Tag: oxygen leaders conference

Christian Leaders Refreshed, Reconnected and Refocused for Ministry at Oxygen 2023

We praise God that in August, Christian leaders across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore gathered at Oxygen Conference to be refreshed and reinvigorated in their work for the gospel. This comes in light of the 2023 Oxygen Christian Workers Survey revealing alarming levels of loneliness, burnout and mental health issues amongst Christian workers in Australia.

Although Christian workers dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving their churches and non-profits, survey results showed that many are in dire need of personal encouragement and refreshment. This is why Oxygen exists—to encourage Christian workers to come up for breath, and to take a break from leading, teaching and pastoring others.

Over four unrushed days, Christian workers were served with a program designed to renew the mind and refresh the heart. Delegates were pastored by a range of renowned Bible teachers and experienced workshop presenters who planned content around the 2023 theme: “Reshaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”.

Quoting Ashley Null, Glen Scrivener reminded delegates that: “What the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies”. At a time where Christian workers face varying and complex pressures, Oxygen served as an important reminder to “guard the heart” and to continue serving with godly motivations, with hearts centered on Jesus:

“The Holy Spirit worked through the humble and honest leadership of conference presenters and speakers, united us and called us to honour Jesus together. I have returned home with less focus on my performance and more on resting in the arms of our faithful Lord Jesus.”

“I was encouraged to consider the state of my heart and reflect deeply on my posture towards my work. I found that through great teaching and fellowship God revealed to me the selfishness of my heart and cleared the way for great joy in the job that I get to do ministering to people in His spirit.”

“The whole program was great. I loved just sitting under the wisdom and care of the speakers and being fully refreshed for ministry.”

Through Bible talks, testimonies of faith, Q&A, live-cross interviews, and practical workshops, delegates were encouraged to guard their hearts with gospel-centred courage, joy, vision, wisdom, conviction and faith.

Oxygen speakers included international Bible teachers Paul Tripp, Zack Eswine, Miroslav Volf, John Lennox and Glen Scrivener; and local teachers Malcolm Gill, Kirk Patston and Jonathan Dykes.

Talk titles included:

The Heart of a Ministry Leader (Ezekiel 14:1-8) by Paul Tripp
Ministry Leadership & Spiritual Warfare (1 Peter 5:6-11) by Paul Tripp
Recovering Our Humanity in Ministry (Ecclesiastes 10:5-14) by Zack Eswine
Recovering Our Wisdom for Ministry (Proverbs 1:22) by Zack Eswine

Workshop presenters included experienced Christian psychologists, counsellors, and ministry supervisors who taught delegates how to maintain long-term spiritual health, and to get help for burn out and mental health issues.

Workshop titles included:

Mending the Broken Hearted: Trauma Informed Pastoral Ministry by Tim Dyer
Serving Confidently Amidst Strain, Uncertainty and Change by Grant Bickerton

Moving from a Reactive to Reflective Ministry: Leadership and Ministry Longevity in a Hectic and Troubled World by Valerie Ling
The Importance of Emotional Self Awareness for Healthy Ministry by Dave & Kathy Thurston

While the teaching and workshops were the highlight for some, for others, it was the refreshment that came from being surrounded by like-minded people who understand the unique pressures and challenges of ministry.

This meant that leaders and pastors had the opportunity to share their hearts and burdens with others, and to be served with wisdom shaped with empathy and prayer. With isolation and loneliness being a common struggle for many Christian leaders, Oxygen served as an important reminder to persevere, for they do not labour alone:

“The uplifting tone to the whole event really held space for us to breathe, find grace for weakness, find common ground in tiredness and burnout without wallowing in it, find space for heart and emotion without over emotionality, and look to the Lord for His provision in all of our lives rather than just to soldier on blindly.”

“The fellowship is great. Like-minded people gathering to encourage and support one another.”

Is it time you Hit Pause in ministry? Oxygen livestream is now available On Demand!

Whether you missed out on attending Oxygen full-time, or know a Christian worker who would benefit from the conference material, you can now register to access Oxygen On Demand until midnight 17 October.

Full-time in-person delegates can add On Demand access for $39pp.
Online and day-ticket delegates can add On Demand access for $59pp.

Visit our website for more information: https://oxygenconference.com/register/

Christian leaders across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore gathered at Oxygen Conference to be refreshed and reinvigorated in their work for the gospel.

By Heidi Tai

International Evangelists John Lennox and Glen Scrivener to Speak at Oxygen 2023

We are pleased to announce that international evangelists, John Lennox and Glen Scrivener, will be speaking at Oxygen conference as special guests.

Returning this August, Oxygen exists to serve anyone in Christian ministry—to refresh them in their zeal for God and the work that He has called them to do. This year, Oxygen will return as a 4-day conference retreat in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Through bible talks, practical workshops and rich fellowship in a quiet and focused space, delegates will be invited to check their hearts and spiritual health for ministry.

Meet Oxygen Special Guest: John Lennox

John Lennox is the Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, Emeritus Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, and former Associate Fellow at Saïd Business School.

He has written extensively on the interface between science, philosophy and theology, with recent titles including ‘Can Science Explain Everything?’, ‘Where is God in a Coronavirus World?’ and ‘Cosmic Chemistry: Do God and Science Mix?’. John has also engaged in high-profile public debates with Richard Dawkins, Peter Singer and the late Christopher Hitchens.

John Lennox will be joining us virtually, live from the UK for one of our evening segments titled ‘The Non-Negotiables of Christian Ministry’.

Get a taste of his teaching here:

John Lennox: Suffering & the God Question

If we believe in a loving God, how can we explain the existence of suffering and evil in the world? Is there enough evidence to trust in God despite the problems we see in the world around us?

