan thought. Ordained in 1997, Paul served for many years as Minister for Theology at All Souls Church, Langham Place, and has since played a key role in church planting across the UK. He is the author and co-presenter of the Book by Book Bible study series and has helped countless Christians deepen their love for Scripture and understanding of Christ. He currently ministers at St Crispin’s Church, Highbury Fields, bringing clarity, heart, and devotion to God’s Word wherever he goes
Tim Cross
Tim Cross is the Head of the MissionLifeGrace (MLG) network and Lead Pastor of River Church in Orpington. He is passionate about seeing God’s people strengthened in Christ, equipped for mission, and released into the fullness of their calling. Tim believes deeply in the power of partnership between churches and the importance of spiritual renewal for those who serve.
Les Wheeldon - The Book of Hebrews: The Next Level in the Spirit
The theme of Hebrews is the Greatness of Salvation in Jesus. The author is writing to encourage believers to enter into all their inheritance. The Gospel is God sized, since it was purchased by God in Christ, who is therefore infinitely greater than Moses, Joshua or Aaron.The key phrases of the letter are “He is able!” and a “better covenant” with “better promises”.
The letter is full of exhortations, which can be summed up:
These exhortations centre on the need to go on with God in holiness, to go into the secret hidden dimension of the direct Presence of God in the Holy Spirit, and to persevere through trials to inherit the full blessing intended for us.
Dr Paul Blackham - The Book of Amos - Ministering in Fast Changing Times
Dr Paul Blackham will lead a powerful series on the book of Amos, warns us that an earthquake was just two years away – the LORD Jesus was knocking on the door of His
church: would anybody open the door and let Him in? Would anybody truly seek for Him and welcome Him? Amos was a shepherd: he knew that without proper leadership and protection, the flock would fall into all kinds of danger. Amos was showing how much damage the lion and the wolves had already done! When we truly love & fear the Divine Lion, then all other attractions and fears shrink down to their proper size.The LORD Jesus is our great treasure and if we have HIM, we have all things. When the world in our time feels as if it is shaking and quaking, are we offering this greatest treasure?
The Living God encountered His Church in wonderful ways throughout the Bible - BUT, He did not go out of business with the Apostles! Church History is filled with amazing stories of how Christians lived and died for the LORD Jesus in every age, in every nation. We will also spend one session, exploring some of these inspiring and challenging stories.
Tim Cross - The Book of the Song of Solomon - The Divine Romance
Tim Cross will lead us into the Song of Solomon as an invitation to encounter Him more deeply. Through its rich and evocative poetry, this book reveals the passionate love of Christ for His Church and calls us into a relationship marked by intimacy, desire, and wholehearted response.
Sometimes we recognise that over-familiarity, duty or weariness may have dulled our enjoyment of Christ. The Song of Songs reminds us that we are ultimately created for union with Christ Jesus, a divine romance that is meant to nourish our souls and become the deep well from which all faithful ministry flows.
As we reflect on Christ as the Fairest of Ten Thousand, these sessions will invite hearts to be reawakened, to recover affection, devotion, and delight in the presence of the Divine Lover. For those who feel spiritually tired, dry, or disconnected, we will open our hearts for renewal, helping us to drink again from the deep wells of Christ’s love so that our lives and ministry flow from intimacy rather than effort.
Thursday 19th March
5:00 - Welcome
6:00 - Dinner
7:30 - Session 1 - Hebrews Part 1 - Les Wheeldon
Friday 20th March
8:30 - Breakfast
9:30 - Session 2: Amos Part 1 - Paul Blackham
10:30 - Coffee Break
11:00 - Session 3: Song of Solomon Part 1 - Tim Cross
12:00 - Questions/Discussion
12:30 - Lunch
14:00 - Group Walk up to the moors
16:00 - Session 4: Hebrews Part 2 - Les Wheeldon
18:00 - Dinner
19:30 - Session 5: Song of Solomon Part 2 - Tim Cross
Saturday 21st March
8:30- Breakfast
9:30: Session 6: Amos Part 2 - Paul Blackham
10:30- Coffee Break
11:00- Session 7: Song of Solomon Part 3 - Tim Cross
12:00- Questions/Discussion
12:30- Lunch
14:00- Group Walk up to the
16:00- Session 8: Church History - Paul Blackham
18:00- Dinner
19:30- Session 9: Hebrews Part 3 - Les Wheeldon
Sunday 22nd March
8:30- Breakfast
10:30- Sunday Meeting - Amos Part 3 - Paul Blackham
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Depart
£160.00
£250.00
There are two ticket types, £160 per person, or £250 per couple.
This includes the cost of accommodation, food and ministry.