Impact Thousands With KCC’s Volunteer Army 

We’re currently recruiting volunteers for KCC events! Join KCC’s Volunteer Army to impact thousands! 

Do you love God? 

Do you believe in the power of His word?  

Do you want to see our nation transformed by Jesus Christ?  

Katoomba Christian Convention exists to see our nation transformed by Jesus Christ by the powerful preaching of God’s word. Each year, thousands of delegates from all different ages, life-stages and denominations gather at KCC events to hear God speak.  
Each year, by God’s grace, hearts are impacted, and lives transformed.  

All this would not be possible without the power of volunteers—our incredible KCC Army—who work cheerfully and tirelessly to serve our delegates. From our convention committee members to event ushers, children’s workers and AV team, our volunteers play a vital role in facilitating God’s word preached from the platform. 

If you have time, skills, and a willing heart, why not join KCC’s Volunteer Army today?  

We currently require volunteers for the following events:  

  1. KYCK Youth Conference 

KYCK challenges and equips high-schoolers to boldly live the Christian life. It will be held over four weekends at the StayKCC site in Katoomba. We are currently recruiting volunteers for our Muscle, Coffee and Camera Operator teams for KYCK weekends 1 (14-16 April) and 3 (23-30 April).  

Sign up here: https://www.kyck.org.au/volunteer/

  1. Oxygen Conference 

A conference retreat to refresh leaders and workers in Christian ministry. It will be held at the StayKCC site in Katoomba from 15-18 August.  

Sign up here: https://kcc.org.au/support-us/volunteer#more  
 

  1. BASECAMP Men’s Conference 

An annual event to help men renew their strength in Jesus. BASECAMP will be held over two weekends at the following venues:  

  •  The Roundhouse UNSW in Kensington (5 August 2023) 
  • StayKCC in Katoomba (11-12 August 2023) 

Sign up here: https://basecampmen.com/volunteer/  
 

  1. OneLove Women’s Conference  

A one-day conference to inspire women through preaching, testimony and fellowship. It will be held on Saturday 26 August at the Hillsong Convention Centre in Norwest.  

 
Sign up here: https://kcc.org.au/support-us/volunteer#more  

We’re currently recruiting volunteers for KCC events! Join KCC’s Volunteer Army to impact thousands!  Do you

By Heidi Tai

Ex Atheist Historian, Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker to join Katoomba Easter Convention as a Special Guest

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker will join the Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2023 as a special guest.  

Katoomba Easter Convention is returning this April to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a time where God’s word is often met with mistrust and skepticism, KEC will empower delegates to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.  

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker will join the KEC platform as a special guest. Sarah is the Associate Professor of History and Western Civilisation at Australian Catholic University. She was awarded her PhD in History from Cambridge University and has held a Junior Research Fellowship at Wolfson College, Oxford University. Her first book, Natural Science and the Origins of the British Empire, was awarded The Royal Society of Literature and Jerwood Foundation Award for Non-fiction. She is married to Johnathan, and they have three children. 

Sarah will be sharing two short and practical talks, highlighting themes of atheism, history and biblical foundations:  

  1. “How Oxford and Peter Singer led an Atheist Historian to Jesus”  

    In this talk, Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker will share her personal journey of how an Atheist Historian learned to put her faith in Jesus, and why, in a culture that teaches something entirely different, she found the Bible’s message of hope and faith in Jesus convincing. 

  2. “A Strong Foundation: How History Can Help Us in a Confused World” 

    We live in an Ahistoric Age; our contemporary culture has lost its ability meaningfully to engage with the past. And yet, the Bible teaches us that history matters. This talk outlines what the Bible says about why history matters, and then explores how history can equip Christians to engage with culture and strengthen our discipleship. 

Sarah will be joined by a wide range of local and international speakers including main speakers, Ed Stetzer and Dan Paterson, and guest speakers Malcolm Gill, Sam Chan and Jonathan Dykes. 

Last day to register to receive tickets in the mail!

At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendly program that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God.  

