Sneak Peek of Talk Series for Easter Convention 

With only 4 weekends left until Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC), our team has been busy finalising the program for the Easter long weekend.  

This year, keynote speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks will be joining the adult program to speak on the theme “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”. Here’s a preview of each of their talk series:  

A Biblical Worldview of Worldliness by John North 

In this four-part series of talks John North will be leading us in shaping up a Biblical view of “worldliness”: what the Bible says it actually is; how it affects our thinking, our affections and behaviour; how we can adopt it into our lives without even realising; what God help has given us to resist its pull; and how God wants us to engage with the world we live in, in holiness, and not withdraw from it. 

Jesus Christ Our Greater Treasure by Tim Blencowe 

In this set of four short-talks, Tim Blencowe will be encouraging us from four ‘landmark’ texts for the Christian life. These passages remind us of God’s call on us to love Him, follow Him, live for Him and look for His return, with everything we have. They remind us that while the world has its attractions, distractions and temptations for us, Jesus Christ is our Greater Treasure and it is on Him we need to set our hearts. 

A Beautiful Resistance by Matt Sparks 

In the evening sessions Matt Sparks will be leading us through three areas of life where we may especially be facing the battle against worldliness. Twenty-first century Australian culture shapes us in many ways, but where especially do we need to be resisting the ‘gravitational pull’ of the world? What habits and practices should we be establishing as Christians to help us do that and keep in step with the Holy Spirit? 

There’s still time to grab your KEC tickets! 

This Easter long weekend, we invite you to enjoy mornings being refreshed with Bible talks, Christian testimonies and worship; spend afternoons relaxing with friends and family before settling in for more in the evening sessions together. With age-specific programs for everyone from toddlers to grandparents, KEC is a once-in-a-year opportunity to retreat into the beautiful Blue Mountains to grow together as a family.  

“I have attended KEC for the last few years since becoming a Christian and can honestly say it is the best weekend of the year. Seeing so many people of different ages come together to worship and to learn (was so encouraging). The talks were all just incredible and I can’t wait to listen to them all again on the KEC+ app.” – Jordan, KEC23 Attendee 

Tickets are still available from our website: https://easterconvention.com/  

Preview of the KEC 24 talk series by John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks.

By Heidi Tai

Matt Sparks to speak at Easter Convention 2024 

We are pleased to announce that Matt Sparks will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with Tim Blencowe and John North, Matt will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.   

Meet KEC24 Speaker: Matt Sparks

Matt is married to Tash, and they have three kids, living in Sydney’s eclectic Inner-west. In 2014, they took a leap of faith and planted Anchor Church in their small two-bedroom apartment with a team of 17 people praying for a powerful move of God. Today, Anchor is a growing movement of churches committed to planting vibrant, missional churches that form people into the image of Christ. He is passionate about the local church, the glory of God, and the Parramatta Eels!  

Matt will be giving three talks in the evening at KEC. Get a taste of his teaching here:  

  1. Movies that Shape Culture 
YouTube video

In this talk, Matt explores themes from our favourite blockbuster movies, and shows us how the messages of our culture as depicted in film, intersects with the gospel. By unpacking the popular theme of being “true to yourself”, Matt explains that movies reveal the values, dreams, hopes and wishes of our culture, and encourages Christians to watch with discernment and the gospel in mind. 

  1. Selah: Psalm 42 
YouTube video

What do we do when we feel spiritually dry and drowning under life waves? In this sermon, Matt shares how Psalm 42 is an honest and determined cry to experience more of God—even when our faith is failing.  

  1. Deconstructing God: How can the Christian sex ethic be ‘good’? 
YouTube video

In the ‘Deconstructing God’ series, Matt Sparks addresses some of the doubts of the Christian faith, and to provide good answers to questions that shake our faith. In a world which tells us that to deny your desires is damaging, or even dangerous, how can Christian sex ethic possibly be good news for those with same-sex attraction? In this talk, Matt addresses this important question and provides wisdom and comfort to Christians who are doubting the goodness of biblical sex ethics.  

