Tag: christian event for teenagers - Page 4 - KCC

“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

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.

Get a taste of Dave’s teaching here:

Interview: Karl Faase interviews Dave Jensen for Faith Runs Deep

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.

Sermon: Is God Unjust?

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.

Sermon: God Is In The Thick Of It

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

Over 2,300 Emboldened with a ‘Rock Solid’ Faith at Katoomba Easter Convention

We praise God that over the Easter long weekend, over 2,300 adults, youth and children gathered at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) to be empowered by God’s word. Through powerful Bible talks, inspiring testimonies and uplifting worship in song, delegates were refreshed with compelling and respected reasons to trust God’s word in a world of confusion.

Since 1962, KEC has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.

This year, over 1700 delegates joined the Adult Program to hear from a wide range of international and local speakers. Through expository preaching, topical talks and inspiring testimonies, KEC speakers encouraged delegates to see God’s word as a ‘Rock Solid’ source of truth, goodness and beauty.

Program highlights included Ed Stetzer’s “God Has Spoken” expository talks from the Psalms, Dan Paterson’s “Living Out the Truth in a World of Confusion” expository talks from the Gospels, Sam Chan’s “The Plausibility of Believing” short talks from the book of John, and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker’s personal testimony “How Oxford and Peter Singer led an Atheist Historian to Jesus”.

“Each speaker had an impact. Listening to Dan speak about his suffering and Sarah about her walk from atheism into Christianity was very encouraging.”

“All of the speakers were amazing. Ed, Sam and Dan all had different styles of preaching which was super refreshing each time they came up to speak.”

“I loved Dan Peterson’s talks illustrating the gospel and Jesus’ death and resurrection. The whole convention showed me how much God loves me and convicted me that I need to spend more time with Him.”

While adults enjoyed rich teaching and fellowship in the main session, over 580 children and youth were served by one of eight programs, ranging from Tiny Tots (up to 12 months) to Senior High (Year 10-12). Quiz Worx served the Primary Program with puppetry, music and stories while Tim Edwards taught Junior High, and Aaron Smith in Senior High. Powered by over 170 volunteers, KEC’s age-specific programs gives every family member an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel each Easter:

“I’d spent well over a decade having the Bible well-taught at KEC by people who loved Jesus. I’m thankful that the leaders in the Kid’s Programs and speakers for the adults 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.”

“My last year in the senior high program proved to me how special KEC is, particularly the incredible encouragement from those within my discussion group. It really prompted me to think deeply every day and to praise God for the amazing opportunities we have.”

While we live in a world of confusion and scepticism towards the Bible, it is our hope that KEC has given delegates a renewed confidence that the Bible is true and trustworthy, beautiful and good. It is our prayer that the church will have a ‘Rock Solid’ faith in God’s word, holding out the Bible as a treasured possession and worthy of wholehearted, joyful submission.

Did God speak to you at KEC? Share your story with us here!

Hear all the KEC talks with KCC+

The KCC One app has launched KCC+, a brand-new subscription service giving users faster and exclusive access to the latest KCC event talks. Available from a monthly annual subscription rate of $4.99, new subscribers will get instant access to our April catalogue which includes 13 talks and uploads from KEC 22, as well as all the KEC 23 talks in May.

Learn more here: https://www.kccone.org.au/

“The talks were all just incredible and I can’t wait to listen to them all again on the KCC+ app. I am so grateful for the reminder that there is nothing I can do to earn or deserve God’s love and it is purely through His Grace that I am saved.”

We praise God that over the Easter long weekend, over 2,300 people gathered at KEC to be empowered by God’s word.

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.

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.

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.

By Heidi Tai

True and Good. Can Christianity Be Both?

If following Jesus is true and good, then why does it sometimes feel so uncomfortable? Onward Youth returns this June to address this commonly asked question.

Onward 23 Promo Video

True AND Good – Can Christianity be both?

Christianity claims to be true and good.

But sometimes, following Jesus leads us down narrow paths that doesn’t always feel very good.

If following Jesus is such a ‘good’ thing, then why does life sometimes feel uncomfortable, lonely, hard and limiting?