Dates: 7-10th April 2023    
Place: StayKCC, Katoomba     

To make sure that you receive your tickets in the mail on time, make sure you register today: https://easterconvention.com/     

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker will join the Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2023 as

By Heidi Tai

Meet KYCK 22 Graduate: Stephanie 

In this interview, Stephanie from Crossroads Christian Church shares how attending KYCK conference transformed her life and empowered her faith. She also shares why teenagers should prioritise attending KYCK in their formative high-school years. 

KYCK 22 Graduate: Stephanie
  1. How many KYCKs have you attended? 

I attended KYCK from 2017 to 2022, so for all my high school years except for when it was canceled for COVID.  

  1. What was a highlight from KYCK? 

My favourite highlight from KYCK were the small group discussions my year group had in 2022. We were all more mature and able to have deep conversations with each other about Jesus that were very interesting. 

  1. How did KYCK encourage your faith? 

KYCK encouraged me in my faith to go out into the world and spread all my newfound knowledge I had learned with other Christians as well as unbelievers.  

  1. Why would you recommend KYCK to others? 

I would recommend KYCK to others because of the overwhelming feeling you get when you are with so many people your age that have the same love for Jesus. It’s very euphoric and emotional, an experience you don’t often get the chance to take part in regularly. 

  1. How has being a Christian changed your life? 

Being a Christian has turned my life on its head. In a generation that is very self-focused, you don’t often meet people who aren’t all about the “self-love” lifestyle. Knowing that I don’t deserve to be loved, and that I don’t deserve to be saved, but Jesus saves us because he loves us so much, is amazing! I now judge myself and others less because that is God’s job—a truth which gives me so much peace, and one that I hope everyone in the world to have. 

Your Invitation to “Meet Jesus” at KYCK 23  

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK is a conference that challenges and equips high schoolers to boldly live the Christian life. Each year, close to 6,000 delegates gather at StayKCC in the Blue Mountains to hear and respond to God’s word.

At KYCK 23, we are inviting you to “Meet Jesus” in Mark’s Gospel through powerful preaching, inspiring testimonies, worship in song and fun activities. Whether you are already Christian or still exploring the faith, there will be ample opportunities to deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and respond to the call to follow him. Check out the program here.  
   
KYCK 23 will return over the following four weekends during the school holidays:    

  • Weekend 1: 14-16 April
  • Weekend 2 & Online: 21-23 April
  • Weekend 3: 28-30 April
  • Weekend 4: 22-24 September     

Registration and on-site accommodation bookings are currently open. Tickets are available until they are sold out, so book now to secure your preferred weekend!  
 
Visit our website for more information: www.kyck.org.au     

Stephanie shares how attending KYCK conference transformed her life and empowered her faith.

By Heidi Tai

A Reminder “We Are Not Alone”: Why Joanna Will Return for Oxygen 23  

Oxygen conference is returning this August for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Oxygen is a conference retreat designed to ‘fuel passion for Christian ministry’.  

In this interview, Joanna Hoffman shares why she has attended every single Oxygen conference since 2011, and how the “phenomenal” teaching, singing, and fellowship has fuelled her passion for Christian ministry in both rural and urban contexts.  

Returning Oxygen Delegate: Joanna Hoffman

Describe your ministry
 
I served as the Minister of Community Life at Windsor District Baptist Church for three and a half years, and now I remain very involved in fostering the life of the church in a lay capacity.  

How many Oxygen events have you attended and what has been a highlight? 
 
I have attended all the Oxygen conferences since the first AMAZING one in 2011. There have been many highlights over the years, but primarily the singing and teaching. The singing is a highlight as I feel it is a taste of glory. The teaching from John from the first Oxygen conference was phenomenal; I still refer to my notes from John Lennox on John from time to time.  

CityAlight leads worship in song at Oxygen 14


How has God used Oxygen to ‘fuel your passion for Christian ministry’? 
 
I love this time of getting away with other people in ministry. It has fuelled my passion by reminding me that we are not alone. We used to live rural, so this time away with other people in ministry along with rich teaching was like drinking from a water hydrant that would nourish roots we didn’t even know were dry. It reminded me that our “great cloud of witnesses” is not just from the past and we were not alone in our ministry within this Great South Land. 
 
Recently, our ministry is more urban and while we have more local ministry connections, our time at Oxygen continues to foster connections along with helpful resourcing and refocusing. I often forget how easy it is to become absorbed in the urban “busyness” so this time away helps me remember why we do what we do.  

