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Meet the KEC Speakers Empowering “True Grit” in a World of Fear

At Katoomba Easter Convention 2022, we are pleased to host a combination of local and international speakers including Matt Fuller, Russell Moore, Sam Chan, Malcolm Gill, and Jonathan Dykes. Together, they will open God’s word to explore the theme, “True Grit: God’s Call to Fortitude in a World of Fear.”  ​
What does following Christ look like in a world where culture pushes us to seek our own comfort and safety first?  
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Are we prone to seeking out a ‘safe’ faith, and how do we have courage for obedience when we are faced with fear?
At Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2022, we will hear Bible talks aimed at expanding our vision of God so that we can be empowered to persevere with a grit that follows Jesus, all the days of our life.

​This year, we are pleased to host a combination of local and international speakers including Matt Fuller, Russell Moore, Sam Chan, Malcolm Gill and Jonathan Dykes.

 Together, they will open God’s word to explore the theme, “True Grit: God’s Call to Fortitude in a World of Fear”. 
 
Get to know them here!
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Meet Keynote Speaker: Matt Fuller

Matt Fuller is the Senior Pastor at Christ Church Mayfair in central London, where he has served since it was planted in 2001. Despite being 5 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace, he has never been invited for tea and only met the Queen once.  Yet, on the upside, while plodding away for 20 years, he has been privileged to see a growing ministry to families, young workers and students as well as planting a number of other churches into other parts of the city. His great sporting love is cricket, but given the current state of the England team, he never reveals that to Aussies. 
 
Matt will be presenting 4 live talks during KEC 2022 from the book of Psalms. For more information, check out the KEC 22 Program.  
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Get a taste of Matt’s teaching here:  
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​Meet Keynote Speaker: Russell Moore

Russell Moore is a Public Theologian at Christianity Today and Director of Christianity Today’s Public Theology Project. The Wall Street Journal has called Moore “vigorous, cheerful, and fiercely articulate.” He was named in 2017 to Politico Magazine’s list of top fifty influence-makers in Washington and has been profiled by such publications as the Washington Post and the New Yorker. 

Russell was President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2013 to 2021. He has authored several books, including The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear Without Losing Your Soul, Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel and The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home. A native Mississippian, he and his wife Maria are the parents of five sons. 

Russell Moore will be presenting 3 pre-recorded messages at KEC 2022 from the book of 1 Kings 19 and Mark 9. For more information, check out the KEC 22 Program. 
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Get a taste of Russell’s teaching here:  ​

​Meet Speaker: Sam Chan

If you have not met Sam Chan, his life is partially Crazy Rich Asian and just Crazy Asian. He is a doctor of medicine, received a PhD in theology from TEDS (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) while living in the States and his book won Christianity Today‘s Book of the Year in Evangelism/Apologetics in 2019… but he hoped his mandatory piano playing would make him a good karaoke singer (it did not), he is still trying to learn how to surf (without drowning) and after much trial and error, he is slowly perfecting the American BBQing of brisket in his Hark. Married with 3 boys, Sam works at City Bible Forum as a public speaker and says he has one of the best jobs around—he helps workers ask the bigger questions. 

Sam will be sharing a talk on “Trust and the Unbelief of Fatalism” from the book of Judges. For more information, check out the KEC 22 Program. 

Get a taste of Sam’s teaching here: ​

Meet Speaker: Malcolm Gill

Malcolm Gill currently serves as an Associate Minister at St Andrew’s Cathedral in the heart of Sydney. Prior to serving as a pastor Malcolm spent 15 years in theological education teaching at SMBC and Dallas Theological Seminary (USA). He enjoys watching sport, trips to the beach, and eating mangoes. Malcolm is married to Tamara, and they have three lively teenage children. 

Malcolm will be sharing a talk on “Courage and the Ease of Compromise” from the book of Daniel. For more information, check out the KEC 22 Program. 

Get a taste of Malcolm’s teaching here:  ​

​Meet Speaker: Jonathan Dykes

A long-time attendee and volunteer on KCC committees, Jonathan was appointed as Executive Director of KCC in 2012. Prior to this, he served as a faculty member at SMBC teaching Preaching and on the staff teams at St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney and City Bible Forum. Jonathan is married to Sarah, and they have four children. He last spoke on the KCC platform at KEC in 2004, and we are thrilled to have convinced him to share the Word with you again at KEC this year. 

