Articles Tagged: christian event for high schoolers
A Hero Among Villains by Nathan Lee
In this this KYCK 2023 talk from Mark 3, Nathan Lee shares how the Pharisees became “villains” when they hardened their hearts towards God, turning His loving command of Sabbath rest into an exhausting “system” for God’s people. He invites youth to consider whether they may be living like the Pharisees and if their rule-keeping reflects a heart that truly loves their God and neighbour. Finally, he encourages youth to meet Jesus—the hero who forgives villains.
A Hero Among Villains by Nathan Lee
Key Quotes:
“The Pharisees are watching because it’s the Sabbath and they are looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, to get Him in trouble. By their standards, by their rules, by their system, healing this man would be classified as work. Jesus knows this, but he doesn’t back down.”
“The Pharisees had missed the whole point of the Sabbath. It was never meant to be about following the system. It was meant to be about rest.”
This talk is part of our KCC+ December collection which includes 12 talks from KYCK 2023 and a 4-part video Christmas devotional series. Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/
Nathan Lee shares how the Pharisees became “villains” when they hardened their hearts towards God and encourages youth to meet Jesus—the hero who forgives villains.
By Heidi Tai
“A Life Changing Event”: Lucy’s KYCK Testimony
In this interview, Lucy describes the “indescribable impact” of KYCK conference, how Jesus is her hope with ongoing health issues, and why she wants everyone to experience what she has over the last 7 years at KYCK. We hope you are encouraged by her story!
1. How many KYCKs have you been to?
KYCK 23 was my 7th KYCK, and I have loved every single one—right back to KYCK 17 when the theme was “Standing for the King”.
2. What is your favourite part about KYCK?
The best part about KYCK is the people. A few thousand of us get together, and despite never meeting before, we are in the same place for the sole purpose of getting to know Jesus better and to praise him as one church. There is something uniquely incredible about hearing thousands of joyous voices raised together in worship of one King—all sharing the same hope and so loudly you can barely hear your own voice. It’s a feeling I will never forget.
3. How has meeting Jesus changed your life?
Throughout my life, I’ve had underlying issues with health. In the past few years especially there’s been a sizable escalation, to the extent of which my everyday life has become very difficult. A lot of the time I feel like I’ve lost hope, or that I have no worth or purpose in this world, but those feelings are often short lived. That’s the wonderful thing about Jesus, he gives hope in even the direst of situations, and he brings light to the darkest of nights.
Even though my life is harder now, I wouldn’t change anything, because God has used my experience in miraculous ways. I’m able to understand and empathise in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without my struggle, and being able to serve the people around me is worth every bit of it. I’m able to survive my experience because I have the God that created everything on my side.
As Jesus brings me so much joy, I’m able to love people with a kind of love that comes from him: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). That’s the other amazing thing about Jesus, he’s a relational God. He cares for me, as an individual. He doesn’t care about all the terrible things I’ve done in my life; he loves me as myself, deeply flawed as I am.
Jesus has changed how I look at the world and how I can relate to it and has filled my cup with so great a hope and joy I can pour it freely without worry into the lives of every person I encounter. I am not perfect, but my God is. And that is more than enough.
4. What would you say to someone on the fence about attending KYCK?
The joy found in that hall – and even on the dreaded hill – is something extraordinary and infectious, something I wish every person would be able to experience.
For almost every person I’ve talked to about this, KYCK has been a life changing event, and for me personally, the impact this conference has had upon me and my journey with Jesus is indescribable. Each year, KYCK reminds me just how incredible our God is, and how kind, loving, and servant hearted his people strive to be.
At KYCK 2022, I had a medical issue in the hall just before one of the sessions, and a group of youth I’d never met before came and found me afterwards to make sure I was okay and give me a card they’d made. I still have that card, and I carry the love those people gave me everywhere I go. They gained nothing from seeking me out, but they still did without any hesitation or prompting.