Experience KEC this Easter! 

Katoomba Easter Convention offers you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family in the Blue Mountains, to get away from life’s busyness and hear powerful, life-changing preaching every day.   

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’   

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives.  

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.   

Experience a strengthening of your faith.  

Experience encouragement for every member of the family.  

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.   

Experience KEC.  

More info: https://easterconvention.com/   

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, Matt Sparks!

By Heidi Tai

John North to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

We are pleased to announce that John North will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks, John will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.  

Meet KEC24 Speaker: John North

John North was born in India to Australian missionaries and loves to teach God’s word in a penetrating way that changes people’s lives. He is the Director of EvangelismSHIFT International and the National Director of Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI) in Australia. For 30 years he has helped AFCI to build a team focused on accelerating the spread of the gospel through local churches.   

John wrote GrowthWorks, a book to help you get back on the path of spiritual growth. He is on Hope 103.2 radio each morning in Sydney with the Time With God devotional spot.   

John is married to Lois and they have four children. In his free time, John rides his mountain bike, plays games with his family, and reads.  

John will be giving the four main morning talks across the KEC weekend. 

Get a taste of his teaching from these ‘Time With God’ devotionals:  

Getting Older  
In this devotion, John opens Psalm 92 to explore the topic of ageing. In a culture obsessed with staying young, John shares God’s purposes for old age, and how we can grow stronger and more fruitful as the years go by. Tune in here.  
 
God’s Purpose For You  
In this devotion, John shows us through Jesus’ example, that God’s plans for us may include painful and difficult experiences. He then explains why through hard times, God is still worthy of our trust and how we can respond to God when we’re going through challenging times. Tune in here

Reasons, Emotions and Faith 
In this devotion from Isaiah 1:18-20, John explores the vital role that human reasoning and emotions play in our faith and affirms that God wants us to engage both our minds and emotions when walking with Him. Tune in here

Peace For Today 
What does it mean to have peace? Is ‘world peace’ truly possible? Can we have peace if we struggle with stress or anxiety? In this devotion from John 14:23-27, John explains the biblical definition of ‘peace’ and how we can have it today when we put our faith in Jesus. Tune in here 

Experience Katoomba Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Katoomba Easter Convention offers you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family in the Blue Mountains, to get away from life’s busyness and hear powerful, life-changing preaching every day.  

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’  

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives. 

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.  

Experience a strengthening of your faith. 

Experience encouragement for every member of the family. 

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.  

Experience KEC. 

More info: https://easterconvention.com/  

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, John North!

By Heidi Tai

Tim Blencowe to Speak at Easter Convention 2024 

We are pleased to announce that Tim Blencowe will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with John North and Matt Sparks, Tim will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.  

According to Tim, Easter is a time for Christians to reflect on God’s love and commitment to His people in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Though it may be our temptation to fill our lives with other loves, Tim hopes that KEC will help delegates to treasure Jesus—the One who promises deep satisfaction and contentment.  

Meet KEC24 Speaker: Tim Blencowe

Tim and his family are part of the international community of Macquarie Baptist Church, where he serves as senior pastor and as a chaplain to Macquarie University. Tim was raised in a missionary family, has a background in high school teaching, and enjoys helping people embrace a living faith that integrates the whole of life. 

Tim will be giving four short talks each morning over the KEC weekend. 

Get a taste of his teaching here: 

Let’s Talk About…Integrating Our Faith & Work 

In this talk, Tim Blencowe joins the dots between Jesus and work, so that instead of compartmentalising faith and work, Christians can begin to see how their faith correlates with their day-to-day experience.  Watch it here.

How It Ends  

In this sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Tim encourages listeners to consider their mortality and the realities of death. He compares different religions and belief systems about death, concluding that the resurrection of Jesus is our greatest hope. 

YouTube video

Experience KEC this Easter!

Katoomba Easter Convention offers you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family in the Blue Mountains, to get away from life’s busyness and hear powerful, life-changing preaching every day.  

