Youth conference delegates plug in to higher power
Major Neil Clanfield, Territorial Corps Mission and Resource Officer is revealed to be the mysterious fifth member of the newly created band, "No Direction". (Photo: Rebecca Wright)
While a power blackout swept across The Collaroy Centre on the first evening of The Salvation Army’s Youth Ministry Conference, the spirits of the 300 young leaders did not dampen. Instead, they lifted their voices and praised God through an unplugged acoustic worship set.
On 10-12 August, the third Youth Ministry Conference saw leaders attending from right across the Australia Eastern Territory. They heard challenging messages from youth ministry experts such as Dave Reardon, Generations Pastor at Shirelive Church in Sydney, and Tim Hawkins, Youth Pastor for “Crossfire” youth at St Pauls Anglican Church in Castle Hill, also in Sydney
“We wanted all youth leaders to come away feeling empowered and encouraged and equipped for their ministry. So many leaders mentioned they [were] given practical advice for how to do ministry better,” explains Shandri Brown, Territorial Youth Leadership Mission Consultant.
Delegates were also privileged to hear from Buhle Dlamini, Territorial Director of Youth Work in the Army’s Southern Africa Territory. Along with his passionate preaching, Buhle also brought passionate worship, teaching delegates a South African worship song called Bumbalela, which means hold on to Jesus.
Territorial Dierctor of Youth Work in the Southern Africa Territory, Buhle Dlamini leads the congregation in a South African worship song called Bumbalela. (Photo: Phil Sutcliffe)
“I was buzzing,” says Shandri. “Buhle was amazing and to be reminded of God’s love for us and to be challenged to love others in that way was so timely.”
The 32 workshops were also popular with delegates, hearing from well-known speakers such as Andy Gourley, the leader of Red Frogs chaplaincy ministry who spoke on community outreach, and Melinda Tankard Reist, author and advocator for removing the objectification of young women and girls in the media.
Along with some inspiring messages, there was plenty of entertainment across the weekend including hip-hop performances by Inspired Avenue dance crew and several shows by Christopher Wayne, a magician and illusionist.
Youth Ministry Conference delegate, Nicole Park looks confused as magician and illusionist, Christopher Wayne is about to magically rejoin the rope Nicole has just cut with scissors. (Photo: Phil Sutcliffe)
While many jaws dropped throughout his performance, it was Christopher's testimony that really captivated the audience. Just six years ago, he was working at a biscuits factory practicing his tricks with cookie dough. Now he travels the world performing magic and sharing the message of Christ.
While there was lots of laughter and entertaining games played across the weekend, Shandri believes that many life-long relationships were built throughout the conference.
Lincoln Prollecks, Youth Leader at Carindale Corps, says he particularly enjoyed networking with other leaders. “I loved the chance to get amongst other people doing the same thing. Just being able to sit down one-on-one with other youth pastors and leaders around the territory and getting to know them, their journey, their mission and passions.”
Matt Godkin, Youth Leader at Menai Corps, echoed these sentiments. “I just love being around people who do a similar thing, and learning from other people’s mistakes,” he says. “And while the teaching’s gold, I’ve really enjoyed networking with other leaders.”
Next year’s Youth Ministry Conference will be held at two locations, in Sydney and on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
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