It’s rare, I think, to gather with a group of thousands, and have every single one of them care about you personally, and yet, this has been the case for all 7 of the KYCKs I’ve been to. Whether you’re a Christian or not, KYCK is something I think every person should have the chance to experience. It’s an awesome way to meet Jesus for the first time, for growing in your faith, and for anyone who’s simply considering Jesus.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK is an annual event that challenges and equips teenagers to boldly live the Christian life. 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 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/
Lucy describes the "indescribable impact” of attending KYCK conference over the last 7 years.
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
Can Christianity be True and Good? Teenagers Empowered and Equipped with Answers at Onward
Earlier this month, youth groups across the country gathered for Onward Youth to engage with an important question: True and Good – Can Christianity Be Both?
Delegates across Sydney joined the conference in-person, while the livestream option welcomed youth from as far and wide as regional New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Canberra and even from Zürich in Switzerland!
Through four short talks, guest speakers Alan Au and Dave Jensen explored the claims of Christianity to be “true and good”, and the tension that exists when following Jesus can feel painful or difficult. By looking into the life of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke, delegates were invited to consider how Christian love, justice, freedom and hope are both true and good—even if the claims of the Bible can sound judgmental.
“God’s love on the cross is where true and good meet, and that the resurrection is the single most important event in human history because it means everything Jesus said and did is true.”
Theodore, Onward 23 Youth
“True freedom is freedom from sin.”
Jason, Onward 23 Youth
“My favourite thing about Onward is the warm and welcoming environment and being able to listen to new ideas about Christianity. I learned that Jesus went to great depths to provide love for us, and it is important to have.”
Beatrix, Onward 23 Youth
Onward 23 also featured a roundtable discussion where Christian teenagers shared their perspectives on the topic and some of the issues they face when engaging their friends with their faith. The roundtable highlighted the ways in which youth find Christianity offensive and unsettling, and that teenagers need to be empowered and equipped to share their faith with their friends.
Missed out on Onward Youth? Access the Livestream!
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Onward Youth is a one-night apologetics conference, aimed at equipping teenagers to observe current culture with a gospel lens, so that they are equipped to stand firm against issues that challenge their faith.
There’s still time to catch up on the Onward talks! Our livestream is available on-demand until 22 July 2023.Register and get instant access to Onward here: https://www.onwardevent.com/
Your invitation to Onward 2023
Youth groups across the country gathered for Onward Youth to engage with an important question: True and Good – Can Christianity Be Both?
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.
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
“It Will Change Your Life for the Better”: Bek’s KYCK Testimony
In this interview, Bek from Robertston Youth Group shares how she became a Christian at KYCK youth conference in 2019. Even though following Jesus hasn’t always been easy, Bek shares how knowing Him has transformed her life.
1. Tell us how you became a Christian!
I was brought up in a Christian home, so I knew of God but I didn’t have a real relationship with Him. In primary school, I went through something really hard, so I was very far from God, and so just so angry and sad. In 2019, I was in year 8 and I attended KYCK for the first time. I remember a talk just spoke to me and the rest is history.
Meeting and following Jesus hasn’t been easy, but he has helped me work through my mental health issues. I have also met so many amazing people that have encouraged me in my faith. They have uplifted me, helped me grow, and have taught me so much, as a person and as a follower of Jesus.
I have also had the amazing opportunity to be a Junior Leader at my Youth Group! Primarily I help welcome people. It’s a blessing to help make a fresh face fit in and feel a part of our group.
2.How many KYCKs have you been to and what is your favourite part of it?
I have been to five KYCKS, and it would have been six if COVID didn’t happen. My favourite part of KYCK is the incredible atmosphere—singing with 2,000 other people and the feeling of God around is amazing. Also, the food and the talks.
3. What would you say to someone on the fence about attending KYCK?
Go! It will change your life for the better. It’s an incredible experience and you will learn so much about Jesus, see so much and have loads of fun. One of the best experiences ever. You won’t regret it!
LAST CHANCE to join KYCK 23 at the early bird rate!
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/
Bek shares how she became a Christian at KYCK youth conference in 2019.
By Heidi Tai
Mid-Year Reflection: 7 Ways God Has Transformed Lives So Far
We are officially halfway through 2023 and want to take a moment to celebrate how God has been at work through the Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) ministry to date.