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’  

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives. 

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.  

Experience a strengthening of your faith. 

Experience encouragement for every member of the family. 

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.  

Experience KEC. 

More info: https://easterconvention.com/ 

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, Tim Blencowe!

By Heidi Tai

Sam Allberry Confirmed to Speak at BASECAMP 2024 

We are pleased to share that pastor, preacher and apologist, Sam Allberry, will be speaking at BASECAMP 2024 on the topic “Building Brotherhood”. 

Sam speaks around the world and is the author of Seven Myths About Singleness, Is God Anti-Gay? and What God Has To Say About Our Bodies. He is also the co-host of the podcast You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Young Pastors. Sam is the Associate Pastor at Immanuel Church Nashville, a Canon Theologian for the Anglican Church in North America, and a Fellow at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. 

In 2024, he will speak at BASECAMP men’s conference, helping delegates to consider God’s design for brotherhood. Sam will share how men can better link arms with other men in their life with Jesus and become a brother that other men can trust and lean on.  

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, BASECAMP is an annual event for men to renew their strength in Christ. Since 1997, men of all generations and from across denominations have taken time out together to hear God speak. Each year, men have encouraged each other to run the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus. 

YouTube video
BASECAMP 23 Highlights

BASECAMP will return in 2024 over two weekends in three different formats:  

  • BASECAMP City (3 August 2024) – A one-day recharge held at the UNSW Roundhouse in Kensington  
     
  • BASECAMP Mountains (9–10 August 2024) – An overnight retreat held at StayKCC in Katoomba 
     
  • BASECAMP Online (9–10 August 2024) – An online livestream of BASECAMP Mountains that can be aired from your church hall, lounge room or shed!  

Early Bird tickets are now available. Register today: basecampmen.com

Stay up to date with BASECAMP on Instagram or Facebook.

Sam Allberry will be speaking at BASECAMP 2024 on the topic “Building Brotherhood”.

By Heidi Tai

Meet Our KEC24 Speakers

We are so pleased to introduce our speakers for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) next year. In 2024, John North, Matt Sparks and Tim Blencowe will join the KEC platform to preach on the topic “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”. Together, they will open God’s word to help believers hear God’s warning against worldliness while encouraging them to stay true to the course God has set before them. 

Meet John North

John North was born in India to Australian missionaries and loves to teach God’s word in a penetrating way that changes people’s lives. He is the Director of EvangelismSHIFT International and the National Director of Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI) in Australia. For 30 years he has helped AFCI to build a team focused on accelerating the spread of the gospel through local churches.  

John wrote GrowthWorks, a book to help you get back on the path of spiritual growth. He is on Hope 103.2 radio each morning in Sydney with the Time With God devotional spot.  John is married to Lois and they have four children. In his free time, John rides his mountain bike, plays games with his family, and reads. 

John will be giving the four main morning talks across the KEC weekend. 

Meet Matt Sparks

Matt is married to Tash, and they have three kids, living in Sydney’s eclectic Inner-west. In 2014, they took a leap of faith and planted Anchor Church in their small two-bedroom apartment with a team of 17 people praying for a powerful move of God. Today, Anchor is a growing movement of churches committed to planting vibrant, missional churches that form people into the image of Christ. He is passionate about the local church, the glory of God, and the Parramatta Eels! 

Matt will be giving three main evening talks across the KEC weekend. 

Meet Tim Blencowe

Tim and his family are part of the international community of Macquarie Baptist Church, where he serves as senior pastor and as a chaplain to Macquarie University. Tim was raised in a missionary family, has a background in high school teaching, and enjoys helping people embrace a living faith that integrates the whole of life. 

Tim will be giving four short morning talks across the KEC weekend. 

Go Together. Grow Together.

At KEC, hearing and responding to God’s word is the priority. At a time where we and our children are bombarded by secular messages, values and ideals, KEC will help your family to start the year well, rooted in God’s word.   