Jonathan will be sharing a talk on “Risk and the Myth of Safety” from the book of Esther. For more information, check out the KEC 22 Program. 

Get a taste of Jonathan’s teaching from the Sydney Missionary & Bible College archives here: https://www.smbc.edu.au/resources/bibletalks-speaker-talks/Jonathan-Dykes  ​

 
There’s still time to join us at Katoomba Easter Convention! 
The countdown has begun for the Easter long weekend, which means it’s time to make plans for you and your family! If you’re looking for an exciting and edifying event serving toddlers all the way up to adults, then Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is for you! Returning this April long weekend (15-18 April) in the beautiful Blue Mountains or as a livestreamed event, KEC promises a weekend of refreshment for the whole family.  
 
Visit our website for tickets or more information.
Stay up to date with KEC:

At Katoomba Easter Convention 2022, we are pleased to host a combination of local and

By Heidi Tai

5 Reasons to Bring Your Family to Katoomba Easter Convention

Have you made plans for your family this Easter long weekend? If you’re looking for an exciting and edifying event serving toddlers all the way up to adults, then Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is for you! 
The countdown has begun for the Easter long weekend, which means it’s time to make plans for you and your family! If you’re looking for an exciting and edifying event serving toddlers all the way up to adults, then Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is for you! 

​Returning this April long weekend (15-18 April) in the beautiful Blue Mountains or as a livestreamed event, KEC promises a weekend of refreshment for the whole family.  
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Here are 5 reasons you should join us! 

1. Hear life-transforming Bible teaching from local and international speakers 

In 2022, we are excited to host local and international speakers on the KEC platform! Speakers for our Adult Program include Matt Fuller (Christchurch, Mayfair), Russell Moore (Christianity Today), Sam Chan (City Bible Forum), Malcolm Gill (St Andrews Cathedral, Sydney) and Jonathan Dykes (KCC). Our children and youth will be served by Ed Sowden (Youth Pastor), Mitch Brown (School Chaplain), and QuizWorx.

​For more information, visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/speakers/   

2. Be empowered to live for God with ‘True Grit’  

What does our following Christ look like in a world where culture pushes us to seek our own comfort and safety first? Are we prone to seeking out a ‘safe’ faith, and how do we have courage for obedience when we are faced with fear? At KEC, we will hear Bible talks aimed at expanding our vision of God so that we can be empowered to persevere with a grit that follows Jesus, all the days of our life.  

3. Go together to grow together.  

At KEC, delegates are given the space and opportunity to grow together in their knowledge and love of God. Over the last few decades, KEC has become a family tradition for many—a precious long-weekend marked by fantastic fellowship, mutual learning, deep discussions, intentional goal-setting and heartfelt prayers.  

4. Prioritise resting under God’s word without distractions 

Hearing and reflecting on God’s word should be a priority, but if you are a parent of young children, we know that this is not always possible. This is why we are committed to offering dedicated age-appropriate programs for every member of your family. Parents are welcome to drop off their children in one of our infant or youth programs before joining the Adult Program without the distractions or demands of little ones!  
 
For more information about our program visit: https://easterconvention.com/program/  

5. Switch off and enjoy God’s creation in the beautiful Blue Mountains 

After years of isolation and lockdowns, we could all benefit from crisp mountain air and in-person gatherings! This Easter, we encourage you to switch off from the busyness of everyday life, and to enjoy all that the Creator has to offer! Easter Convention takes place at the KCC Conference Centre—a site that is nestled amongst 13 hectares of spectacular bushland on the edge of the Blue Mountains World Heritage National Park. The perfect place to inspire awe for our Creator!  

