Expanding congregations and engaging young people are the biggest challenges faced by church leaders in the UK, according to the Church Resources Exhibition.

A survey of 147 church workers, including leaders, youth workers and administrators, found that community outreach and mission, financial sustainability, leadership development and burnout, and the upkeep of church buildings are areas of “significant pressure”.

Growing attendance and discipling congregations topped the list of key challenges, tied with boosting youth engagement. Both were ranked a key concern by 62% of church workers.

Community outreach and mission followed (47%), along with finances (42%), and leadership development and burnout (41%). Maintaining church buildings rang in at fifth place, with 39% agreeing it is a critical issue for their church.

When asked what would make a conference worth attending, church leaders overwhelmingly wanted to receive help that was “practical, trusted and immediately useful”.

Their ideas for help included “how-to” workshops and talks from trusted speakers who understand “real church life”.

Andy Flannagan, Executive Director of Christians in Politics, is set to host the Church Leaders Conference in October, which CRE say will be informed by the survey.

Flannagan said: “Church leaders are navigating incredibly complex cultural, pastoral and organisational challenges… [We need] space for honest conversation, practical insight and encouragement. This is about listening well to church leaders and shaping a programme that genuinely supports them in the realities of ministry today.”