And if I struggle with all these things, how can I trust that the way of Jesus is not only true, but also for my good?

In a world that’s increasingly hostile towards Christianity, how can I live a life that displays the goodness of Jesus?

Onward Youth is returning Friday 23 June to address these commonly asked questions. Held at The Concourse (Chatswood), guest speakers Dave Jensen and Alan Au will address the tension of truth and goodness, and whether Christianity can truly be both.

Registrations open this Friday 31 March!

Onward Youth is a one-night event that helps 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:

Engage teens with the goodness of following Jesus.
Equip teens to know that following Jesus is good; and
Empower teens to show their friends that Christianity is both true and good.

Registrations will open this Friday 31 March. For more information, visit our website: https://www.onwardevent.com/

If following Jesus is true and good, then why does it sometimes feel so uncomfortable? Onward Youth returns this June to address this FAQ.

By Heidi Tai

Meet KYCK 22 Graduate: Stephanie

In this interview, Stephanie from Crossroads Christian Church shares how attending KYCK conference transformed her life and empowered her faith. She also shares why teenagers should prioritise attending KYCK in their formative high-school years.

How many KYCKs have you attended?

I attended KYCK from 2017 to 2022, so for all my high school years except for when it was canceled for COVID.

What was a highlight from KYCK?

My favourite highlight from KYCK were the small group discussions my year group had in 2022. We were all more mature and able to have deep conversations with each other about Jesus that were very interesting.

How did KYCK encourage your faith?

KYCK encouraged me in my faith to go out into the world and spread all my newfound knowledge I had learned with other Christians as well as unbelievers.

Why would you recommend KYCK to others?

I would recommend KYCK to others because of the overwhelming feeling you get when you are with so many people your age that have the same love for Jesus. It’s very euphoric and emotional, an experience you don’t often get the chance to take part in regularly.

How has being a Christian changed your life?

Being a Christian has turned my life on its head. In a generation that is very self-focused, you don’t often meet people who aren’t all about the “self-love” lifestyle. Knowing that I don’t deserve to be loved, and that I don’t deserve to be saved, but Jesus saves us because he loves us so much, is amazing! I now judge myself and others less because that is God’s job—a truth which gives me so much peace, and one that I hope everyone in the world to have.

Your Invitation to “Meet Jesus” at KYCK 23

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK is a conference that challenges and equips high schoolers to boldly live the Christian life. Each year, close to 6,000 delegates gather at StayKCC in the Blue Mountains to hear and respond to God’s word.

At KYCK 23, we are inviting you to “Meet Jesus” in Mark’s Gospel through powerful preaching, inspiring testimonies, worship in song and fun activities. Whether you are already Christian or still exploring the faith, there will be ample opportunities to deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and respond to the call to follow him. Check out the program here.

KYCK 23 will return over the following four weekends during the school holidays:

Weekend 1: 14-16 April
Weekend 2 & Online: 21-23 April
Weekend 3: 28-30 April
Weekend 4: 22-24 September

Registration and on-site accommodation bookings are currently open. Tickets are available until they are sold out, so book now to secure your preferred weekend!

Visit our website for more information: www.kyck.org.au

Stephanie shares how attending KYCK conference transformed her life and empowered her faith.

By Heidi Tai

10 Ways to Prepare for KYCK This April

Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference both in-person in the Blue Mountains, and via the KYCK Online livestream. If you’re joining us, here are 10 ways you can prepare for KYCK next month:

Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference both in-person in the Blue Mountains, and via livestream on KYCK Online. Youth will hear from guest speakers Alan Au, Mike Dicker and Daniel Leach as they preach from the book of Philippians on the theme of “Joy”. Whether you’re joining us in-person or online, here are 10 ways you can prepare for KYCK this April:

1. Tune your heart for worship with the KYCK 22 playlist

Whether you’re wanting a shout-out-loud worship session or some mellow praise to study to, this playlist is the perfect soundtrack to get you pumped for KYCK22! Listen here.

2. Meditate on the book of Philippians with our free Bible Reading Plan

To get your hearts and heads prepped for this year’s dive into the Book of Philippians, we’ve prepared a free, 4-week Bible Reading Plan which is available on the KYCK Facebook and Instagram pages.

