In October and November, 17 UK and Ireland venues will be among 115 cities worldwide hosting a videocast replay of the Leadership Summit, organised by the well-known Willow Creek Church in Chicago.

Worldwide attendance is anticipated to top 100,000 delegates as The Leadership Summit and its training of church leaders continues to grow in stature.

Speakers this year will include a line-up of respected pastors and leaders, including Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church; John Burke, Gateway Community Church, Texas; Craig Croeschel, LifeChurch.tv; Gary Haugen, president and founder of the International Justice Mission Chuck Colson, founder, Prison Fellowship Ministries and Catherine Rohr, CEO and founder of America's Prison Entrepreneurship Program.

The event is held simultaneously nationally and globally, creating an exciting sense of local, national and international movement for the cause of the gospel, as church leaders and their teams are envisioned, equipped and encouraged in their ministries. Over 3,500 UK delegates attended in 2007.

A delegate of the Summit, the Rev Greg Downes from Cornwall, expressed his delight: "In an age when high profile ministry has come to be associated with hype, hyperbole and hollow celebrity, Bill Hybels is a refreshing change. Willow's Global Leadership Summit was a much needed tonic.

"Characterised by first class teaching, servant leadership and sheer integrity, you cannot help come to the conclusion that the only cause celebre here is the furtherance of the Kingdom of God."

Other speakers this year include Efrem Smith, senior pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church, Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach for America and Bill George, Harvard Professor and former CEO of Medtronics.

Early booking for the conference is recommended with reduced prices and special team rates available before 30th June. For further details, contact Willow Creek Association UK & Ireland on 023 8071 0295 or visit: www.willowcreek.org.uk