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“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:

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

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

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

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

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: 7-10^th 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:

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: 7-10^th 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:

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

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:

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.

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.

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

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

Sam Chan to Speak at Easter Convention This April

We are thrilled to announce that Urban Missionary, Sam Chan, 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, urban missionary and award-winning author, Sam Chan, will return to the KEC platform as a guest speaker. Sam’s life is partially ‘Crazy Rich Asian’ and just ‘Crazy Asian’. He is a Doctor of Medicine, received a PhD in theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and his book ‘Evangelism in a Skeptical World: How to Make the Unbelievable News About Jesus More Believable’ won the Christianity Today’s Book of the Year in Evangelism/Apologetics (2019). Sam is married with three boys and is currently the lead mentor and trainer at EvQ School of Evangelism, a ministry of City Bible Forum.

Get a taste of Sam’s teaching here:

1. 3 Things I Wish I’d Known About Telling People About Jesus

3 Things I Wish I’d Known About Telling People About Jesus – Sam Chan from kcc on Vimeo.

2. Sam Chan – Finding Your Crowd

What does it mean to find your crowd in a world that forces you to join sides? As Christians, how do we respond to the pressure of today’s culture? In this talk from Onward 2020, Sam Chan addresses these questions.

Onward20 – Sam Chan Talk 1 from kcc on Vimeo.

3. How to Talk About Jesus with Sam Chan (The Pastor’s Heart)

On this episode of The Pastor’s Heart, Dominic Steele interviews evangelist Sam Chan about his latest book: How To Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy). Together they explore the narratives people believe and how Jesus speaks into them, where our society is at in their understanding of Christianity and what it looks like to have a lifestyle of evangelism. They also discuss how culture has changed and what that means for how Churches and individuals should look to speak the gospel.

How to talk about Jesus – with Sam Chan from Village Church Annandale, Sydney on Vimeo.

Join us for Katoomba Easter Convention 23!

Stay in touch with Katoomba Easter Convention

We are thrilled to announce that Urban Missionary, Sam Chan, will return to speak at

By KCC Staff

Start the Year Well with NextGen Online

NextGen Online now offers an easy, accessible training resource through a member’s only portal.

For over 30 years, NextGen leaders training conference has played an integral role in developing leaders in youth and children’s ministry. As of this year, the world-class training model has been relaunched as NextGen Online, with all NextGen’s strand booklets and video workshops now available through a brand-new membership portal.

NextGen Online will give you complete access to all four of our core short training courses (previously named “strands”) and 11 practical video workshops for effective Christian ministry.

The four NextGen courses are:

Rising Leaders: Leadership Development for Youth (specifically Year 11-12 students) Strand 1: How to Interpret Bible Passages Strand 2: Seeing the Big Picture of the Bible Strand 3: Understanding Issues Biblically
By training with NextGen Online, delegates will be equipped, encouraged and enabled to: Have confidence in approaching the Bible Know what to look for when reading the Bible in groups or individually Explain passages biblically to anyone – your Sunday School class, youth group, home group, family or friends
If renewing your love for God’s word is something you would like to embrace this year, start planning your ministry training with NextGen Online: nextgen.kcc.org.au

Stay up to date with NextGen Online

NextGen Online now offers an easy, accessible training resource through a member’s only portal. For over 30

By KCC Staff

NextGen

Know the Word. Love God. Share the gospel.

Started in 1962.

NextGen gives you the tools to know and share the Bible well.

God’s Word

Do you often feel ill-equipped to share about the Bible, or run into passages you wish you could understand better?

Leading Others

Do you lead in kids, youth or home groups, and want to be able to give better biblical answers to questions, or know that you’re interpreting the Bible appropriately?

Training

NextGen has been created for people who want to share the Bible with others: in youth groups or Sunday School, but also in school scripture, home groups or 1:1 settings.

Visit NextGen Website

NextGen is an amazing experience to grow in your love and knowledge of God. Every year I have been inspired and challenged in my faith and how I teach and encourage others.

Attendee, NextGen 2020

NextGen group from Carlton Methodist Church singing together

Know the Word. Love God. Share the gospel. Started in 1962. NextGen gives you the

By KCC Staff

Katoomba Easter Convention

Go together. Grow together.

Started in 1962.

KEC runs every Easter with programs for toddlers all the way up to adults, and is a fantastic way to spend Easter as a family or with friends, soaking in God’s Word.

Visit KEC Website

(KEC) really has become our family tradition. It has played a major role in the spiritual growth of both ourselves and our children. We come to hear some great teaching, catch up with friends, relax and just generally have a good time.

Attendee, Katoomba Easter Convention

Go together. Grow together. Started in 1962. KEC runs every Easter with programs for toddlers all

By KCC Staff

KYCK

Inspiring Youth

Started in 1993.

KYCK runs during the April school holidays over three weekends, and for one weekend in the September holidays, challenging and inspiring high-schoolers to place their trust in Jesus and live for Him alone.

Visit KYCK Website

I no longer have excuses for all the times I’ve stuffed up … thanks KYCK, for helping me to see that I was wrong… for empowering me so much and charging me with the Truth of God!

Attendee, KYCK