Why do you think ministry leaders should set aside time for conferences like Oxygen? 
 
1. It is a time of retreat and refreshing for your mind, body, and spirit if you let it be. 
2. It provides the time to connect with like-minded people and space for deeper ministry conversations with your spouse, team or comfortable anonymity of a new friend. 
3. The wide variety of breakout groups or classes will provide helpful resourcing for everyone.  

What is the benefit of attending Oxygen with your spouse? 
 
My husband and I eagerly look forward to this time away. Not only is the content mutually stimulating, but the space of time and meals together also lets us discuss and debrief what we have learned and how it is stimulating our respective callings. We intentionally split up for the break-out groups to cover a wider variety of topics. This time away is worth the challenge of finding childcare and encourages our ministry perspective as more than a 9-5 job. 

Come up for ‘Oxygen’ this August 

Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry? 

This August, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed and renewed by God’s word. Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. Scripture will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.     
  
Dates: 15-18 August, 2023   
Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba   
Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine  

Oxygen 23 Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine

Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. On-site, catered accommodation is also available. For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website:  oxygenconference.com/register   

Joanna Hoffman shares how Oxygen conference has fuelled her passion for Christian ministry.

By Heidi Tai

Jonathan Dykes Confirmed as Guest Speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention

We are thrilled to announce that Jonathan Dykes will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2023. 

KEC 23 Guest Speaker: Jonathan Dykes

Katoomba Easter Convention will return on 7-10 April 2023, to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a time where God’s word is often met with mistrust and skepticism, KEC will empower delegates to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.   
 
To address this topic, Jonathan Dykes will return to the KEC platform as a guest speaker. A long-time attendee and volunteer on KCC committees, Jonathan was appointed as Executive Director of Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) in 2012. Prior to this, he served as a faculty member at Sydney Missionary & Bible College (SMBC) teaching Preaching and on the staff teams at St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney and City Bible Forum.  

For Jonathan, attending KEC every year has become an important family tradition—one that communicates to his children the preciousness of Easter and hearing from God’s word:  

“Making the effort to go to KEC every year helps communicate to our kids that Easter is a special time and that dedicating time to listen to God is a priority.  

“It has become our regular retreat space – away from interruptions, distractions and busyness – where we can talk as a whole family about what it means to follow Jesus Christ.” 

Jonathan last spoke at Katoomba Easter Convention in 2004 and 2022, and we are thrilled to have him back at KEC 2023. Get a taste of his teaching from the SMBC archives here: https://www.smbc.edu.au/resources/bibletalks-speaker-talks/Jonathan-Dykes    

Go Together. Grow Together. 

At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendly program that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God. Whether you join us in the beautiful mountain air of Katoomba, or from your living room or holiday home elsewhere, our absolute priority is to provide a program that will continue to be a time of significant spiritual impact for every member of your family.   

Dates: 7-10th April 2023   
Place: StayKCC, Katoomba    
Theme: Rock Solid: Trusting God in a World of Confusion    
Main Speakers: Ed Stetzer (Wheaton College Billy Graham Center) and Dan Paterson (Questioning Christianity) 
Guest Speakers: Malcolm Gill, Sam Chan and Jonathan Dykes 
    
For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/    

Jonathan Dykes will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention 2023. 

By Heidi Tai

“Refreshing and Inspiring”: Why Andrew Will Return for Oxygen 23 

Oxygen conference is returning this August for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Oxygen is a conference retreat designed to ‘fuel passion for Christian ministry’. 

In this interview, returning delegate Andrew Laird shares his Oxygen highlights, how the conference has benefited his work at City Bible Forum, and why other Christian workers should consider signing up for this year.  

Oxygen 23 delegate, Andrew Laird from City Bible Forum

Describe your ministry!

I work for City Bible Forum, a national organisation that aims to “reach the world through workers with the good news of Jesus”. I’m based in Melbourne and have a particular focus on discipling Christians in their life and witness in the workplace. I’ve been serving with City Bible Forum for nine years.

How many Oxygen events have you attended and what has been a highlight? 

