We're so excited to be doing something new this year as our whole church family gathers together across all generations!
The St Paul's Conference "Grace in Community" is an opportunity to sit under God's word, be encouraged together, and set our hearts on the direction God is leading us as his people.
Saturday 12th September
9:00am-2:30pm
Adults - $45
Youth (High School) - $40
Children (First Steps, Preschool and Primary School up to Yr6) - $30
*Family discount will apply after the first two children/youth registrations
Registration includes lunch, snacks and drinks for the day.
Register nowOUR PROGRAM
9:00am
Arrive, grab a tea or coffee, check-in and get settled
9:30am
Opening session with kids joining us for worship in church
10:00am
Keynote session with Sam Chan
10:45am
Breakout sessions
1: Evangelism to the Next Generation (Youth and YA focus) with Sam Chan
2: Pornography and Parenting in a Modern Context with Marshall Ballantine-Jones
3: Mental Health with Amy Yeung
4: Thriving not Surviving in your Senior Years with Jenni Stoddart and Cathy Gravitis
11:45am
Lunch and fun activities
1:00pm
We will split into breakout sessions for Men and Women
1:45pm
Keynote session with Bruce Stanley
2:15pm
Closing session with kids joining us
2:30pm
Home time!
MORE INFO ON OUR MORNING BREAKOUTS
EVANGELISM TO THE NEXT GENERATION
WITH SAM CHAN
It’s in the DNA of every Christian to want to tell their friends about Jesus. But at the same time, we live in a society which is so post-Christian, it’s awkward to talk about Jesus in public. So, we get caught in this thing where we want to tell our friends about Jesus, but it feels socially inappropriate. So how can we do it in a non-awkward, non-cringe-worthy way? Sam will be sharing ideas on how to evangelise, with a specific focus on how our youth and young adults can do this in their context.
PORNOGRAPHY AND PARENTING IN A MODERN CONTEXT
WITH MARSHALL BALLANTINE-JONES
Marshall has spent years researching how to reduce the negative effects of exposure to pornography and sexualised social media among young people. He will help us understand the neurological and hormonal effect of online sexual behaviour, and provide strategies that are practical and give hope in this challenging space. We highly reccomend this breakout session to anyone who is a parent, grandparent, or someone caring for or discipling young people.
MENTAL HEALTH
WITH AMY YEUNG
Amy will be sharing her years of experience in the mental health space. We'll explore biblical ideas of being body, mind and soul, and what implications this has for our approach to health and well-being from a Christian persepctive. What does it mean to be well — not just physically or emotionally, but as a whole person before God?
THRIVING NOT SURVIVING IN YOUR SENIOR YEARS
WITH JENNI STODDART AND CATHY GRAVITIS
What does it look like to flourish as a follower of Jesus in the later seasons of life? To not just survive but thrive. Through three honest and encouraging interviews, we'll explore how our identity in Christ shapes every stage of life, how God continues to grow and use us within Christian community, and what his vision is for our future. We will hear from members of our own congregations. Together, these conversations will challenge the world's view of retirement and encourage us to see this season not as a time to simply endure, but as an opportunity to continue growing, serving, and living wholeheartedly for Christ.
Sam Chan
SYDNEY MISSIONARY & BIBLE COLLEGE LECTURER, & CITY BIBLE FORUM SPEAKER
Sam will be our keynote speaker for the morning session of conference, and will also be running a breakout session for our youth and young people on evangelising to the next generation.
If you haven’t met Sam Chan, his life is partially Crazy Rich Asian vibes but more realistically, is just Crazy Asian. He’s a doctor of medicine, received a PhD in theology from the US and he has authored a few award-winning books including How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being THAT Guy).
He had hoped his mandatory piano playing would make him a good karaoke singer (it didn’t), he's still trying to learn how to surf (without drowning) and after much trial and error, he is slowly perfecting the American barbecuing of brisket.
Married with 3 boys, Sam is an inaugural fellow of Tim Keller's Centre for Cultural Apologetics but also the mentor and leader trainer of the EvQ School of Evangelism, a start-up within City Bible Forum. As one of City Bible Forum's public speakers, he believes he has one of the best jobs around - he helps everyday people ask the bigger questions.
Marshall-Ballantine-Jones
CEO OF DIGIHELP PUBLISHING
Marshall Ballantine-Jones, founder of Resist Ministries and CEO of DigiHelp Publishing, specialises in research and education focusing on adolescent exposure to pornography and social media. He will be running our breakout session on Pornography & Parenting in our Modern Culture.
He has served in various Sydney parishes as an ordained Anglican minister for 26 years. He holds a PhD from the University of Sydney’s Medicine Faculty. In addition, he holds degrees in political and social thought, economics, business systems, and theology, and is a sought-after speaker, writer, trainer, and consultant.
Marshall is known for his ability to connect with audiences through practical insights and compelling stories. With a deep focus on biblical sexuality, online sexualised behaviours, and behavioural addiction recovery, Marshall delivers thought-provoking talks that are not only relevant but transformative. His unique blend of expertise and personal storytelling ensures that every presentation leaves a lasting impact, empowering individuals to make meaningful change in their lives.
Amy Yeung
HEAD OF THE MENTAL HEALTH AND PASTORAL CARE INSTITUTE
Amy has previously been on staff with us here at St Paul's as part of our youth ministry team. For over 15 years she has been studying psychology, counselling, and theology and integrating them through her work with young people. She has a passion for seeing people thrive in their mental wellbeing and has been working in the mental health space voluntarily and in paid positions in Australia and Canada for almost 15 years.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and a Master of Social Health and Counselling from Macquarie University, Sydney, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (Applied Theology) from Regent College, Vancouver. She also worked with Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, researching and developing a global film-based youth series exploring mental health and faith.
Amy will be hosting our breakout session on Mental Health, and we are so glad to have her back on "home soil" at St Paul's to share her wisdom and expertise.
WHAT'S HAPPENING FOR KIDS?
OUR KIDS PROGRAM IS FOR FIRST STEPS, PRESCHOOLERS AND PRIMARY SCHOOL KIDS UP TO YEAR 6
About Quiz Worx9:00am
Arrive, grab a tea or coffee, check-in and get settled
9:30am
Opening session with kids joining us for worship in church
10:00am
Quiz Worx performance - known for high energy, interactive, engaging kids bible content, including singing, games and puppets.
10:45am
Morning Tea
11:00am
Movie and Music time - we'll watch part of a movie, and learn a new song with singing and a fun drum and percussion workshop
11:45am
Lunch and fun activities
1:00pm
Creative activities and games
1:55pm
Afternoon tea and free play
2:15pm
Closing session with kids joining us in church for worship
2:30pm
Home time!
WHAT ABOUT OUR YOUTH AND YA COMMUNITY?
We've designed conference in such a way that our high schoolers and young adults will be included in the regular program alongside the adults - we're particularly keen to have Sam Chan speak to our youth and YA during his morning breakout session!
