Equip Conference 2026
Equipping you to teach the next generation
Children today face many pressures and issues as they grow up, things that we never had to face at that age. So how can we help them? We don’t want them to simply survive, but to flourish. That’s what Equip26 is about.
Colossians 2:7 talks about being “rooted and built up in him [Jesus] and established in the faith…” We want children to be deeply rooted in God and His Word, which will then help them stay rooted when they’re faced with anxiety and trauma, or when they’re at home, at school and at church. And we as parents and children’s workers need to be rooted to be able to help them.
We’re have seminars on helping children with anxiety and trauma, helping parents to disciple their children at home and to deal with issues their children are facing at school, and at keeping children and young people in church. There’s also something to help you in your ministry too.
Why not come and join us as we look at “Deep Roots” and equipping you to help children and young people to flourish.
Saturday 16th May
9.45am-3.30pm
The Riasc Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin
Children’s (age 4-10) & Teens’ (age 11-14) programmes (free) also available!
Seminars:
Rooted in Church
Jonathan Reid
As parents we fear that moment when our teenager decides that church is just not for him or her.
“It’s too boring!” “It’s too long!” “Do I have to go?”
Ultimately, we want them to be there, but we also want their hearts engaged; we want it to be an expression of their love for Jesus and desire to know Him. We also don’t want the forms and practices of church life to get in the way or be an obstacle to kindling their faith. How do we make our churches places which encourage and draw out the faith of the young people, allow them space to express it and opportunities to serve and even speak to others from the front? In this seminar we will be thinking about what practices and attitude in church might be more conducive to helping our teens feel welcome in church and feel a part of the church family. We’ll also be thinking about ways to allow young people a voice and opportunities to serve.
Rooted in Connection
Laura Wylie
This seminar offers a compassionate, trauma-informed exploration of how early traumatic attachments and adverse experiences affect children’s sense of safety, trust and connection. Drawing on current theory and practical approaches, it will support you to better understand trauma responses, strengthen relational safety and promote healing through attuned, developmentally sensitive care. Ideal for helpers working with children and families who wish to deepen their confidence and skill in trauma-informed practice.
Rooted at Home
Adriana Varzevicius
In Scripture, the table is a place of connection and teaching. God invites families to share His ways in everyday moments, including when they sit together at home (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Around the table, faith is passed on through presence, conversation and example. Jesus often met people at the table, transforming ordinary meals into moments of grace and belonging. When families gather regularly to eat together, the table becomes a daily altar—a place to listen, bless, forgive and give thanks. In a world that pulls families apart, the table gently calls them back together.
Please note, this seminar is for ladies only
Rooted for School
Andy Lamberton
New pressures, new voices and new freedoms. Progressing in school is daunting for the parents, never mind the pupils! But how do we help our children have deep roots for school?
In this seminar, we will think less about control and more about roots. What foundational things help our children know who they are and where they belong, and develop a sense of identity and even a calling as they go through the school gate? With time for discussion, some trigger talks and a couple of take-home resources, we hope this seminar will be practical and, most of all, helpful for you as a parent.
Rooted in Peace
Laura Wylie
‘Rooted in Peace’ is a reflective and practical seminar exploring anxiety through a trauma-informed and neurobiological lens. Designed for helpers, it offers a clear understanding of the neuroscience of anxiety and highlights the vital role of co-regulation in restoring calm, safety and resilience. Participants will gain insights into how regulated relationships support anxious children and adults, and how embodied, relational approaches can help others feel more grounded and secure.
Rooted in your Ministry
Angie McKee
There are 168 hours in a week and we have perhaps 1 – 2 hours of that time with the children in Good News Club, Sunday school or children’s meeting. How can we make the best use of the time we have with them, so we don’t waste it?
In this seminar we will look at the whole programme in ministering to the children and how we can keep the Word of God central in it and teach through the different elements. We’ll think of how we can make the best use of the resources available, whether we’ve 10 minutes or 120 minutes with the children. And through it all we want them not only to learn from God’s Word, but to enjoy it.
Speakers:
Paul Carley
Paul Carley planted the Bridge Church in Celbridge in 2004 and served as its lead pastor until 2025, when he passed the baton to Matt Ryals. Paul has been married to Ber for more than 40 years and they have three adult children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and nine wonderful grandchildren.
Paul serves on the national leadership team of The Apostolic Movement (ACUK). Paul’s passion is teaching and preaching the principles of the New Covenant as expressed in the Gospel. He has a heart for helping and restoring to faith those who have fallen away. Over the years, Paul has had the opportunity to minister in America, Latvia, Belarus, Kenya and the UK.
Jonathan Reid
Jonathan is the Pastor of Wexford Bible Church in Wexford town. He and his wife, Hazel, have been serving the church in Wexford for the last 21 years. They have four daughters, two of whom are in UCD and two still in secondary school.
Jonathan teaches a module called ‘Church: Theology and Practice’, as part of the BA programme at The Irish Bible Institute. He also serves on the committee organising The Irish Preacher’s Conference. Life is pretty full on with an active congregation and busy family life but in quieter moments he enjoys watching Leinster and Ireland play rugby and is a member of his local Crossfit gym!
Laura Wylie
Laura Wylie is the CEO of Links Counselling Service, where she has developed a network of counselling centres across Northern Ireland, making counselling accessible to people from all backgrounds and communities.
Laura is a BACP Accredited Practitioner and Supervisor, with a Masters’ degree in Pluralistic Psychotherapy. She is also Course Director of Connexions Training (Ireland), delivering both short courses and the Diploma in Integrative Counselling with a Christian perspective. Through this work, she is passionate about equipping the next generation of counsellors with both professional skill and deep compassion.
With a strong commitment to equipping the church, Laura is particularly passionate about training trauma-informed helpers who can journey with people through pain and complexity. Drawing on her extensive clinical and leadership experience, she brings a warm, practical, and empowering approach to training, helping individuals grow in confidence and create meaningful change within their own spheres of influence.
Andy Lamberton
Andy Lamberton is a speaker, writer and mission worker dedicated to helping families follow Jesus. A member of Fahan Presbyterian in Donegal, director of Legacy and author of Letters for Exiles.
Adriana Varzevicius
Originally from Brazil, Adriana Varzevicius is married to a Lithuanian man and is the mother of two boys. She has lived in Ireland for nearly 20 years, where faith and family have shaped her life and calling.
After hosting a home-based church in her home for ten years, Adriana now serves as a passionate speaker for God’s Kingdom, encouraging women to embrace their first ministry—family. Through her project, “The Housewife DNA”, which is rooted in the Word of God and inspired by the books Home Experience and The Table Experience by the late Devi Titus, her heart is to see strong families reflecting God’s love and grace.
Angie McKee
Having been introduced to Child Evangelism Fellowship at 16, Angie has been serving with them ever since! After 19 years as a volunteer, the Lord called her into full time ministry, so she left her job in Ulster Bank and began serving in the Youth Challenge Team here in Ireland.
Part of her role in YC was training young people which developed into training adults at various CEF courses in Ireland and Europe. In 2012 she was appointed Team Leader of the Education Department.
Angie’s role is mainly training believers how to reach and teach children the Word of God, whether that’s through CEF courses or bespoke seminars for churches in training their Sunday school teachers and children’s workers. Outside of CEF she’s a big Liverpool FC fan!
Equip Village:
You’ll also be able to browse the CEF ministry resource shop and some other organisations will also be joining on the day with. Tea, coffee, and treats are provided, but do bring a lunch.