I attended the first Oxygen conference back in 2011 with John Piper and John Lennox as the speakers. That was a highlight, joining with sisters and brothers in person to learn from the wisdom and years of experience of these two men. 

John Piper preaches at the Oxygen 11 event

How has God used Oxygen to ‘fuel your passion for Christian ministry’?  

12 years on, I still think back to those few days in August 2011 as being a refreshing and inspiring time, chatting with new and old friends about the shared joys and challenges of serving God in vocational ministry. Being surrounded by women and men who have been faithfully persevering over many years, pacing themselves for a marathon not a sprint, was a wonderful experience too. 

Why do you think ministry leaders and workers should set aside time to attend conferences like Oxygen?  

There are so many conferences in the annual calendar, but Oxygen is one I have made a priority of making time for in 2023 because I know how important it is to be refreshed in ministry. Having been refreshed by the books of both Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine, I’m really looking forward to being fed by their teaching, as well as spending time with interstate peers from Bible college as we stay together for the conference, something we don’t get to do often enough! 

Come up for ‘Oxygen’ this August

Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry?

This August, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed and renewed by God’s word. Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. Scripture will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.    
 
Dates: 15-18 August, 2023  
Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba  
Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine 

Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. On-site, catered accommodation is also available.    
  
For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website:  oxygenconference.com/register  

Oxygen conference is returning this August for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba

By Heidi Tai

5 Reasons to Make Katoomba Easter Convention A Family Tradition 

Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether you’re gathering to decorate a Christmas tree, wrap dumplings, or to celebrate a meaningful holiday by the sea, family traditions are important for establishing foundational values and moments of deep bonding.  

Since 1962, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.  

5 reasons to make KEC a family tradition this Easter:  

  1. Model to your family the significance of Easter  

For the Christian, Easter is a significant time of remembering the death and resurrection of Christ and how it applies to everyday life. Attending KEC can be a big sacrifice of time, money and resources, but by prioritising spiritual growth, we communicate to our families that Easter is more than a long weekend of chocolate eggs and bunnies.  

“KEC has been great for my family to get away from the challenges and distractions of life to spend time reflecting on God. KEC is a great reminder that Easter isn’t about chocolate or holidays, rather it is a time to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection and how that should shape our daily lives.”

Verity Hall, KEC Delegate and Volunteer 
  1. Start each year deeply rooted in God’s word  

At KEC, hearing and responding to God’s word is the priority. At a time where we and our children are bombarded by competing messages, values and ideals, it is important to start the year well, rooted in God’s word. Each year, KEC invites gifted Bible teachers to preach on relevant topics. In 2023, main speakers Ed Stetzer and Dan Paterson, and special guests Malcolm Gill, Sam Chan and Jonathan Dykes will speak on the topic “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a world of scepticism and confusion, KEC will empower your family to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by a good and gracious God.  

“Through the Kid’s program, I was annually fed with engaging and solid Bible teaching, which allowed me to thank Jesus for what he has done in every stage of life. KEC has been a major influence in the way I know Jesus and express my faith today.”  

Anna Kreicers, KEC Delegate and Volunteer 
  1. A commitment to annual Sabbath rest as a family  

    What if the Easter long weekend could become a time of regular Sabbath rest for your family?  

    Attending KEC may take some effort but once you arrive, you will be invited to rest in God’s word in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Drop off your little ones at our children’s programs and enjoy mornings being refreshed by Bible talks, inspiring testimonies, and uplifting worship in song. Spend afternoons relaxing with friends and family, surrounded by golden Autumn hues. Swap out screen time for meaning conversation and prayer in crisp mountain air. Away from the interruptions and distractions of city life, KEC is a space for your family to deeply consider what it means to love and live for Jesus.  

    “I love watching the dedicated Toddler team in action. Young Adult leaders who volunteer their Easter break to lovingly care for little ones so that their parents can benefit from undisturbed bible teaching in the auditorium. That is Christian community in action.”  

    John & Jenny, KEC Delegates and Volunteers  
    1. Expand your family’s view of God’s world and the global church 

    Attending KEC will show your family that God’s world is much bigger than the four walls of the local church, and that He is working powerfully across our country and world. At a time when being a Christian can feel lonely or isolating, KEC is a powerful reminder that we belong to a bigger spiritual family, and for life-long friendships to be formed. By highlighting stories of the persecuted and vulnerable, delegates are given the opportunity to consider how they can be part of God’s mission too.  