As always, the program will feature empowering Bible talks, inspiring Christian testimonies, uplifting worship in song, and breaks for relaxation and fellowship. With age-specific programs for everyone from toddlers to adults, all are welcome to join us this Easter.     

Book your Family Package by 31st December 2023 and get FREE online access over the long weekend added to your booking (normally $60 in value). For more information visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/special-offer/  

Meet our 3 speakers confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention 2024!

By Heidi Tai

6,400 Youth, 485 Recommitments and 122 Conversions: A Huge Year for KYCK  

KYCK 2023 officially ended in September, with over 1,400 delegates committing their weekend to ‘Meet Jesus’ in the fourth and final KYCK weekend. We praise God that this brought the total number of KYCK 2023 attendees to 6,400 from over 240 churches.  

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK is an annual event that challenges and equips teenagers to boldly live the Christian life. This year, guest speakers Seth Fellows (AFES), Josh Hayward (Christ Church St Ives), Dave Jensen (EV Church), Nathan Lee (Trinity Grammar), Ed Sowden (Bathurst Presbyterian) and Jonnie Wintle (Seaforth Anglican) invited delegates to ‘Meet Jesus’ in the Gospel of Mark. 

The talks aimed to demystify the person of Jesus and to show teenagers his powerful yet loving rule. We praise God that because of hearing God’s word preached, a total of 122 teenagers decided to follow Jesus for the first time, 485 recommitted their lives to him, and 130 left the conference wanting to learn more. 

“My favourite thing about KYCK was having the privilege to see God work in kid’s hearts and minds, and the encouragement when they came back into the hall on response night was electric.”

– Youth Leader, KYCK 4 Attendee 

“KYCK is a pivotal part of our year as a Youth group. This year, two of our youth committed their lives to Jesus for the first time and we all sat and cried with joy and praise to God.”

– Youth Leader, KYCK 4 Attendee 

Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. Delegates are invited to hear and respond to God’s word through powerful Bible talks, uplifting worship in song, inspiring testimonies, and fun youth-appropriate activities.  

KYCK typically runs through three weekends in April (KYCK 1, 2 and 3) and one weekend in September (KYCK 4). KYCK 4 was added to the KCC calendar to give churches more flexibility for youth camps in warmer weather, and to encourage more involvement among junior students while seniors are studying for final exams.  

KYCK will return in 2024 across the following weekends:  

  • Weekend 1: 12–14 April 
  • Weekend 2 & Online: 19–21 April 
  • Weekend 3: 26–28 April 
  • Weekend 4: 27–29 September 

The theme will be ‘In the Beginning’ with guest speakers preaching from Genesis 1-3. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday 7 November, 9.30am AEDT and will be available until sold out.  To sign up for the latest updates, visit our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/

YouTube video

We praise God that 6,400 youth and leaders attended KYCK conference this year!

By Heidi Tai

Conquering Worldliness: Secure Your Spot at Katoomba Easter Convention 2024 

Registrations are now open for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2024.

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KEC is an annual event aimed at encouraging people to rest and grow in God’s word each Easter. For many families with children, KEC has been adopted as a family tradition; a way for parents to communicate the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection and prioritisation of spiritual growth each year.

Katoomba Easter Convention 2023 Highlights

Since 1962, God has used KEC to transform entire families, with children growing up through the children’s programs, and graduating as men and women who are convicted to live for Jesus alone: 

“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, KEC Delegate and Volunteer

“KEC is an opportunity for a family get together with a gospel centred focus. Our children in the past and now our grandchildren love the children’s program and are encouraged and fed in their walk with the Lord and enjoy fellowship with KEC friends. Adults likewise are encouraged and challenged to continue to serve the Lord.” 

Gaye, KEC Delegate

In 2024, the program will be built around the theme: “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”, with delegates invited to consider how they can remain faithful as Christians in an increasingly secular world.  

The program will feature empowering Bible talks, inspiring Christian testimonies, uplifting worship in song, and breaks for relaxation and fellowship.  

