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Over the summer, NextGen training material has been utilised across the state in the form of take-home 'Training Kits', giving local churches the opportunity to replicate NextGen with convenience and ease.  Refresh Summer Camp 2021 In the month of January, churches across the state have dedicated a week to training new and existing leaders in how to read and teach the Bible to others. For the first time in thirty years, NextGen has offered delegates take-home ‘Training Kits’, allowing strand leaders to replicate NextGen’s world-class training experience with convenience and ease. With COVID restrictions impacting upon travel and large-scale gatherings, the Training Kits have given groups the flexibility to train in a manner that best suits their calendars and circumstances. Churches across the state have begun their training, including groups from Carlton Methodist Church, Crosslife Church in Asquith, Gracepoint Presbyterian Church in Burwood and Lidcombe, Gunnedah Anglican, Hurstville Chinese Baptist Church and St Paul’s Anglican Church in West Tamworth. So far, we have seen NextGen hosted in church halls, conference centres, over Zoom, and at the Refresh Summer Camp. The Training Kit material has also served groups on-the-go, with delegates from Southern Cross Presbyterian Church bringing NextGen material all the way to Uluru! For Elyse from Albury Presbyterian Church, NextGen has served as an annual encouragement since 2005. Not only has she completed all three strands, but she’s volunteered as a NextGen cook and Strand One leader in India. According to Elyse, the fact that she attends a rural church with a “really small youth group” is a big reason why she has returned to NextGen year after year, including as a Trainer in 2021: “I came from a church that had a really small youth group with 8-10 people. When you get to [NextGen] in Katoomba, there are crowds of people who are all passionate about others hearing God’s word. That was a big kick on the right path that I wasn’t alone." For first-time Trainer, Cici from Crosslife Church, the Training Kit material was encouraging for the “younger ones” and has given her youth leaders inspiration for activities in 2021: “It was my first time co-leading a strand this year. It's really encouraging to see the younger ones coming along to the whole thing! They really enjoyed the talks and strand materials and got into God's Word.” “A few of the youth leaders from Strand 3 are keen to turn the topics they looked at into talks for youth group this year. The Rising Leaders have said yes to sharing their testimonies at youth group too!” Do you have a story to share from NextGen 20201? We would love to hear from you! CLICK HERE to share your feedback with us. Equip & Empower Your Leaders this Summer Holidays  Is your church calendar for the summer emptier than usual? Have annual events and mission trips been cancelled? Is your ministry team in need of refreshment and encouragement from God’s word? Why not take the opportunity to equip and empower your youth and children’s leaders, using our world-class Training Kits? Since 1990, NextGen’s training model has been used to raise a new generation of Christian leaders across Australia and beyond. NextGen’s wholistic and interactive program is designed to help delegates grow in their love and knowledge of God, while gaining key skills to read and teach the Bible to others. The theme for NextGen 2021 is 'Holiness: Living as God’s People in Today’s World’ and each Training Kit includes:
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We recently had the pleasure of hearing Jason Yu's KCC story. In this interview, Jason shares the "life-changing" impact that NextGen had on his life--transforming him from a doubting teenager in 2015 to a MTS trainee in 2021. We hope you are encouraged by his story.  Jason Yu (pictured left) at NextGen conference. 1. What compelled you to become a Christian at NextGen? In 2014, I doubted whether I was truly a Christian. Despite coming from a Christian family, I was weighed down by my sins and thought, "God could never accept someone like me". By God's grace, all my doubts were crushed at NextGen 2015. I listened to a Wednesday morning sermon on Romans 8 by NextGen speaker, Rory Shiner. The words "if God is for you, who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31) rang loud and clear. I remember vividly an image of everything in the universe, including the earth and stars, for all time; past, present and future. All these things were wrapped up together but still cannot separate me from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). At that moment everything came together. I realised not even my sins can separate me from God's love. Christ has already died for me on the cross 2000 years ago. This gift of grace is freely offered to me. All I had to do is to accept and confess Christ as Lord. By God's grace, I did. 2. Can you share what life was like before you were a Christian? I grew up in a Christian family and learned all the Bible stories since I was a kid. I knew about God, Jesus and the cross. I sought to be a good kid and to be obedient to all the rules. I thought being obedient was the way to earn God's favour and be in God's family, but because of this mentality, I was weighed down by my sins and inability to adhere to God's rules, and thought, "God could never accept someone like me". I never served willingly at church as a youth or first year university student. 