Just over 100 Ministry leaders and workers gathered together in Sydney and online in August for KCC’s special one-day Oxygen event, “Ministering with Joy”. Rather than strategies or systems, the day was designed as a focused, one-day gathering of teaching, honest conversation and practical encouragement to strengthen weary leaders with a deeper vision of the privileges of being an under-Shepherd of the Lord Jesus. Many delegates were highly encouraged and appreciated the slower pace and tone of the day.
“It was great to have a conference that was about caring for the ministry worker rather than just talking about how to do ministry…” – Andrew
MC LT Hopper leading the conference and setting the tone for the day.
Joining the conference online were delegates from regional NSW, ACT, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and even as far as Singapore. Despite not being at the conference physically to fellowship with others, there was still much value in attending online, as one delegate shares:
“Distance prevented me attending in person. I attended this year because I value the input and feel the need for being spiritually fed in this particular context.” – Karina
Delegates gathering to enjoy our special one-day Oxygen event
The special one-day event was led by KCC’s LT Hopper, who graciously opened the conference and set the tone by reminding delegates the need to slow down, reflect and pause. Throughout the day, LT asked delegates to think and reflect on what steals their joy and what sustains their joy. Delegates were also given many opportunities to have extended reflection and prayer time with those around them. Having these intentional moments throughout the day to reflect and have corporate prayer time enabled delegates to appreciate being ministered to and be strengthened for long term faithfulness.
“I was encouraged by the slow pace and opportunity to be ministered to over trained to minister.” – Michael
Delegates sharing words and sentences about what sustains their joy.
Our keynote speaker, Matt Fuller, brought his years of pastoral experience, biblical depth, and practical wisdom to the realities of ministry leadership to his two talks and Q&A session. His first talk, “Be Shepherds of God’s Flock” challenged delegates to remember the joys and sweetness of their task, drawing on Mark 6:30-46 as his main passage. Talk 2 titled “The Crown of Glory that will never fade” draws on 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 where Matt encourages delegates on how to endure, look forward and have patience for the long term. Matt also joined LT for an honest conversation about ministry during the Q&A session, looking at discouragement, perseverance, leadership pressure, and enduring well in ministry. One delegate asked, ‘what are some coping strategies when you find yourself in toxic town?’. Matt Fuller answered honestly by sharing about his own season of burnout in 2021, and left delegates with practical advice on the importance of friendships and allowing other people to minister to them:
“Sometimes you allow others to minister to you. Listen to short sermons, or whatever it is… The Christ in the voice of a brother is often stronger than the Christ in your own heart. You know, you need someone to speak to you. Sometimes doing your own devotions, you’re too knackered, you’re in a bad place. They don’t lift you. Maybe have someone else do that for you for a season.”
“I was encouraged by Matt’s words that if he could live 1000 lives, he’d spend them all in Christian ministry. Because there’s nothing more valuable than helping someone have eternal life.” – Katie
Matt Fuller speaking to ministry workers and leaders
Throughout the day, delegates were blessed to have stripped back, acoustic worship with Liam and Jenny Denny from Mountainkind. The simple guitar and keyboard rendition of worship time brought about a calm and peaceful atmosphere that added to the tone of the conference. Complementing the talks, LT shared an interview he conducted with missionary Josh Reeve about the joys and sorrows of his work in Albania. Josh’s vulnerability in sharing his experiences was an encouragement to delegates to know that they are not alone in their ministry struggles, no matter where they are in the world.
“I was encouraged by the praise, worship, prayer and hearing stories from others.” – Rosie
Liam and Jenny Denny leading delegates in worship.
Since 2011, KCC’s aim in bringing together Oxygen has been to do for those in ministry what it does for everyone else at its other conventions, which is to call and inspire ministry leaders and workers to single-mindedly dedicate their whole lives to God. Oxygen has always been much less about how to do ministry and much more about the leaders and workers in ministry. It is through this that KCC hopes to continue to bring more Oxygen conferences in the future and provide much needed ministry and refreshment to those who do this for others.
“I found this a really refreshing day. I didn’t know that I needed it until I came. I’m really grateful!” – Katie
Catch up on Oxygen on KCC One!
If you missed out on Oxygen this year or simply want to re-listen, the Oxygen content is now available on the KCC One app.
Download it now to access Matt’s talks, plus other resources to help you keep encouraged year-round. Subscribe here.
