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How has austerity impacted people in the UK? What are the implications of this for theology and faith-based social action? 2 years into the Life on the Breadline research, this conference grapples with these questions with a particular focus on Christian responses to UK poverty and austerity. The conference will have two keynote speakers: Human geographer Dr Sarah Marie Hall from the University of Manchester speaking on the unequal impact of austerity from her recently published everyday austerity ethnography, and theologian Professor Rachel Muers from the University of Leeds speaking on Christian social action and class.

What is God saying to us about how we support those around us suffering from fear, anxiety & uncertainty? What are the tools that people need to thrive in these new realities? What are the tools and principles for leading well at work? We are seeking to focus on six key areas for the 2020 conference: T - teaching. Biblical truth for troubling times. What does the Bible teach about how to thrive in times of difficulty? H- harvest. What are we seeing, where is God at work? How do we partner with God in bringing in the kingdom harvest? R - refresh. Personally, collectively, nationally, ecologically - helping us to find pools of refreshment amidst the many challenges I - inclusion. How do we work shoulder to shoulder with non-Christians in our workplace and cities to bring kingdom blessing to our nation? V - vision. What lies ahead for the church, work, and Scotland? What are the key principles and playbook for thriving in the new normal? E - ecosystem. How can we build a gospel eco-system that blesses our communities, cities and workplaces?

The event will take place online, with the morning programme of worship, prophetic contributions and keynote messages streamed live from The Message Trust in Manchester. Our keynote speakers are Martin Charlesworth and Rachel Gardner, and Sam Ward from the Message Trust will co-host the day alongside Martin. In the afternoon, around 15 pre-recorded seminars will be released, and delegates will have exclusive access to them until the end of the month - no longer do you have to choose just two, but you can watch as many as you like. The event will encourage and equip those working on the front line of social action and those churches with a heart to serve the most disadvantaged in our communities. It will be a call to us to rise up and act for the good of those around us trapped in poverty in the wake of the coronavirus.