3. What work/ministries have you been doing post-NextGen? After learning how to lead bible studies at NextGen, I began serving in youth group as a Bible study leader. This extended to university ministry for the last couple of years. I have also been involved in music, sound, world mission's prayer group, and service leading at Sunday church. By God's grace I am beginning a ministry apprenticeship (MTS) at my church starting from 2021. 4. Do you feel NextGen has helped you in your Christian walk and/or helped you in what you’re doing now? NextGen has definitely equipped me in youth ministry, and the preaching of God’s word at NextGen had a life-changing effect on my Christian walk. I was not planning on doing youth ministry before going to my first NextGen, but my community group leader at church encouraged me to go as she thought that just being at the conference to learn would be beneficial to me—and indeed it was! So, I would encourage others to do the same, even if they aren't thinking about youth or children's ministry specifically. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, NextGen is a conference which exists to train existing and upcoming leaders in youth and children’s ministry. Since 1990, our world-class training model has been used to equip a new generation of Christian leaders across Australia and beyond. NextGen’s wholistic and interactive program is designed to help delegates to grow in their love and knowledge of God, while gaining key skills to read and teach the Bible to others. Host NextGen at your church with the NextGen Training Kit In 2021, we’ve designed NextGen Training Kits, granting local churches the flexibility to run their own NextGen conference with convenience and ease. The theme this year is 'Holiness: Living as God’s People in Today’s World’. Each kit includes:
Stay up to date with NextGen by L-T Hopper  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16 I love Aussie summer. To be honest, as I think about it, I realise it is mostly because it is a time to let things pass by me; do a lot of things I want to do and take less responsibility. Let’s face it - it is the season to slow down and take a break especially at the end of this COVID year. At the same time it is a good thing to make the most of the season as I have the head space to pause; plan and press into God with healthy rhythms. So I am going to set aside an hour to plan my summer. I feel like I have nearly forgotten to plan in this uncertainty-saturated COVID chaos. Anyway, here are some things I am going to think about and aim for: Do an audit of my life (nothing too intense) Thinking about my mind, body and soul:-
Connect with God
Care for mind and body
Connect with Key Relationships (the handful of people God has placed in your life to love) Plan to have one on one time with each of them. Chat about the highs and lows of the year and what we are looking forward to next year. And of course, HAVE FUN! My wife is better at planning this than me so we have already been to a Christmas concert followed by dinner. I’ll be planning for us to go to the beach to surf. Why not take some time to plan your summer? Has December left you feeling weary or distracted? Here are 10 quotes to help reorient your gaze to God’s promises secured for us at Christmas.  For the Christian, the Christmas season is a treasured time to remember the birth of Jesus and to celebrate all that He has secured for us: peace, joy, hope and salvation. While these spiritual blessings are life-changing, we can often approach Christmas with tired and distracted hearts. For this reason, we have compiled a list of 10 quotes to help reorient your gaze to God’s promises and the implications of Christmas for our day-to-day. Feel free to share these graphics on your social media accounts to encourage others! 1. “The son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” - C.S. Lewis  2. “Christmas means not just hope for the world, despite all its unending problems, but hope for you and me, despite all our unending failings.” - Timothy Keller  3. "Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life." - Corrie Ten Boom  4. "All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ.” - David Jeremiah  5. "Christmas is a season not of getting, but of giving, because at Christmas we are celebrating that God is the most generous and outrageous Giver in the universe." - Nancy Guthrie  6. “If Christmas is just a nice legend, in a sense you are on your own. But if Christmas is true, then you can be saved by grace.” - Tim Keller  7. “Jesus was God and man in one person, that God and man might be happy together again.” -George Whitefield  8. "The Christmas story is about a God of glorious grace on the march, invading human history with the grace of redemption.” - Paul Tripp  9. “Christ didn’t only come into the world that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, but He wants to come into our lives today, and every day of the year.” - Billy Graham  10. "Christmas—the great story of the incarnation of the Rescuer—is for everyone, especially those who need a rescue." - Matt Redmond  Did you enjoy this post? Check out our other Christmas posts:
10 Best Christmas Song Releases For 2020 Recommended Reads for Every Family Member This Christmas KCC's 2020 Christmas Gift Picks
We recently trawled the Internet for brand new Christmas song releases, and we are pleased to share our top ten picks including songs by Caroline Cobb, Sovereign Grace Music, Chris Tomlin, Emu Music and more.