April was a big month for KCC, as we had the privilege of hosting over 7,300 delegates across two conventions—Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) and KYCK conference for high-schoolers. Over 4 weekends, people of all ages and life-stages left the distractions and pressures of everyday life to gather as ‘One in Christ Jesus’ in Katoomba. In doing so, the mountains came alive with powerful preaching and meaningful fellowship; the echo of singing and laughter giving thousands a ‘slice of heaven’ on earth.
Katoomba Easter Convention 2023 Highlights
Like all our events, every element of KEC and KYCK is thoughtfully planned to fulfill our vision: to see our nation transformed by Jesus Christ through the powerful preaching of the Bible. Here are 7 ways we have seen this happen this year:
As the gospel was preached powerfully and faithfully, God rescued people to Himself!
“One of our youths has literally been counting down the days for KYCK since he heard about it. He became a Christian on Saturday night, and asked if we could have a party to welcome him home. We had a party. Thanks for doing what you do, KYCK changes so many lives for Christ!”
Youth Leader at KYCK 2023
“Two of my youth girls became Christians – by far the most important experience for me as a youth pastor. I’m so thankful for this ministry.”
James, Youth Pastor at KYCK 2023
“We had four of our youth make commitments to Christ on the Saturday night – including one of my sons. Praise God for the message of the gospel and the power to save.”
Dave, Youth Leader at KYCK 2023
2. Long-time delegates were moved by God’s faithfulness to them over decades
“I’ve been coming to KEC for most of my life, and in Sam Chan’s first talk he put up John 20:31. I immediately began to sing it in my head, as it had been the memory verse for the Junior High program one year. In that moment, I was just thankful I’d spent well over a decade having had the Bible well-taught at KEC by people who loved Jesus and were willing to give up time and money so the conference could happen. I’m thankful for all that I’ve learnt about the Bible, and that the leaders of the Kid’s Programs and KEC speakers never shied away from the fact that life can be hard, but God and His Word are true and unchanging and that He is worth following.”
Lizzie, KEC 2023
3. After years of isolation, God used our large-scale gatherings to sustain and embolden His people
“KYCK feels like the only place other than church, where you can connect with people who have the same beliefs as you whilst learning new things to take home and cherish. This was my first ever KYCK and it was the highlight of the year. Definitely going to come back next year and be fully committed to listening to God’s Word, following Him and loving like Jesus did.”
Youth at KYCK 2023
“[I was encouraged by] a feeling of unity and community with fellow Christians when it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of people who don’t know Jesus, but there are so many brothers and sisters out there believing the same thing I do.”
Kayla, KEC 2023
“[My favourite thing about KYCK was] worshipping with over a thousand teenagers and being able to sing and let my heart out without fear of judgement.”
Grace, Youth at KYCK 2023
4. As God’s word was preached, believers were encouraged to persevere in faith, hope and love
“To say I was refreshed, encouraged, inspired, challenged, provoked and filled…is a small response. We were filled with the sustaining love of Jesus for us and for others; with teaching, thinking and experiences to go onwards and to reach others. I can’t fully describe or encapsulate what you guys did to include all this, but this is something unique and special in the Christian world that you have created.”
Grant, KEC 2023
“The Bible teaching was most important as I am grieving the loss of my husband and I needed the encouragement reinforced that God does comfort us through His people and Word and that He is there through the darkness.”
Kim, KEC 2023
5. The next generation of believers are being inspired and grown in Christ-likeness
“I didn’t have a relationship with God for most of my life. I still have a long way to go with my faith, but now I’m putting in an effort to read his Word and pray more often. Being surrounded by so many people in a God-praising environment is just so incredibly amazing.”
Izabelle, Youth at KYCK 2023
“[I was encouraged by] the senior high program, being able to meet people my age and talk about the Bible, doubting, failure and all sorts of things in discussion groups. Meeting with like-minded people from all over Sydney and NSW has opened by eyes to how many people believe the same thing as me.”
Stormlee, Youth at KEC 2023
6. At a time where society is increasingly sceptical towards the Bible, God refreshed eyes and softened hearts to hear and respond to His Word
“KYCK has really changed the way I’ve thought about Christianity. I now have a newfound joy for worship and confidence to approach my non-Christian friends.”