In this Oxygen 14 talk, John Lennox explores both the practical and theoretical aspects of this question and suggests ways in which the subject can be approached with the events of Jesus on the cross in mind. This talk was part of the ‘Apologetics and Evangelism’ stream at Oxygen 2014.

John Lennox – Who Created The Creator

In this video, John Lennox addresses Richard Dawkin’s question: Who created the Creator?

https://vimeo.com/97364808

Meet Oxygen Special Guest: Glenn Scrivener

Glen Scrivener is passionate about people meeting Christ and equipping Christians to share their faith. He’s often found speaking at Churches and Universities, in the studio producing online media or in his office, writing books and other evangelistic material. Glen is married to Emma, and they have a daughter, Ruby and son, JJ.

Glen will be presenting a pre-recorded short talk, reflecting on the current cultural dynamics that are at play in the world and how they can impact our hearts and shape the ministry and work we do.

Get a taste of his teaching here:

Glen Scrivener Introduces The Air We Breathe

In this video, Glen Scrivener introduces his book “The Air We Breathe” and shares how our values such as equality, compassion and consent are “supernatural” for they have come uniquely and specifically from Jesus. To learn more, you can also read his article “Everyone You Know Is a Believer”.

Easter Uprising – The Weekend That Made Our World

In this short documentary, Glen Scrivener travels from London to Rome in search of a true appreciation for the cross and how the crucifixion has been understood over time. He argues that way we see the cross has been transformed, because the ‘Easter Uprising’ has transformed the way we see the world. Trigger warning: Historical violence described.

Fuel your love for God in ministry at Oxygen!

This August, we invite you to slow down and to invest in the crux of what drives you in ministry: your love for Christ. Be revitalised by God’s Word and invigorated for the gospel work He has called you to do.

Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine will be teaching from the Bible, thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared just for you in ministry, joined by special guests Prof John Lennox, Glen Scrivener, Miroslav Volf, Sarah Irving-Stonebreaker, Kirk Patston, Anna Powell, Mal Gill, and Jonathan Dykes.

Along with our fantastic line-up of workshop speakers, every part of the program has been carefully planned to expand perspective, offer guidance, and real, relevant experience to help enrich and strengthen you and your ministry.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to be with like-minded people in ministry in all its forms, and to sit under teaching, encouragement and fellowship that is tailored just for you!

Standard rate tickets for Oxygen 2023 are available until midnight on Tuesday 18th July. Book your tickets today.

Meet John Lennox and Glen Scrivener who will be speaking at Oxygen conference this August.

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

A Reminder “We Are Not Alone”: Why Joanna Will Return for Oxygen 23

Oxygen conference is returning this August for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Oxygen is a conference retreat designed to ‘fuel passion for Christian ministry’.

In this interview, Joanna Hoffman shares why she has attended every single Oxygen conference since 2011, and how the “phenomenal” teaching, singing, and fellowship has fuelled her passion for Christian ministry in both rural and urban contexts.

Returning Oxygen Delegate: Joanna Hoffman

Describe your ministry!

I served as the Minister of Community Life at Windsor District Baptist Church for three and a half years, and now I remain very involved in fostering the life of the church in a lay capacity.

How many Oxygen events have you attended and what has been a highlight?

I have attended all the Oxygen conferences since the first AMAZING one in 2011. There have been many highlights over the years, but primarily the singing and teaching. The singing is a highlight as I feel it is a taste of glory. The teaching from John from the first Oxygen conference was phenomenal; I still refer to my notes from John Lennox on John from time to time.

CityAlight leads worship in song at Oxygen 14

How has God used Oxygen to ‘fuel your passion for Christian ministry’?

I love this time of getting away with other people in ministry. It has fuelled my passion by reminding me that we are not alone. We used to live rural, so this time away with other people in ministry along with rich teaching was like drinking from a water hydrant that would nourish roots we didn’t even know were dry. It reminded me that our “great cloud of witnesses” is not just from the past and we were not alone in our ministry within this Great South Land.

Recently, our ministry is more urban and while we have more local ministry connections, our time at Oxygen continues to foster connections along with helpful resourcing and refocusing. I often forget how easy it is to become absorbed in the urban “busyness” so this time away helps me remember why we do what we do.

Why do you think ministry leaders should set aside time for conferences like Oxygen?

1. It is a time of retreat and refreshing for your mind, body, and spirit if you let it be.
2. It provides the time to connect with like-minded people and space for deeper ministry conversations with your spouse, team or comfortable anonymity of a new friend.
3. The wide variety of breakout groups or classes will provide helpful resourcing for everyone.

What is the benefit of attending Oxygen with your spouse?

My husband and I eagerly look forward to this time away. Not only is the content mutually stimulating, but the space of time and meals together also lets us discuss and debrief what we have learned and how it is stimulating our respective callings. We intentionally split up for the break-out groups to cover a wider variety of topics. This time away is worth the challenge of finding childcare and encourages our ministry perspective as more than a 9-5 job.

Come up for ‘Oxygen’ this August

Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry?

This August, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed and renewed by God’s word. Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. Scripture will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.

Dates: 15-18 August, 2023
Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba
Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine

Oxygen 23 Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine

Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. On-site, catered accommodation is also available. For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website: oxygenconference.com/register

Joanna Hoffman shares how Oxygen conference has fuelled her passion for Christian ministry.

By Heidi Tai

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Christian Leaders Refreshed, Reconnected and Refocused for Ministry at Oxygen 2023

Is it time you Hit Pause in ministry? Oxygen livestream is now available On Demand!