WEAVING WORDS & WONDER
October 2026
A conference is more than a programme...
It's October and the Pastoral Conference 2026 is almost here! 29 Days and counting!
Nine months of planning, imagining, conversations and preparation have brought us to this point — and now we need the most important part: people to join us.
Together with the Centre for Faith & Community (University of Pretoria), the Department of Practical Theology and Mission Studies (University of Pretoria), and Northfield Methodist Church, we have intentionally created a conference that is more than a succession of speakers, bringing together keynote addresses, paper presentations, practical workshops, experiential sessions, reflection and opportunities for connection. Whether you are a minister, pastor, pastoral counsellor, chaplain, counsellor, ministry leader, student, volunteer or simply someone who cares about how we care for others well, we would love you to join us. Come to listen, explore, reflect, participate and connect
And there is another way to be part of it — volunteer!
Conferences don't happen only because of the people on the programme; they happen because people quietly make everything work. We are looking for people who can help with welcoming and registration, assisting presenters, setting up, refreshments, photography, social media and simply being available where needed. You don't need conference experience — just a willingness to lend a hand and be part of the team.
Please contact Nicole on info@creativeconvo.org or Mike on mike@nfmc.org.za if you can assist
Meet our contributors
We are delighted to welcome an inspiring group of practitioners, academics and pastoral care professionals:
Prof Stephan De Beer · Prof Christo Lombaard · Rev. Dr Mwansa Claude Kimpinde · Dr Annalie Steenkamp-Nel · Dr Paul Rheeder · Dr François Wessels · Dr Stanley Arumugam · Karien Earle · Rev. Zinzile Mdlulwa · Dr Wicus van der Merwe · Dr Michiel van der Merwe · Sabelo Mthunzi · Dr Nicole Dickson · Nsamu Moonga · Prof Vhumani Magezi · Dr Daniel Ximba
Together, they bring perspectives from pastoral theology, narrative practice, psychology, mental health, spirituality, trauma, community care, expressive arts and Christian formation — through keynote addresses, papers, practical workshops and experiential sessions.
How to Register
Early Bird: R650 until 10 October (includes tea/coffee and lunches)
Regular cost: R750.00
Groups: R400.00 and students with 2026 registration details: R400.00
Limited partial bursaries available.
For more information or to register visit www.creativeconvo.org
or email Nicole at info@creativeconvo.org
Payment details:
Northfield Methodist Church:
Account name: Scene 4 Vision
Standard Bank
Current Account: 021047782
Branch Code: 013042
Reference: Pastoral Care & Your Name
Please e-mail Proof of Payment to mike@nfmc.org.za
Pause & Reflect
What if loving ourselves is not about becoming more self-focused, but about noticing and honouring the ways in which our lives already carry God’s love?
Scripture invites us into a different story about ourselves — one grounded in dignity, belovedness and grace. Yet the stories we carry about our worth can sometimes become crowded by criticism, comparison and expectations.
Join Heather and Anne for a reflective conversation as we become curious about these stories, listen for the traces of God’s grace within them, and explore what it might mean to live from a story of belovedness rather than one of inadequacy.
Contact Anne directly on anneh54321@gmail.com to register
Narrative-Informed Reading Group
What happens when we slow down and read together?
Our Narrative-Informed Reading Group returns in November — a space for curious practitioners, counsellors, pastoral carers, students and anyone interested in narrative approaches to come together around a shared reading.
This is not a traditional book club. We read together, slowly and curiously, asking questions, making connections with our own practice and wondering about what the text opens up for us. There is no expectation that you arrive as an expert — just bring your curiosity and a willingness to enter into conversation with others.
Register on www.creativeconvo.org to receive the article
Wherever this month takes you, we hope our paths cross in some way — through a conversation, a shared idea, a story, or an invitation.
Warm regards,
Nicole and the Creative Conversations Team
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