​Ready to register? Visit our website for tickets or more information. ​

Hear what our 2021 delegates had to say! 
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​Register for Katoomba Easter Convention 2022 

KEC runs every Easter long weekend with programs for toddlers all the way up to adults. It is a fantastic way to spend Easter as a family or with friends, soaking in God’s word and grow in your walk with Jesus together. We are pleased to announce that KEC is back on in 2022, offering both livestream and in-person options so no one misses out! 
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Visit our website for tickets or more information. 
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Stay up to date with KEC:

Have you made plans for your family this Easter long weekend? If you’re looking for

By Heidi Tai

Join KCC’s Volunteer Family!

Our events run and rely on the power of volunteers – from our convention committees to our ushers on the day, each and every volunteer helps to facilitate God’s Word preached from the platform.  ​

Volunteer at KYCK!

​We’re on the lookout for some enthusiastic individuals and youth groups with a heart for serving, to use their gifts at KYCK 2022.
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KYCK will be happening over 4 weekends.

​KYCK #1: 08–10 April, KYCK #2: 22–24 April, KYCK #3: 29 April–01 May, KYCK #4: 23–25 September

​Please send an email to kyck@kcc.org.au if you’d like your group to be involved or for further information.

Volunteer at Easter Convention!

We would love to hear from you if you, or someone you know, can come to the mountains to volunteer with us!

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Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is happening on-site from 15–18 April.

Read on to see the KEC team roles available. 
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Our events run and rely on the power of volunteers – from our convention committees

By Heidi Tai

Free Devotionals on the KCC One App to Inspire You this Christmas and New Year

In these last few weeks leading up to Christmas, the KCC team have put together a series of new devotionals to help you to reflect on the birth of our Saviour, Jesus, as well as give some encouragement for the new year ahead. Mark your calendars for the release of these devotional series and read them on the KCC App over the next few weeks. 
Here is a preview of what you can expect from each of these devotional series: 

1. KYCK Christmas Devotions (For Youth) 

Release date: Weekly from 2nd December 2021 

In this four-part series, the KYCK team have put together some weekly devotionals for youth to reflect on the significance of Christmas, how Jesus came into the world as God incarnate and how the Word became flesh. Here is a sample excerpt of Devotion 1 on John 1:1-14: 

In this passage we see two pictures of Jesus: 

– Portrait 1. God the Son, who was there before the world began, and 
– Portrait 2. Jesus, born of a woman (the word became flesh). 

John is also very careful to note the order; God the Son who existed before the creation of the world, was born of a woman – God in the flesh. If your picture of Jesus is just Portrait 2 the popularised view of “little baby Jesus in his gold-fleece diaper” and you’re missing Portrait 1 “God the Son, who was there before the world began”, then quick maths…you only have half the picture. 

Youth can access these devotions as a PDF on the KYCK website or on the read section of the KCC One app. 

2. Christmas 21 

Release date: 21st December 2021 

This six-part devotional series looks at the hearts of some Bible characters in the lead up to Jesus’ birth: Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, the Magi, and the prophets Simeon and Anna. Here is a sneak peek of the first devotional ‘Doubt – Zechariah’: 

In the face of God’s providence, it is easy to disbelieve His promises, or question His providence as Zechariah did. He, those around him, and all who came after him were blessed with what happened to Zechariah as a sign that God’s hand was in the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. 

You can access these devotions on the read section of the KCC One App. 

3. Joy in This Season  

Release date: 4th January 2022  

This five-part devotional series by L-T Hopper looks at how to find joy – reason for gladness independent of circumstances – in this tough season of COVID and global upheaval. Here is a sneak peek of the first devotional ‘Fear and Joy’: 

Over the last 18 months, the world has been gripped with the fear, loss, and upheaval caused by the global COVID pandemic. We have teetered on the edge of a global economic recession. Key democratic nations have erupted in tribal divisions and hostilities. Natural disasters, like the bushfires of 2020, have scourged the face of the earth. Global warming is on the rise. And that is just the bigger picture, without the stressors of our ordinary lives. 

It’s easy to feel fearful, discouraged, and even burnt out in this season. I have felt these things myself. This devotional series is about finding God, and His joy in these tough times. 

You can access these devotions on the read section of the KCC One App. 

We hope that these devotional series will be a blessing to you and your family and help keep spurring on your faith this Christmas and New Year. Make sure to download the KCC One App, which is available on mobile, tablet and on the web (https://www.kccone.org.au/). 

