Identity Formation

Seminar from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with ChristWhat’s wrong with people pleasing? In the Bible we read “each of us should please our neighbours” (Romans 15:2), “look to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4) and “try to please everyone in every way” (1 Corinthians 10:33). So how do we square this with Scripture’s call “not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4)? This seminar considers our need to please the people around us, how this connects to our worship of God, and how, in Christ, we can serve others freely and joyfully.Nicola Eggertsen is the Training and Resources Officer with BCUK. She completed the BCUK Certificate Programme in 2018 and is now a tutor and grader. Nicola runs a “Soul Care” practice and is studying for certification with the Association of Biblical Counselors. She is a Lay Pastoral Assistant at her church and involved in ministry alongside her husband (who is the vicar).

Seminar from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with ChristThis seminar will explore the personal and communal dynamics of shame and low self-esteem. Together, we will consider how Scripture teaches us to define shame rightly and to address its distorting effects on a person’s sense of self and relationships. Our focus will be on understanding the shared honour we have with Christ through our new identity in him, and on learning how to apply that truth both personally and in our work with others.Laura Perbet is an independent biblical counsellor having previously coordinated biblical counselling ministry at two local churches. She qualified as a clinical psychologist before training in biblical counselling. In between these two roles she worked for a mission agency providing member care for British missionaries working overseas.

Seminar from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with Christ"I’m only human!" We all know what it is to come face to face with our limits. But how does a theology of our limitations help us to understand and respond to our strengths and weaknesses, abilities and disabilities, and shape how we help others? This seminar will explore our core identity as human beings and its renewal in Christ made flesh.Andrew Collins has spent many years working as a consultant psychiatrist in Belfast alongside part-time work providing biblical counselling. He is an elder at his church in Portadown, Northern Ireland. Andrew’s serves as the Director of Counselling Ministry with BCUK, seeking to serve experienced carers with training and resources to grow their wisdom and skill.

Session 9 from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with ChristSte Casey is the pastor of Speke Baptist Church, and leads the BCUK Certificate Programme in Liverpool together with his wife, Jane. Together they are parents to six daughters. Ste is the author of I Prayed and Nothing Changed.

Session 8 from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with ChristAndrew Nicholls serves as Director of Pastoral Care at Oak Hill College. Formerly a pastor with particular responsibility for small groups and pastoral care, Andrew was involved in helping to found Biblical Counselling UK. He is the author (with Helen Thorne-Allenson) of the Real Change course.

Session 3 from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with ChristGraham Beynon is one of FIEC's Associate National Directors. He is a visiting lecturer at Oak Hill College, London, and has authored a number of books, including Mirror Mirror: Discover your true identity in Christ. Graham has pastored churches in Cambridge and Leicester, particularly being involved in leading church plants.

Session 2 from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with ChristGraham Beynon is one of FIEC's Associate National Directors. He is a visiting lecturer at Oak Hill College, London, and has authored a number of books, including Mirror Mirror: Discover your true identity in Christ. Graham has pastored churches in Cambridge and Leicester, particularly being involved in leading church plants.

Session 1 from the BCUK National Conference 2026Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with ChristSteve Midgley is the Executive Director of Biblical Counselling UK. Until 2022 he was the Senior Minister of Christ Church Cambridge where he continues to have a part-time role. Steve is a board member with CCEF and with the Biblical Counseling Coalition. He trained in psychiatry before being ordained. Steve has co-authored The Heart of Anger and Mental Health and Your Church and most recently he has written Understanding Trauma: A Biblical Introduction for Church Care.

A community that speaks:A talk by Helen Thorne-Allenson at the BCUK Growing a Culture of Care event in Bournemouth, November 2025.Chapters00:00The Importance of Community and Love09:12Understanding and Supporting Struggles17:57Practical Ways to Help25:48The Role of Scripture in Healing36:04Building a Supportive Church Community

A community that loves:A talk by Steve Midgley at the BCUK Growing a Culture of Care event in Bournemouth, November 2025.Chapters00:00Introduction to Ephesians 403:05Living a Life Worthy of the Calling05:57The Struggles of Church Life09:07The Nature of Trouble in Our Lives11:48The Call to Care and Cure15:01God's Transformative Work in Us17:52The Foundation of Love in the Church21:01Growing in Knowledge of God's Love23:58Reflecting God's Love in Community26:58The Pursuit of Maturity in the Church29:49Serving One Another in Love32:59The Importance of Unity and Diversity36:02The Call to Serve Like Christ39:05Living Out the Put Off, Put On Principle42:03Speaking the Truth in Love44:58Conclusion and Prayer