2300+ Inspired to Resist Worldliness at 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 encouraged to fight worldliness and to walk in holiness. 

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 1,768 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 remain faithful to God, despite the gravitational pull of secularism, and opposition towards Christianity in the Western world. 

“I found KEC24 to be one of the best so far, as the teaching was really practical. It had good biblical content but was practical in giving encouragement of how to live the Christian life in our current challenging secular times.”

– Anne, KEC 24 Delegate

“I was very encouraged by how conquering worldliness is something we are both enabled and convicted by the Spirit to do. Although we may be long-time believers, we still live in a period of uncomfortable tension; being pulled in opposite directions and naturally drifting towards worldliness, rather than holiness. By His grace, we are given many “train stations” to recenter our trust in God and turn from darkness to the light!”

– Tiffany, KEC 24 Delegate

“The thing I loved most about KEC was the practical application of the Word. The encouragement to really take the talks and commit to apply them in my daily walk has made the most difference out of any conference I’ve been to.”

– Markus, KEC 24 Delegate

Program highlights included expository talks by John North (“A Biblical Worldview on Worldliness”), Tim Blencowe (“Jesus Christ Our Greater Treasure”) and Matt Sparks (“A Beautiful Resistance”); Rachel Ciano’s biographical talks, and “Christians & Worldliness” interviews with Paul Tripp and Glen Scrivener.  

While adults enjoyed rich teaching and fellowship in the main session, 572 children and youth were served by one of eight programs, ranging from toddlers to Senior High (Year 11-12). Quiz Worx served the Primary Program with puppetry, music and stories while Tim Edwards taught Junior High, and Matt Jacobs in Senior High. Powered by over 200 volunteers, KEC’s age-specific programs gives every family member an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel each Easter.

KEC 24 Children’s Highlights

“Our kids were thriving in the programs each day and when we shared highs and lows, they repeatedly said, “we have no lows!!!”.

– Alysha, KEC 24 Delegate

“My youngest – not currently a Christian, came to the Senior High program and actually went to every session for the first time since COVID. So encouraging.”

– Karen, KEC 24 Delegate

 
“I was encouraged to see my children excited to learn about Jesus and eager to share what they had learnt with others.”

– Amelia, KEC 24 Delegate

While we live in a prosperous country filled with beautiful treasures and alternative wisdoms, it is our hope that KEC has given delegates a renewed confidence in Jesus, the greater treasure. Despite growing confusion and scepticism towards the Bible, we pray that the church will persevere in resisting worldliness and clinging to God’s word for clarity and wisdom for all of life.  

Save the dates for KEC 2025!

Katoomba Easter Convention will return next Easter long weekend, 18-21 April 2025. Keynote speakers Philip Ryken and Glen Scrivener will join us to teach from God’s word. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about KEC 2025 registrations and event updates.  


 


 

Highlights from Katoomba Easter Convention 2024.

By Heidi Tai

5 Ways to Prepare for Easter Convention this Weekend 

Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is right around the corner! Here’s 5 ways to prepare your hearts, minds and families for the long weekend with us.   

  1. Reflect on ‘worldliness’ and how it shows up in your life  

This year, we’ll be reflecting on the theme of “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”. To get you and your family thinking about ‘worldliness’ and its presentation of it in your lives, we’ve come up with these 10 Quotes on Christianity and Worldliness for your personal reflection. You can also preview the confirmed Adult Talk Series from our keynote speakers here.  

  1. Tune your heart for worship with the KEC 24 Spotify Playlist 

Looking for an uplifting playlist for the commute to and from Katoomba? Follow our Spotify playlist and familiarise yourself with the songs that we’ll sing together this weekend!  

KEC 24 Spotify Playlist

3. Connect with KEC socials to stay up to date with the latest news  

Stay up to date with the latest KEC news and interact with our live segments by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Download the KCC One App to gain daily encouragement from KCC’s library of sermons, topical talks, testimonies, and devotionals in audio, text and video formats. 

4. Prepare your tickets for entry  

Make sure your tickets are ready upon entry. If you registered before 9am on 4 March, please bring the tickets you received in the mail. If you registered for the Easter Sunday Night Dinner, don’t forget the wristband! If you registered after 4 March, please arrive a little earlier on Good Friday morning to pick up your tickets from the Info Tent on site.

5. Pack for all types of weather  

The weather in Katoomba can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack for rain, hail and shine! Don’t forget your rain jacket, warm clothes, and comfortable gear for enjoying the outdoors during free time! 

There’s still time to join us this weekend!

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.    
 
Online registrations are open until 9am Tuesday 26 March from our website: https://easterconvention.com/ Registrations after this date will need to be processed in-person at the Info Tent at KEC.

6 ways to prepare your hearts, minds and families for KEC this weekend!

By Heidi Tai

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

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

Worldliness: What’s the Problem?

At a time when Christianity is deemed outdated and irrelevant, the church has the important task of making the gospel relevant to unbelievers. While this is a good thing, we need to take seriously God’s warning of worldliness—when the world’s way of thinking and living becomes your own.  

The drift towards worldliness can be slow and subtle. Perhaps we become attracted to the “wisdom” of Google, trusted friends, pop culture or self-help gurus, so that we begin to question God’s loving wisdom. Perhaps we begin to withhold truth and compromise on core values to preserve our reputation and relationships. 

In a prosperous country like Australia, the world’s wisdom can look so attractive, sound so plausible and feel so good. Without ongoing vigilance, we can find ourselves drifting with the world’s current and settle for living as the world does—so much so that sin begins to look normal, and righteousness feels strange.  

Far from an innocent ‘lifestyle choice’, God makes it clear in His word, that for His people, the world is a competing loyalty. Anyone who loves the world cannot be a friend of God (James 4:4). It’s one or the other, which means there is everything at stake in that choice.  

So how should Christians resist the gravitational pull of the world? How do we spot where the world has pulled us in and has shaped our thinking and living? How do we stay true to the course God has set out for us? What does ‘holiness’ look like in the 21st century? 

Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World

Join us at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2024, to explore the topic, “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”.  

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KEC is an annual event to help delegates grow in their relationship with God. For many families, KEC has become an important family tradition (here’s 5 reasons why)—a way for parents to communicate the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the prioritisation of spiritual growth each year.  

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.    

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   

How should Christians resist the gravitational pull of the world? How do we spot where the world has pulled us in and has shaped our thinking and living?

By Heidi Tai

Free Online Access for KEC 24 Family Package Bookings  

Registrations are now open for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2024, with a bonus offer of free online access* (valued at $60) available for Family Package bookings secured by 31st December 2023. Attending all sessions with young children isn’t always possible, so this add-on will give families flexibility to access sessions missed at KEC. 

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KEC is an annual event to help delegates grow in their relationship with God. For many families, KEC has become an important family tradition (here’s 5 reasons why)—a way for parents to communicate the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the prioritisation of spiritual growth each year. 

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. 

Each year, KEC invites gifted Bible teachers to preach on relevant topics. 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.   

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 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  

A bonus offer of free online access is available for KEC Family Package bookings secured by 31st December 2023

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