    “Over the years we have seen children grow into adults with children and seen God working in people’s lives. As a volunteer I have met in person, many different godly people from Australia and all the over the world.”  

    Gordon, KEC Delegate and Volunteer 
    1. Inspire your family into a lifetime of faithful gospel service  

    KEC relies on the power of volunteers—from our children’s program leaders to our ushers on the day, each volunteer helps to facilitate God’s Word preached from the platform. This volunteer model has impacted many delegates and created a strong culture of gospel generosity and sacrifice. We thank God that over six decades, we have witnessed delegates flourishing into men and women of faith—serving their local churches and KCC events as staff, committee members and volunteers!  

    “We first started volunteering after our children were all in high school. We were so grateful for the volunteers that had looked after them that we decided to give some time and energy ourselves. We really enjoy being part of a team committed to serving their brothers and sisters, and we’ve formed great friendships as a result.”  

    Ross & Karen, KEC Delegates and Volunteers

    Go Together. Grow Together.

    Are you ready to make KEC a family tradition this Easter?  

    Dates: 7-10th April 2023  
    Place: StayKCC, Katoomba   
    Theme: Rock Solid: Trusting God in a World of Confusion   
    Main Speakers: Ed Stetzer (Wheaton College Billy Graham Center) and Dan Paterson (Questioning Christianity)  
       
    For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/   

    Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether

    By Heidi Tai

    Malcolm Gill Confirmed as Guest Speaker for Easter Convention 

    We are thrilled to announce that Malcolm Gill will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2023. 

    Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) will return on 7-10 April 2023, to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a time where God’s word is met with mistrust and skepticism, KEC will empower delegates to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.  
     
    To address this topic, Malcolm Gill, will return to the KEC platform as a guest speaker. Malcolm is the recently appointed Lead Pastor of Multicultural Bible Ministry (MBM) in Sydney’s western suburbs. Prior to pastoral ministry Malcolm taught Preaching, Greek, and New Testament at Sydney Missionary & Bible College and Dallas Theological Seminary (USA). Malcolm is married to Tamara and they are the parents of Annabel, Adam, and Zara, and their loyal dog Tyndale. 

    Get a taste of Malcolm’s teaching here:  

    1. Being a Disciple of Jesus during the COVID Era 

      In this SMBC Principal Hour talk, Malcolm Gill shares two tips for communicating the gospel in the ‘COVID era’ where people may be feeling isolated, anxious and discouraged. Click here to watch the video.  

    2. The Evangelist’s Authority (The Word of God) 

    In this video provided by the Academy of Evangelism, Malcolm Gill invites us to consider the nature of the gospel as outlined in the Bible, and how the word of God needs to remain the authority behind evangelism work.  

    3. The God Who Hears and Sees 

    In moments of distress and anxiety how do we wait on the Lord? God is a God of promises, but what happens when God’s timeline is different than ours? How do we keep going when our faith is fading? In this SMBC ‘Principal Hour’ talk from Genesis 16, Malcolm shares the challenges of Abram and Sarai as they lived with and responded to this tension. Click here to watch the video

    Make KEC a New Family Tradition in 2023  

    At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendly program that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God.   
      
    Whether you join us in the beautiful mountain air of Katoomba, or from your living room or holiday home elsewhere, our absolute priority is to provide a program that will continue to be a time of significant spiritual impact for every member of your family.  

    Dates: 7-10th April 2023 
    Place: StayKCC, Katoomba  
    Theme: Rock Solid: Trusting God in a World of Confusion  
    Main Speakers: Ed Stetzer (Wheaton College Billy Graham Center) and Dan Paterson (Questioning Christianity) 
      
    For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/  

    We are thrilled to announce that Malcolm Gill will return to speak at Katoomba Easter

    By Heidi Tai

    Paul Tripp Returns to Australia for Oxygen Conference 

    Paul Tripp is set to return to Australia for Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. 

    Paul Tripp is a pastor, event speaker, and a best-selling and award-winning author. With more than 30 books and video series on Christian living, Paul’s driving passion is to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Paul is a long-time supporter of KCC events, having spoken at Easter Convention, BASECAMP men’s conference, and previous Oxygen conferences.  