Youth at KYCK 2023
“I felt encouraged to get back into my Bible more. Life has been busy and stressful the last 12 months and my quiet time with God has become neglected. This weekend spurred me on to make the time for it again and to dig into the Word more.”
Tim, KEC 2023
7. Delegates returned home empowered to serve God in their homes, workplaces and local churches
“It was good to be reminded of God’s master plan and how His Word makes so much sense in our fallen world. It also challenged me to share the good news with others again. God is good even in the midst of pain. God’s Word will go out to accomplish what God intends.”
Kristina, KEC 2023
“We have made KEC an annual family retreat. We were encouraged by the range of speakers all speaking on a coordinated program. Hearing the range of testimonies and other ministries gave great insight into what the wider church is working hard at. It encouraged us to do our best where God has planted us.”
Joanne, KEC 2023
We want to see more people love Jesus more. Can you help?
Our aim is to call and inspire Christians to single-mindedly dedicate their whole lives to God, and we want to see more people come to love Jesus more.
You can help us
Help us continue this ministry that impacts so many. In tougher economic times we appreciate your gift more than ever.
Tax deductible gifts are a huge help to KCC because they enable us to use KCC One (our mobile app) and its huge talk library to reach thousands of people with life-changing preaching.
7 ways God has transformed lives through the ministry of Katoomba Christian Convention.
By Heidi Tai
Meet Onward Youth Speaker: Dave Jensen
We are pleased to announce that Dave Jensen will be speaking at Onward Youth this June.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Onward Youth is an event helping high schoolers make sense of the culture and world around them with a gospel lens and equips them to stand firm for their faith.
In 2023, Onward Youth will explore the theme, “True and Good – Can Christianity Be Both?” If following Jesus is a ‘good’ thing, why does life sometimes feel uncomfortable, lonely, hard and limiting? If I struggle with these things, how can I trust that the way of Jesus is not only true, but also for my good?
We are pleased to announce that Dave Jensen will join the Onward Youth platform to address these important questions. Dave works as a pastor at EV Church on the Central Coast of NSW. Prior to working in ministry, he was in the Australian Army for the best part of a decade which is where someone told him the truth about Jesus, and he became a Christian. Dave is married to Sammy, and they have 4 young sons. He loves telling people about Jesus, El Jannah BBQ chicken and the Sydney Roosters.
In this interview with Karl Faase, Dave shares his testimony of how he became a father at 17 years old and lived a turbulent and destructive life for many years. He shares how Jesus broke into his heart in a remarkable way and turned Dave’s path right around.
Why do we suffer? Is suffering an evidence of punishment, that God is not good, or is there something else going on in the universe? In this sermon at EV Church, Dave answers these important questions from the book of Job 9.
Where is God in the pain? Does he care, or has he turned his back? In this sermon at MBM Church, Dave turns to Romans 8:28-30 to tackle these tough questions.
Hear Dave speak at Onward!
Onward Youth is returning Friday 23 June, 6:30-9:30pm. Choose to join us in-person at the ‘The Concourse’ in Chatswood, or via an Online Livestream at a convenient location of your choice! Either way, it will be a wonderful evening of encouragement and fellowship with youth across the country! Tickets are available for $31pp with discounted online tickets available for those outside the Sydney Metro area. For more information, visit our website: www.onwardevent.com
Dave Jensen will be the keynote speaker at Onward Youth 2023.
By Heidi Tai
Over 5,000 youth invited to ‘Meet Jesus’ at KYCK
Over three weekends, more than 5,000 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba. Founded in 1993, KYCK is a Bible preaching event aimed at inspiring high schoolers to live for Jesus alone.
Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. Each year, 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.
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 us his powerful yet loving rule. We praise God that because of hearing His word, 81 teenagers decided to follow Jesus for the first time, 257 recommitted their lives to him, and 92 left the conference wanting to learn more.
For teenagers who are already Christian, attending KYCK enables them to hear God’s word taught from someone new, thus allowing them to hear old stories with fresh perspective. Gathering at KYCK also serves as a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their faith, and that their beliefs are shared by thousands across Australia. This encouragement is especially important for teenagers in smaller youth groups, isolated rural areas, or who face opposition for their faith at home or school.