Enjoyed this post? Check out our other Christmas and New Year posts! 
​6 Advent Resources for You this Christmas
 
With Christmas just right around the corner, we have partnered with The Wandering Bookseller to bring you a list of recommended advent resources for you this Christmas. 
 
Read the full post here
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​6 Stories of Encouragement for You this Christmas and New Year 
 
To help meditate on God’s goodness and promises, we asked some KCC team members and friends of KCC to share some of their stories of encouragement from the year.  
 
Read the full post here
Stay up to date with KCC Events

In these last few weeks leading up to Christmas, the KCC team have put together

By Heidi Tai

KYCK to Welcome 6000 Youth in the Mountains as it Returns to Full Capacity in 2022

Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) is pleased to share that due to the recent announcement of the easing of restrictions for events from the NSW Government, we’re able to bring KYCK back to full capacity in 2022. Read on to learn more about what this means for your youth group and how you can purchase more tickets to join in fun in the mountains. 
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New allocation of tickets for all KYCK weekends will be available for sale on our website from Thursday 6th January 2022. This will give KCC staff time to contact groups on the waitlist and finalise bookings before the Christmas break. So, if you have been waitlisted, you can expect to receive a call on Thursday 16th December. Please note that the KCC office will be closed from Monday 20th December 2021 and will reopen on Tuesday 4th January 2022. 

We praise God that the restrictions have eased, and we can allow more youth groups onsite. However, we’re aware that this can all change – capacities allowed, rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, mask wearing, and more. The team have been working through multiple plans so we’re ready if various restrictions are reinstated. 

Our priority is to keep our community safe at KYCK and we’ll be ensuring that our events are compliant with all COVID Safe requirements as directed by the NSW Government. So, we are asking Youth Leaders to do their part in keeping KYCK safe by being aware of the vaccination status of your youth and encourage vaccination where appropriate.  

In 2022, youth groups will explore the theme ‘Joy’ through the Book of Philippians. Spread across multiple weekends in the April school holidays and one weekend in September, KYCK 2022 will feature:  

  • 6 life-changing Bible talks  
  • Worship in song with Christian artists  
  • KYCK ON optional activity  
  • Exposure to Christian organisations at the KYCK Fair  
  • Opportunity to invite non-Christian friends to an evangelistic talk  
  • Plus more!    

So, if you’re not yet booked in to attend a KYCK weekend, mark your calendars and register your group’s place on Thursday 6th January 2022. 

Sign Up for Updates and Register for KYCK 2022
KYCK is a conference for high school students where youth gather in the Blue Mountains to hear God speak in His Word and be challenged and equipped from the Bible to boldly live the Christian life. Be alerted when registrations open again in 2022 by signing up to the mailing list at https://bit.ly/3lWGshg or visiting the KYCK website.   

In 2022, you can also help make a difference and have the option to donate to KCC. When you buy your ticket, you can make a donation to contribute to the Country KYCK Bonus. Please consider making a gift before you check out – every gift will make a huge difference to your brothers and sisters in Christ through this ministry! 

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Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) is pleased to share that due to the recent announcement of

By Heidi Tai

6 Stories of Encouragement for You this Christmas and New Year

It’s easy to feel very weary and discouraged as the year draws to a close, especially after all that we experienced over the past few months. Yet for the Christian, the Christmas and New Year season is a beautiful time to be reminded of the birth of our Saviour, the gift of salvation and the promises of peace, joy and hope that God gives us. It’s a time where we can reflect and reorient our gaze to God’s promises as we experience the blessings of a new year. 

To help meditate on God’s goodness and promises, we asked some KCC team members and friends of KCC to share some of their stories of encouragement from the year. If you’ve been feeling this weariness and need some uplifting, we hope that these stories will be an encouragement to you too.  

Recently Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28–30 have become more vivid for me. The promise of rest. The picture of walking with Jesus—yoked to him—with a light burden. It’s an opportunity to learn from his gentleness and humility. It’s a hope that keeps me from drowning under situational pressures. 