With age-specific programs for everyone from Keenites (toddlers) to adults, all are welcome to join us this Easter.  

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit the website: https://easterconvention.com/ 

To receive the latest KEC updates including updates on 2024 speakers, follow us on Facebook or Instagram 

Registrations are now open for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2024

By Heidi Tai

July Discount: Bring 5 Friends to OneLove or BASECAMP and Save!  

BASECAMP men’s conference and OneLove women’s conference are coming up this August and we don’t want anyone to miss out! This is why we’re offering a July special for groups. Bring a group of 5 or more friends and you can get $10 off each ticket*. Be quick as this offer will end on Monday 31 July.  

*Available for tickets purchased in one transaction. Valid for in-person tickets only.

BASECAMP for Men

BASECAMP will be an unmissable event for men to strengthen their faith in the company of like-minded brothers. This year, guest speakers Alasdair Groves and Peter Sondergeld will teach on the topic “Unravelling Emotions”. BASECAMP will be held over two weekends at the following locations:  

  • BASECAMP Sydney: Saturday 5 August at the UNSW Roundhouse, Kensington 
  • BASECAMP Mountains: Friday 11 – Saturday 12 August at StayKCC, Katoomba  

Register now and save: https://basecampmen.com/  

Join us for BASECAMP 2023

OneLove for Women

OneLove gives women an opportunity to step away from the everyday, to invest in their walk with God and to hear great preaching from gifted female speakers! This year, award-winning author and Bible teacher, Jackie Hill Perry, will speak on the theme “Worthy of Trust: The God Who Sees Us”. OneLove will be held on Saturday 26 August at the Hillsong Convention Centre in Norwest. Register now and save: https://onelovewomen.com/  

Join us for OneLove 2023

Bring a group of 5 or more friends and you can get $10 off each ticket!

By Heidi Tai

“I Regret Not Going in Previous Years”: Adam’s KYCK Testimony 

In this interview, Adam from Coffs Harbour Presbyterian Church shares how he met Jesus at his lowest point and how attending KYCK 23 challenged him to live like Jesus and to be proactive with his faith. He also shares why youth should “get off the fence” and just make the decision to go to KYCK this year!  

1. How many KYCKs have you been to and what was your favourite part?  

KYCK 23 was my first KYCK! Unfortunately, it was also my last due to my age, and I regret not going in previous years! My favourite part about KYCK was the ability to praise, connect with and learn about Christ, surrounded by thousands of people – an incredibly encouraging experience! 

2. How did KYCK23 challenge you in your faith?  

KYCK 23 has challenged me to not only live like Jesus, but to actively seek and read His word in the Bible, encourage others in reading His word and to back Jesus up when I’m being questioned. You just never know when He’ll enter someone’s life through you! 

3. Tell us how you became a Christian!   

I met Jesus when I was at my lowest. 2020 was a tough year for so many, and I was struggling with depression following the death of my grandfather and the isolation brought on by COVID. God used that time to build me back up, create a proper, almost unbreakable connection with Him and surrounded me with an amazing group of friends. 

4. How has meeting Jesus changed your life?   

Meeting Jesus has provided me with an incredibly freeing feeling, knowing that there will always be someone I can rely on who’ll ride the waves of life with me in a life that He prepared for me is amazing. 

5. What would you say to someone on the fence about attending KYCK? 

I was once on the fence too, and for way too long. Just go! It’s the most amazing experience and you absolutely won’t regret it. You’ll meet new people, make new friends and may well find yourself connecting with Christ on a whole new level! 

KYCK 23 Early Bird Rate Ends This Week!  

KYCK challenges and equips teenagers to boldly live the Christian life.  

This 22-24 September, we invite youth groups to join us for one final weekend and to “Meet Jesus” in the Gospel of Mark. Early Bird tickets are still available until 30 June.  

Register now and save: https://www.kyck.org.au/register/   

Adam shares how he met Jesus at his lowest point and how attending KYCK 23 challenged him to live like Jesus and to be proactive with his faith.

By Heidi Tai