In these devotions, you will learn what happened when the Apostle Paul visited Philippi for the first time, and how the people he met were impacted by the joy that comes from knowing God’s love. You can download the Reading Plans as PDF files below:

Devotion #1 -The Conversion of Lydia
Devotion #2 – Paul & Silas in Prison
Devotion #3 – Paul, Silas and the Jailer
Devotion #4 – Paul and Silas Leave Philippi

3. Learn the KYCK memory verse for your chance to WIN a prize!

The KYCK 2022 Memory Verse is Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Start committing this verse to memory as there will be a competition and prizes to win at each KYCK weekend!

4. Pray for God to work powerfully through KYCK

Please join us in committing KYCK to God in prayer:
Pray that as the gospel is preached at KYCK, the Spirit will work powerfully in the hearts of youth. Pray that God will protect our speakers Alan, Dan and Mike ahead of KYCK, and that they will preach the gospel faithfully and clearly. Pray that as hearts are filled with God’s love, youth will continue to stand firm in the gospel and in their faith. Pray that KYCK will be an opportunity for kids and teens who don’t know Jesus to meet Him for the first time. Pray that KYCK22 will be free of technical hiccups and that the AV team will work faithfully and effectively.

5. Pre-order your KYCK merch

We’ve got a fresh drop of KYCK merch for this year! Rep KYCK with an ethically produced tee or hoodie! Pre-orders close at midnight Friday, a week prior to each weekend. For more information visit: www.kyck.org.au/merch

6. Secure your KYCK Online Experience Pack

If you can’t make it to Katoomba, you can join us on the KYCK Online livestream on the KYCK #2 weekend. KYCK Online tickets are $71 and include an Experience Pack with a booklet, pen, wristband and KYCK 22 tee! If you’re joining us online, please register by midnight Sunday 3 April to ensure that you get your Experience Packs on time: www.kyck.org.au/kyck-online

7. Help us keep KYCK COVID-Safe

If you are a youth leader, please help us to keep KYCK COVID-safe. Please read all the relevant documentation under “Leader Resources”, including the COVID-19 Declaration and COVID-19 Advice for Leaders.

8. RSVP for the KYCK BBQ

Support high school scripture and teachers by being part of the Saturday night BBQ at KYCK! The BBQ will take place each KYCK Saturday, 6:15pm-7:30pm in the Plaza. The cost is $5 and includes 2 sausage sandwiches and a soft drink. RSVP here: www.kyck.org.au/saturday-bbq

9. Sign up for the KYCK ON Soccer Competition

On Saturday afternoon, youth groups are invited to play in the KYCK On Soccer Competition, with the winner for each weekend being declared the champions and awarded the prestigious KYCK On Cup! Fun activities and prizes for best supporters will also be organised for the day. For more info or to sign up visit: www.kyck.org.au/kyck-on

10. LOVE KYCK? Give us a shout out and help us spread the word!

We want as many teens as possible to be blessed at KYCK this year! If you love KYCK and want more people to know about the event, why not give us a shout out on social media or invite your friends to join you?

We’ve created some resources to help you promote us here: www.kyck.org.au/resources

There’s still time to join us at KYCK!

Registrations are now open for all weekends and tickets are $84 for KYCK #1 and #2 and $79 for #3 and #4.

If you can’t make it to Katoomba, you can join us on the KYCK Online livestream on the KYCK #2 weekend. KYCK Online tickets are $71 and include an Experience Pack with a booklet, pen, wristband and KYCK 22 tee! If you’re joining us online, please register by midnight Sunday 3 April to ensure that you get your Experience Packs on time.

For more information about ticket options, visit the KYCK website: www.kyck.org.au/register

Stay up to date with KYCK

Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference

By Heidi Tai

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“It Will Change Your Life for the Better”: Bek’s KYCK Testimony

LAST CHANCE to join KYCK 23 at the early bird rate!

Meet Onward Youth Speaker: Dave Jensen

Hear Dave speak at Onward!

Over 5,000 youth invited to ‘Meet Jesus’ at KYCK