– Jeremy, Graphic Designer

One of the books that encouraged me greatly this year was “Gentle & Lowly” by Dane Ortlund. In a year of isolation, anxiety and feeling weary over constant change, it was a timely reminder to look to Jesus and His heart for us. Each chapter reminded me that we can rest in Him and that our future with Him is promised. To quote Dane, “He doesn’t simply meet us at our place of need; he lives in our place of need. He never tires of sweeping us into his tender embrace. It is his very heart.” 

– Patrizha, Social Media & Content Marketing Coordinator 

During the recent lockdown, I was gifted a framed print of Isaiah 41:10. It reads, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse, which now hangs in my home, was a timely reminder of God’s hand and work in and amongst the chaos of what was happening in our nation. And yet, these words will still be an encouragement going into the new year, especially as my husband and I enter a new chapter of life with parenthood. It’s an encouragement to have no fear because God is for us and with us. 

– Katherine, Event Coordinator  

Paul shares this in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: “In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  

I’ve been encouraged and reminded this year that it is only in our weakness do we truly discover God’s strength. Through this, we started our Leaders’ Stories series. I hope that people would watch and be encouraged by the interviews of people in ministry discovering personal weakness and the lessons they learnt about God’s strength, so they can be reminded of this in their personal life too. 

– L-T, Church Partnerships Director & BASECAMP Committee Chair 

I caught up with a couple of peers who started ministry the same time I did. Like me, they were weary, bruised and carrying past pains from COVID, disappointments and relationships. Over this year, there has been news of institutional failures, podcasts of leadership brokeness; our ears have been haunted and we realise the reality of brokenness. Yet, speaking with my peers in ministry, we reflected that despite all the brokenness and pain Jesus is still walking in our midst to comfort. God’s people continue to stay standing, or kneeling, in obedience, grace, repentance, compassion, gentleness and faith. Because Jesus “remains faithful” (1 Tim 2:13).” 

– Sam, Onward Committee Chair 

It’s no secret that 2021 has had just as many ups and downs as its predecessor. I’ve been encouraged that despite another year of great change, Jesus/God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Hebrews 13). A shameless OneLove plug, but I remember being particularly encouraged by this in Jackie Hill Perry’s devotional series. She states “holiness is not an aspect of God; holy is who He is through and through. His attributes are never at odds with one another, nor do they switch places depending on God’s mood, they are Him.” In a year where my disposition has been so volatile, I am thankful for a God who is unchanging, ever-loving and holy. 

– Maddie, OneLove Committee Chair 

Enjoyed this post? Check out our other Christmas and New Year posts! 

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​6 Advent Resources for You this Christmas 
 
With Christmas just right around the corner, we have partnered with The Wandering Bookseller to bring you a list of recommended advent resources for you this Christmas. 

​Read the full post here

Stay up to date with KCC Events

It’s easy to feel very weary and discouraged as the year draws to a close,

By Heidi Tai

True Grit: Families Encouraged to Follow God’s Call to Fortitude at KEC 2022

Katoomba Easter Convention, KCC’s flagship family event, returns in-person at the mountains over the Easter long weekend, as well as a high-quality livestream event. Guest speakers Matt Fuller and Russell Moore (plus, more to come!) will be preaching from God’s Word to unpack the 2022 theme, “True Grit: God’s Call to Fortitude in a World of Fear.”  
Following Jesus requires courage, perseverance and a willingness to step out of our own comfort zones. Our modern culture, however, pushes us in the opposite direction towards safety, self-preservation, worst-case thinking and fatalism. For most, uncertainty is viewed as an almost insurmountable problem, and as Christians, this mindset can affect us in many ways. We risk settling for a discipleship of Christ that is, first and foremost, ‘safe’. 

So, for KEC 2022, our goal is to help God’s children uncover their own true grit and together, march on towards courage and fortitude as they obediently heed Christ’s call of “follow me”. 

The preaching program for KEC 2022 will address what our fortitude as Christians rests upon: God, His providence, sovereignty and faithfulness. Complementing this will be talks addressing several of our fears and the compromises they can lead us into with an exhortation to courage, risk and trust. 

KCC looks forward to families gathering in the mountains, with adults enjoying fellowship in auditorium and children enjoying their programs across the KCC site. With KEC 2022 marking our 60th anniversary and a return in-person after a two-year hiatus, the KEC team is working hard to bring you another memorable and fantastic event.  

