The Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) is a vital annual event that brings together various streams of the Christian marketplace, helping to promote and equip the Church in the UK. This large-scale exhibition, often dubbed the “ideal church show,” provides an opportunity for organisations to showcase their services, products and ministries, serving to connect believers across the country. CRE not only serves as a resource hub for churches but also plays a key role in Christian media by offering a platform for several media-related companies.
Seven Goddard of Christian Resources Exhibition, Europe’s largest annual exhibition of church-related products and services.
Steve Goddard, the owner of CRE since 2016, expresses his passion for creating spaces where Christians can come together to share resources, ideas, and innovations that can further the work of the Gospel. Reflecting on the importance of these gatherings, Steve notes: “We have a great team, and they love this coming together. It’s about creating the connections that help the Church to grow and thrive.” His vision for CRE is not just about products and services but about fostering a spirit of collaboration among believers, which is vital for the Church’s mission.
For example at CRE 2024 in Milton Keynes, the exhibition is featuring a diverse array of Christian organisations, with several key players in Christian media taking part. Among them are:
Select media at the Christian Resources Exhibition
- Konnect Radio – The UK’s first mixed-format Christian radio station, blending mainstream and Christian music to reach a broad audience.
- Aperture Media – Providing media production services for Christian organisations.
- API Sound & Visual – Specialists in sound and visual solutions, essential for church media and broadcasting.
- Billy Graham Evangelistic Association UK (BGEA) – Known for its global outreach through media and broadcasting.
- Church Services.tv – A leading platform offering live streaming of church services across the UK.
- CPO (Christian Publishing and Outreach) – A longstanding resource for Christian publishing, media, and outreach materials.
- Go Chatter – Producers of faith-based video content to inspire and engage churches and individuals.
- Good News Newspaper – A publication sharing Christian news and stories.
- Together Magazine – Christian magazine offering faith-based news and stories.
These organisations exemplify the media landscape within CRE, each contributing to the Church’s mission through broadcasting, digital media, and audio-visual services. With media playing an increasingly crucial role in modern ministry, the presence of these companies at CRE highlights the event’s pivotal role in supporting Christian media practitioners and enabling their message to reach wider audiences.
Steve’s vision for CRE is rooted in the desire to see the Church grow stronger together: “We’re not just here to sell products; it’s about creating lasting connections that empower churches and believers to make a real impact in their communities. That’s what CRE is all about.”
The Christian Resources Exhibition is a significant force for uniting the Christian marketplace and media, providing invaluable resources that help churches stay connected, informed and equipped to fulfil their mission in today’s world.