“KYCK feels like the only place other than church where you can connect with other people who have the same beliefs as you, whilst learning new things to take home and cherish. This was my first ever KYCK and it was certainly the highlight of the year. Definitely going to come back next year and be fully committed to listening to God’s Word, following Him and loving like Jesus did.”
“KYCK has really changed the way I’ve thought about Christianity. I now have a newfound joy for worship and confidence to approach my non-Christian friends.”
“I’ve made so many new memories, new friends and most importantly, renewed my relationship with God.”
“Seth’s talks were amazing. He helped me view Jesus in a whole new perspective.”
While KYCK is designed primarily for high schoolers, it also serves youth leaders who can take a break from planning and leading Youth Group that week. Instead, leaders are invited to spend quality time with their teenagers, and to deepen relationships through bonding, learning, sharing and praying together.
A BIG thank you for KYCK 2. It was my first time, and the first time bringing our little youth group (4 teens + one other leader). It was a wonderful weekend of Bible teaching, music, fun, and time together. I was particularly encouraged by your commitment to being faithful to the Scriptures and your focus on Christ.
“What a weekend! We’re leaving with a challenge to answer: who is Jesus and what difference does that make to my life? Mark’s Gospel has spoken to us this weekend and we pray our youth will continue to listen to Him speak into their lives as we head back to Taree.”
Emersus Youth
Hosted as a hybrid event, youth groups can choose to experience KYCK in-person at StayKCC in the Blue Mountains, or KYCK Online; a high-quality livestream promising a ‘front row’ seat from the convenience of a living room or church hall. Delegates who joined KYCK in-person could take part in optional fellowship activities including an organised Prayer Gathering and a Saturday night BBQ which raised over $3,000 for Scripture teachers.
Do you have a story of how God worked in you or your youth at KYCK 23? Let us know using the feedback form or by emailing kyck@kcc.org.au. We would love to hear from you!
KYCK will return for a fourth weekend on the 22-24 September. Tickets are still available from our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/
Over three weekends, more than 5,000 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba.
By Heidi Tai
Meet Onward 23 Speaker: Alan Au
We are pleased to announce that Alan Au will be speaking at Onward Youth this June.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Onward Youth is an event helping high schoolers make sense of the culture and world around them with a gospel lens and equips them to stand firm for their faith.
In 2023, Onward Youth will explore the theme, “True and Good – Can Christianity Be Both?” If following Jesus is a ‘good’ thing, why does life sometimes feel uncomfortable, lonely, hard and limiting? If I struggle with these things, how can I trust that the way of Jesus is not only true, but also for my good?
We are pleased to announce that Alan Au will be joining the Onward platform to address these questions and to unpack the tension of truth and goodness, and whether Christianity can be both.
Alan has been leading Captivate Presbyterian Church in North Ryde for the last 6 years. He’s married to Beatrice, and they have three crazy kids. He dabbles in baking and Brazilian ju jitsu. He thinks that cheese Twisties are the bomb and chicken Twisties are an abomination.
Alan spent most of his high school years wondering whether God’s love for him is true and has spent the rest of his life working out how to live out God’s love.
Get a taste of his teaching here:
‘The Search for HAPPY’ by Alan Au
In this sermon series, Alan helps us to question how the “pursuit of happy” drives our decisions and pursuits, and whether this should be the meaning of life. He shows us the potential problems of making happiness our ultimate pursuit and contrasts it with God’s call for Christians to seek treasures in heaven and peace in Christ.
What makes you truly happy? This was the first of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
How can we be truly happy in an unhappy world? This was the second of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
Will you pursue true happiness above all else? This was the final of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
Hear Alan speak at Onward 23!
Onward Youth is returning Friday 23 June, 6:30-9:30pm at ‘The Concourse’ in Chatswood.
For more information on the event, speakers, and ticket options please visit our website: https://www.onwardevent.com/
Onward 23 – True & Good – Can Christianity Be Both?
Get to know our Onward 23 keynote speaker, Alan Au.