Win a Gift Bundle at KEC2022! 
To celebrate our 60th birthday, we’re giving away a special KEC Gift Bundle, filled with amazing prizes suitable for every member of the family. This special gift includes:  

  • A choice between a double pass (two adults) or a family pass (two adults & two children) to KEC 2023. 
  • A book bundle and book voucher from The Wandering Bookseller. 
  • 2x nights’ accommodation at StayKCC’s Wollemi House for your next adventure to the Blue Mountains (subject to availability, must use in 2022). 
  • Two A4 wall prints from Mary & Sally. 
  • Assorted gourmet treats and snacks. 


All you need to do is register before the 31st December to automatically go in the draw to win! Each adult admission counts as one draw. Winner will be announced on Easter Sunday at KEC2022! Enter the giveaway today by registering your place at https://bit.ly/3mz9Zhe. To read more about the giveaway and our terms and conditions, visit https://easterconvention.com/register/#competition.

Stay up to date with Katoomba Easter Convention

Katoomba Easter Convention, KCC’s flagship family event, returns in-person at the mountains over the Easter

By Heidi Tai

Bonus International Workshop with Mary Jo Sharp for NextGen22 Delegates

Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) is excited to welcome international apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, to the workshop facilitator line-up at NextGen 2022. Bringing her expertise on addressing the hard questions of Christianity, NextGen delegates will benefit from this bonus international workshop from Mary Jo, alongside 10 others, to help equip them to teach and share the Bible. 
A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo Sharp has experienced two worlds of American culture: the post-Christian culture of the Pacific Northwest and the evangelical culture of the Bible Belt. She first encountered apologetics in her own spiritual search while seeking answers. Mary Jo is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University and the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry which focuses on addressing the hard questions of Christianity with love and logic through research, writing, training, and debate.  

The author of several studies including ‘Why Do You Believe That’, she recently released her book, ‘Why I Still Believe’. A clear communicator with a heart for people, Mary Jo finds great joy in sharing the deep truths of her Lord and Savior. Mary Jo lives with her husband and family in Portland, Oregon.  

At NextGen 2022, Mary Jo will be facilitating a workshop titled “Creating a Safe Space for Sharing Doubts from Youth and Kids”. 

We look forward to welcoming Mary Jo Sharp to NextGen. You can get a taste of her teaching from her KCC Conversations Interview earlier this year, “Why Keep Believing in God When You Feel Like Walking Away?” on Facebook or on the KCC One App. 

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Photo: Mary Jo Sharp speaking at KCC’s Onward event in 2019

The complete list of NextGen 2022 Workshops
NextGen 2022 will feature 11 brand-new world-class workshops to complement and bring real-life application to the core materials. For the first time at NextGen, your ticket will include access to all 11 workshops, so you’re not just limited to sticking with two. The full list of NextGen workshops includes: 

  • Engaging all Learners to Engage with God: Including Kids and Teens with Disability with Louise Gosbell   
  • Reaching Gen Z with Shelley Ligtermoet   
  • Foundations of Youth Ministry with Mike Dicker   
  • From the Bible to a Kids’ Talk with QuizWorx   
  • Spiritual Formation of a Leader with Graham Stanton   
  • Intergenerational Ministry with Stuart Crawshaw  
  • Foundations of Children’s Ministry with Tim Beilharz 
  • Mental Health 101 with Trinette Stanley   
  • Connecting Teenagers with George Statheos  
  • Action: The Practical Side of the Gospel in the Community with Matt Gelding 
  • Creating a Safe Space for Sharing Doubts from Youth and Kids with Mary Jo Sharp 

For more information on each facilitator and workshop, visit
https://nextgen.kcc.org.au/speakers/  

Register Now and Get Equipped in the New Year
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, NextGen exists to train individuals who want the tools to know and share the Bible well with others. For $85 ($17 per day!), you’ll get all the NextGen material including all-new Bible talks and brand-new workshops, as well as resources to help with your training. Kickstart 2022 with your ministry team and commit to getting trained up together. For a limited time only, you can also choose to receive a free tote bag or water bottle with your registration! Register now at https://bit.ly/3CaIMH2. 
Stay up to date with NextGen

Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) is excited to welcome international apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, to the

By Heidi Tai

6 Advent Resources for You this Christmas

With Christmas just right around the corner, we have partnered with The Wandering Bookseller to bring you a list of recommended advent resources for you this Christmas. Our hope is that these resources will be a great source of encouragement and hope for you and your family, or a fantastic and uplifting gift for a friend. 
1. ​From Eden to Bethlehem by Danielle Hitchen 

This is a gorgeous new board book from Danielle Hitchen. Young children and babies are introduced to different animals from the Bible, and at the same time they can begin to see the story of the Bible too – from the Snake in Eden to the animals prophesied about in Isaiah, and then the animals in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Filled with scripture, and beautiful illustrations – this board book would be a great gift for a baby’s first Christmas. The rest of this new Baby Believer board book series is great too! 

2. “Is Christmas Unbelievable?” by Rebecca McLaughlin 

Rebecca McLaughlin is a wonderful evangelist, and all of her books are worth reading. She has written a short book called “Is Christmas Unbelievable?” reminding us how we know Jesus is real and why we can trust the gospels. She then explains why it matters. This book will strengthen your faith in the lead up to Christmas and might be a good book to give to a friend. 

3. A (Not So) Silent Night by QuizWorx 

Quiz Worx have just released a brand-new Christmas album called A (Not So) Silent Night. A mix of Christmas songs and carols, with a Quix Worx twist. When you buy the CD you also get a free digital download coupon. Here’s what Colin Buchanan says: “With crazy puppets, big guitars and atomic drums all the way, Scruff and his friends have done their best to guarantee that this Christmas we’re all in for A (NOT SO) Silent Night!” 

4. The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung 

The Biggest Story was written as a Christmas sermon for an all-ages Family Church Service. Kevin DeYoung wanted to make sure people visiting church at Christmas time wouldn’t miss out on the whole bible story. It was then turned into an illustrated picture book that can be read over a few nights with younger kids, or in just one sitting with primary school aged children. Parents will appreciate DeYoung’s humour interspersed throughout, while somehow packing in so many parts of the Bible into one short book. 

5. Bible Stories Every Child Should Know by Kenneth N. Taylor 

Just in time for Christmas, we have a newly illustrated Children’s Picture Bible called Bible Stories Every Child Should Know. There are 120 easy to read stories to help children find joy in the Bible. Advent is a great time to start reading the Bible after dinner, and then continue this family tradition into the new year. 

6. I’m Praying for You by Nancy Guthrie 

While Christmas is a time of great joy, for many it is also a season of suffering. Nancy Guthrie has written a new prayer journal to help us pray for those who are suffering. Paul Tripp says this book is “the most practical, scripture-infused guide to prayer that I have ever seen. As you walk with people through the troubles of life in this fallen world, you will turn to this little gem of a book again and again.” 

​Support The Wandering Bookseller and KCC 
​The Wandering Bookseller team have been travelling across Australia for years with hand-picked bookstalls for Christian events. They cater for small church camps through to large regional conferences – and everything in-between. Visit their website to discover great books for Christians and curious agnostics.  

The Wandering Bookseller is also the official book partner for KCC. You can visit them at our upcoming in person events in 2022, including KEC and KYCK. Or, if you’re completing your NextGen training, you can add on a specially curated book pack to your registration! 

Stay up to date with KCC Events

With Christmas just right around the corner, we have partnered with The Wandering Bookseller to

By Heidi Tai

5 Creative Ways to Make the Most of NextGen in the New Year

With 2022 just around the corner, new goals and new year’s resolutions are starting to take shape. Perhaps you might be drawn to learning more about the Bible and wanting to step into a ministry where you can teach and share the Good News. If this is you, then NextGen is the ideal training course to get you started for the new year ahead. Here are just five creative ways that you can maximise your learning and make the most of NextGen. 

​1. Train individually or in groups
While we recommend doing your NextGen training with others in a group and having a leader oversee the course, it is also possible for you to do it at your own pace in your own time with the help of a leader or minister.  

