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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:

Movies that Shape Culture

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.

Selah: Psalm 42

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.

Deconstructing God: How can the Christian sex ethic be ‘good’?

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!

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.

Experience KEC this Easter!

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.

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

Meet Tim Blencowe

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/

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

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

Meet the 9 Ministry Women Bringing New Perspectives to Oxygen 2023

This year at Oxygen conference we’re thrilled to have a line-up of thoughtful and practical segments and workshops, brought to you by seasoned ministry women speaking from their experiences and expertise.

Meet the 9 ministry women who will be speaking at Oxygen this August!

Oxygen Plenary Sessions: Lessons from Life in Ministry

Anna Powell and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker will join the main plenary sessions to share their personal experiences, giving a short talk as part of our segment titled “Lessons from Life in Ministry”.

Anna Powell

Anna Powell is married to Morgan and they have two delightful daughters. They served for 13 years in South America with SIM, in Ecuador and Peru. In her talk “Seeing Clearly: How our Culture Deforms our Hearts for Ministry”, Anna will share how leaving Australia helped her to see how culture can leave a “non-Biblical imprint” on our understandings of ministry.

Sarah Irving-Stonebraker

Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker is the Associate Professor of History and Western Civilisation at Australian Catholic University. She was awarded her PhD in History from Cambridge University and held then a Junior Research Fellowship at Wolfson College, Oxford University. She will be giving a talk titled “How Historical Traditions of Spiritual Formation Can Help Us Reshape Our Hearts”.

Eleasa Sieh

Eleasa is a Can-Aussie – a Canadian-born Chinese from Toronto and now working as a GP and GP counsellor in Brisbane. She is passionate about discipleship and Biblical counselling, having just finished the online MAC program through Westminster Theological Seminary. Eleasa will be one of our MCs at Oxygen. This will be her first Oxygen Conference and she is excited and privileged to be able to attend and serve in this way.

Oxygen Workshops

Oxygen will also feature a range of optional workshops which focus on the heart requirements of life in ministry. These workshops will help you to understand the inner and outer challenges of ministry, as well as provide practical learnings to renew and revive your passion for the work God has called you to do.

Meet the women leading our inspiring workshops:

Valerie Ling

Valerie is the founder of the Centre for Effective Serving, as well as the Clinical Director and founder of the Centre for Effective Living, a group psychology practice dedicated to clinical excellence in mental health. As a ministry wife herself, Valerie has a particular passion to support gospel workers. Her workshop “Moving from a Reactive to Reflective Ministry: Leadership and Ministry Longevity in a Hectic and Troubled World” will be focused on helping ministry workers to manage burnout.

Kerrell Ranucci

Kerrell together with her husband Andrew, spent almost three decades planting a church, a school and pioneering ministries to reach the lost and disciple them to Jesus. Kerrell is passionate about soul care, facilitating spiritual retreats, and walking with pastors to support them to develop a deep personal devotional life. Her workshop “Cultivating Our Life with God” will help delegates explore the role of spiritual practices in helping them to experience the presence of God in daily life.

Susan Marcuccio

Susan is the National Supervision Director for Chaplaincy Australia and President of Australasian Association of Supervision. Susan is passionate about all those in the helping professions being able to access quality and confidential support and engage in transformational learning. Her workshop “Pastoral Supervision: Protecting Your Heart to Go the Distance in Ministry” will explain how pastoral supervision can enhance ministry, ignite passion, and protect your heart.

Rachael Litchfield

Rachael has been involved in cross-cultural mission work in Thailand, Cambodia and Australia for the last 30 years serving in physiotherapy, community health, leadership and pastoral care roles. In 2020 she completed a doctor of ministry dissertation titled “A Spirituality for Transition Grief”. Her workshop “Spiritual Practices for the Grief of Transitions” will help delegates strengthen their capacity to craft meaning and move deeper into our life with God during unsettling transitions.

Miriam Chan

Miriam Chan is an accredited mental health social worker, counsellor and supervisor. Miriam currently works as a counsellor at an Australian University and in private practice in Burwood at New Leaf Centre. Miriam’s workshop “Mental Health and Ministry” will explore a Biblical overview of mental and emotional wellbeing and explore practical ideas on how to best serve Jesus when we are feeling unstable.

Kathy Thurston

Five and a half years ago Dave and Kathy Thurston left Sydney and parish ministry to work in the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. Their brief was mentoring pastors and their wives, training other to be mentors, develop a post college training program as well as various other ventures. They now live in Blackheath on two acres where God willing they will build a Christian Retreat centre. Together with her husband, Kathy will lead a workshop titled “The Importance of Emotional Self Awareness for Healthy Ministry”.

To see the full list of local and international Oxygen speakers, click here: https://oxygenconference.com/speakers/

Is it Time to Hit Pause at Oxygen?

Our recent Oxygen Christian Workers Survey revealed alarming levels of job dissatisfaction, loneliness, and mental health issues amongst Christain workers in Australia.

In comparison to men, women were more likely to be experiencing or suspecting a mental health issue – 40 per cent compared to 25 per cent. In speaking of mental well-being, an Anglican Women’s Minister serving in a capital city says:

“I think about burnout and wonder if I am already there and what to do about it. It is hard to find the energy to invest in people but my love for the Lord and his people continues. I often wonder if I am the right person for my job, which is not a question I had 5 years ago.”

This is why Oxygen exists—to give ministry workers a space to reflect, think, pray and recharge under God’s Word.

If you’re a woman in Christian ministry, we invite you to pause with us this 15-18 August at Oxygen. Learn more here: https://oxygenconference.com/

Meet the 9 ministry women bringing new perspectives at Oxygen 2023!

By Heidi Tai

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Matt Sparks to speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

John North to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Tim Blencowe to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Sam Allberry Confirmed to Speak at BASECAMP 2024