Adults

Throughout a programme of Bible teaching, seminars and celebration, we'll get to grips with questions about the Bible and about Church, we'll discuss ideas and share testimony. During the day you can pick and mix from a wide range of sessions on different topics delivered in different styles…

See a sample of our programme pages hereThe Big Start - early morning

The Big Start introduces the day's theme and is a lively way to begin the day. It's suitable for all ages – so come along and join us for praise, worship, creative prayer and drama from our Big Start team.

Bible Teaching - mornings

Each morning there is the Big Top Bible Reading lead by an experienced teacher. In 2012, we will be looking at four New Testament pictures of the church:

  • LET THEM SHINE: The People of God                         John 9:1-41

  • GIVE THEM POWER: The Community of the Spirit    John 7:1-53

  • HELP THEM LOVE: The Body of Christ                       John 13:1-36

  • MAKE THEM ONE: The Bride of Christ                       John 12:12-36

» See Bible Teachers in 2012

Zones - mornings

Eact morning we run Zones - practical sessions taking a look at the day’s theme and Bible passage in 8 different styles to suit you. Choose from:

  • Create - Participative and collaborative
  • Watch - Culture and media
  • Worship - For worship leaders & worshippers
  • Start - For those new to reading the Bible
  • Do - Mainstream and engaging
  • Lead - For leaders and emerging leaders
  • Think - Academic and theoretical
  • Talk - Discussion and debate

» Find out who's leading the Zones each week

Seminars - afternoons

Every afternoon choose from a wide menu of seminars and workshops –some issue based, like parenting and social-action; some skills based, like leading worship or dance and others that look at the Bible in more depth.

This year's seminar streams include:

  • Family Life Stream
  • Youthwork the training
  • Student Central
  • Leadership Actually
  • Love Actually
  • Leading Better Small Groups
  • Lectures (topics tbc)
  • Function 18-30s (Skegness only)

Rob Parsons and the fantastic team at Care for the family will also be doing seminars every week (Rob’s running between Minehead and Skegness – pray for him!) on these 4 key topics…

  • Getting your kids through church without them ending up hating God.
  • Teenagers
  • Mums
  • Dads

Sport, leisure and workshops - afternoons

In the afternoons if you don’t want to go to a seminar, there are plenty of other choices, from a trip to the funfair or swimming pool (all free!), to sports comps and other Butlins facilities (some are chargeable). See what leisure options are on offer…

» See afternoon leisure options

Celebrations - evenings

The high point of each day is the evening celebration, when we come together to hear from God and to respond in praise and worship. In addition to the main Big Top celebration, there is an All-Age Celebration for families and a choice of other gatherings.

» See the other Celebrations on offer

Evening talks

  • Night 2    1 Peter 2: 4-10
  • Night 3    Ezekial 37: 1-14
  • Night 4    Nehemiah 1
  • Night 5    Revelation 7: 9-17

We are so pleased to confirm the following evening speakers in the Big Top accross the weeks:

  • Rob Parsons, Care for the family - international speaker and best-selling author

  • Mike Pilavachi, Soul Survivor Watford - a congregation aiming to reach out to the young people of Watford

  • Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor of Jesus House for all the Nations, London.

  • Pete Greig, one of the founding champions of the 24-7 Prayer movement.

  • Revd Les Isaac, co-launched ‘Street Pastors’ which provides late night outreach on the streets

  • Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis Global, Faithworks and Stop The Traffik

After Hours - late nights

There's a selection of nightly entertainment from singers, bands, comedians and theatre companies. Some familiar faces, some newbies – but something for everyone to enjoy unwinding to.

» See After Hour acts