If you’re wanting to be part of a group but your church isn’t offering a group training setting, you can reach out to other churches around your area and see if you can join them. Or you can contact the KCC office and we can help you partner with another church who would happily welcome you to join them. 

If you’re looking to train individually but need some guidance with some tasks, talk to your Senior Minister or Pastor about catching up with you every now and then. Ask them if they’re willing to discuss some of the questions you have from the course or even help oversee your work to see if you’re on the right track. 

2. Make a plan for how long you want to do your training
NextGen officially starts in January each year. As an online and on-demand course, this means you can do it anytime, anywhere, and complete as many of the short courses as quickly or as slowly as you like. You can do it your way, in five days or five months! 

Think about your schedule for 2022 and set aside the right amount of time you need to adequately complete your training. NextGen has provided some sample programs and timetables, with examples on timings for an all-week training program or even a weekend only program, which you can access here.

3. Create a shortlist of workshops you want to complete
NextGen 2022 will feature 11 brand-new workshops designed to bring real-life application to the core materials, with useful, relevant skills and topics. For the first time at NextGen, your ticket will include access to all 11 workshops, so you’re not just limited to sticking with two. 

Nevertheless, completing all 11 workshops can sound a bit daunting, and not all workshops may be relevant to your training goals. So, just like planning your schedule and how long you plan to train for, consider creating a shortlist of the workshops that you want to prioritise. Choose the workshops, however many or little as you want, that you want to complete over the course of your training and leave the rest to complete as a bonus when you have free time. 

To see an overview of what workshops are on offer and who is presenting on them, visit https://nextgen.kcc.org.au/speakers/#titles  

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4. Grab some extra books and resources to further your learning
The NextGen training helps give you the right tools and skills to know the Bible and teach it well, but it’s equally important to have the right resources to complement your experience so you’re even more equipped.  

When you purchase your ticket for NextGen, you’ll also have the option to add on a children’s or youth ministry book bundle (for $99 with free shipping!), filled with book titles to help you further your learning. 

The Children’s Ministry Book Bundle includes: 

  • Psalms of Praise: A Movement Primer by Danielle Hitchen 
  • Bible Stories Every Child Should Know Written by Kenneth N. Taylor, Illustrated by Jenny Brake 
  • The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims Book by Rebecca McLaughlin 
  • Children’s Ministry on the Front Foot by Zachary Veron 
  • 30 Prophecies: One Story: How the Old Testament Points to Jesus by Paul Reynolds 


The Youth Ministry Book Bundle includes: 

  • 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin  
  • A Dozen Disappointing Disciples: How to Do Stupid Stuff and Still Change the World by Tom French 
  • The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims Book by Rebecca McLaughlin 
  • Days of Your Youth by George Statheos 
  • Choosing Love in a Broken World by Heidi Johnston 
  • Talks That Don’t Suck: How to Write and Give Bible Talks for Teenagers by Tom French 
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5. Set goals for post-training
Your NextGen training shouldn’t stop immediately after you finish completing the course. Based on what you learnt, set some goals for putting it all into practise, or set goals for how to further your learnings. Are there workshops worth revisiting or workshops you haven’t yet watched that you can catch up on? Are there any books you need to read or purchase to complement your NextGen experience? Are there people you could meet 1 to 1 with to start the teaching process and build up confidence before moving into other areas of teaching ministry? Whatever goals you set after you finish training, look at how you can start developing the right building blocks so you can readily move onto the next core strand. 

So, are you ready to become equipped in God’s Word, to learn the right tools to share the Bible well? Read more on what’s on offer for NextGen 2022, including information about our speakers, workshops and core strand materials.  

Receive a Free Gift When You Register for NextGen 2022! 
Receive a FREE gift with your NextGen22 registration, while stocks last! Choose between a NextGen tote bag or water bottle when you purchase your NextGen ticket. Don’t miss out. Register today: https://bit.ly/3CaIMH2  

Register by the 6th December to receive your hardcopy strand booklet by 1st January 2022.

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Stay up to date with NextGen

With 2022 just around the corner, new goals and new year’s resolutions are starting to

By Heidi Tai
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