    This August, Paul will speak at Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC), Oxygen exists to refresh workers in their zeal for God and the work that He has called them to do. This year, along with Zack Eswine, Paul will speak on the topic, “Reshaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”.  

    Get a taste of his teaching here:  

    1. Dangerous Calling 

    In this video, Paul Tripp shares how his private struggle with anger impacted his ministry and marriage, and how the current “pastoral culture” drives pastors into hiding due to a lack of accountability and pastoral care. He then exhorts trainers and seminaries to reconsider how they can better support church leaders and create healthier churches. 

    2. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Temptations of Pastoral Ministry 

    In this talk from Oxygen 2014, Paul shares the unique and dangerous temptation of shaping one’s ministry around knowledge, experience and skill. He encourages ministry workers to check that their hearts are being “tenderised day after day by communion with Christ” and becoming more like Jesus, the servant leader. To watch this video for free, download the KCC One app 

    3. Competency Does Not Equal Fruitfulness 

    In this video, Paul shares why he is tired of pastoral gatherings being focused on methods, strategies and agendas which lead to a “mechanical view of ministry” and a “hope in personal competency”. He then gives an alternative perspective for ministry success and emphasises the power of prayer.  

    Reshape Your Heart for Ministry at Oxygen

    Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry?  

    This August, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed by God’s word, and to return to your ministry with a renewed passion for the work He has called you to do.   

    Dates: 15-18 August, 2023 

    Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba 

    Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine
     
    Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. God’s word will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.   

    Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. Your ticket includes the full in-person conference program from Tuesday to Friday, booklet and fantastic catering (morning teas, lunches and a special final night supper). On-site, catered accommodation is also available.   
     
    For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website:  oxygenconference.com/register 

    Paul Tripp is set to return to Australia for Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for

    By Heidi Tai

    Meet Oxygen Speaker: Zack Eswine

    Pastor and award-winning author, Zack Eswine, will speak at Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. 

    We are thrilled to announce that Zack Eswine will speak at the Oxygen conference this August. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC), Oxygen exists to refresh workers in their zeal for God and the work that He has called them to do. This year, Zack will speak on the topic, “Reshaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”, with a focus on what it means for Jesus to be our wisdom. 

    Zack currently serves as the lead pastor of Riverside Church in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author of Preaching Today’s book of the year, Preaching to a Post-Everything World (Baker, 2008), as well as The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering Joy in Our Limitations through a Daily Apprenticeship with Jesus (Crossway, 2015), which in 2016 received Christianity Today’s book of the year in the church/pastoral leadership category. He and his wife Jessica have four children. 

    Get a taste of his teaching here: 

    1. Significance in the Ordinary 

      Within God’s plan, is there such a thing as “ordinary” in life? Zack Eswine shares his struggles with ambition and influence as a pastor, and how losing his pastor friend to suicide and a breakdown in his marriage led him to reassess his faith, goals and identity in pastoral ministry.  
    1. Avoiding Burnout: Caring for Our Souls  

    Achieving a balanced approach to ministry is not always easy, and each year the expectations and responsibilities seem to just pile onto anyone in ministry. In this seminar, Zack shares the biblical principles around burnout, plus his own learnings in over 25-years of ministry about busyness, rest and balance in Christian ministry. 

    1. Interview: How to Find Joy in Our Limitations 

    In this interview during the COVID-19 pandemic, L-T Hopper and Zack Eswine share how we can find joy in our ministry limitations as we walk with Jesus.

    Check and Reshape Your Heart at Oxygen 

    Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry?  

    Whether you are new to ministry or have been labouring for many years, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed by God’s word, and to return to your ministry with a renewed passion for the work He has called you to do.   

    Dates: 15-18 August, 2023 

    Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba 
     
    Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. God’s word will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.   

    Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. Your ticket includes the full in-person conference program from Tuesday to Friday, booklet and fantastic catering (morning teas, lunches and a special final night supper). On-site, catered accommodation is also available.   
     
    For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website:  oxygenconference.com/register 

    Pastor and award-winning author, Zack Eswine, will speak at Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for

    By Heidi Tai