Photo: Emu Music
To help you prepare your hearts and minds for the Christmas season, we have put together a list of ten newly released Christmas tracks by artists such as Caroline Cobb, Sovereign Grace Music, Chris Tomlin, Emu Music and more. If you enjoy these songs, you can follow our playlist on Spotify. Here is the list of songs available in the playlist:
2. Just A Breath Away (Noel) by Jonas Myrin This song by Grammy and Billboard winning, Jonas Myrin, was the Original Theme Song from The Three Wise Men Motion Picture. The lyrics point to the hope of Christmas that’s greater than any earthly circumstance. 3. O Come, All You Unfaithful by Sovereign Grace Music This track by Sovereign Grace Music is a stunning rendition of an old carol. After a difficult and chaotic year, the lyrics of this carol are relatable and comforting. Christmas can be a difficult time for many, and "Come All You Unfaithful" acknowledges this reality while pointing us to the hope that's promised in Christ. 4. All the World Awaits (Hosanna) by Chris Tomlin This upbeat track by Chris Tomlin speaks of the good news of Christmas and the promises of Immanuel. This song reminds us of why Jesus is worthy of our praise. He is the Prince of Peace, the Son of Righteousness, the Light of the World and the newborn King! 5. O Holy Night by The Sing Team An oldie but a goodie. This uplifting track is available on The Sing Team’s latest album The Last Christmas On Earth. 6. Maker, Made a Child by Emu Music We love this Christmas single by Emu Music! This song is built around the astonishing truth that at Christmas, God became a man in order to save us. In their words: “The title and refrain of this song are built around this truth that the Word by whom, through whom and for whom all things were made, has stepped into time and flesh: 'The Maker, Made a Child!'." 7. Face of God by Phil Wickham This new track is available on Phil Wickham’s new album “Christmas.” The lyrics encourage us to reflect on the amazing truth of Jesus’ birth and that like Mary, we too can stare into the face of God. 8. O Come, O Come Emmanuel by For King & Country This track is available on For King & Country’s new album A Drummer Boy Christmas. The lyrics encourage listeners to come together to rejoice in the promises of Immanuel. 9. Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah) by We the Kingdom This song helps us to reflect on Jesus, the “Light of the World”, and to give praise to Him. In a world with so much shame and darkness, God in His mercy has shone light into the world. Come, and let this song encourage you to sing Hallelujah and adore Him. 10. Jesus is Our King by Cross Point Music This single by Cross Point Music helps us to reflect on the amazing truth of Immanuel and what it means for God to be with us. Let this song remind you of why Jesus is a worthy King. In partnership with The Wandering Bookseller, we are pleased to share our recommended holiday reads for adults, teens and children.  Photo: The Wandering Bookseller Ahead of Christmas and the school holidays, we have partnered with The Wandering Bookseller to supply a list of recommended reads for adults, teens and children. It is our hope that these titles will be a source of inspiration, encouragement, hope and truth. For Adults The Good Life in the Last Days Mikey Lynch explores the apparent tension between the cost of discipleship and enjoying God's gifts to us. This book would make a great Christmas gift for school leavers and young adults. Buy here. Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind Well-respected historian Tom Holland traces the Christian origins of the Western world and shows how the emergence of Christianity was the "single most transformative development in Western history". Buy here. The Pleasures of Pessimism This small, hopeful book is perfect reading for a year marked by disruption. Natasha Moore explores our cultural preoccupation with doomsday and shows how neither the pessimistic nor the overly-optimistic view of the future tell the whole story. Buy here. How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy) In this book, Sam Chan equips everyday Christians who are reluctant and nervous to tell their friends about Jesus with practical, tested ways of sharing their faith in the least awkward ways possible. Buy here. For Teens ASK - 52 Questions with Answers from the Bible ASK is a new devotional book by David Robertson gives biblical answers to all sorts of questions that teens often ask. Each devotion finishes with a prayer and suggestions for further reading. Buy here. Choosing Love in a Broken World Choosing Love is an engaging, easy-to-read new book for teen girls about love. It’s about how you choose to love and who you choose to love, but most of all, it’s about how God's love can shape our relationships. Buy here. Apprentice Apprentice is a futuristic YA novel exploring themes of friendship, loyalty and betrayal. Through powerful storytelling, Kristen Young (from Lithgow Anglican Church) explores what it means to truly "love" others and encourages readers to examine the claims of popular messaging, and to have self-confidence when facing the pressure to conform. Buy here. For Kids Jesus Storybook Bible - Colouring Book The bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, with over two million copies sold, is now available as a colouring book! It's filled with inspiring messages by Sally Lloyd-Jones and beloved artwork by Jago. Buy here. Jesus Was A Refugee In this Christmas kids book, Andrew McDonough reminds us that even Jesus was a refugee whose parents escaped with Him to Egypt when He was born. Buy here. Unwrapping the Greatest Gift Ann Voskamp has transformed the Jesse Tree tradition into an illustrated advent devotional book that families will treasure. As you prepare for Christmas, you can guide your family each day through the family tree of Jesus, with carefully chosen passages of Scripture and themed activites. Buy here. About The Wandering BooksellerThe Wandering Bookseller team have been travelling across Australia for years with hand-picked bookstalls for Christian events. They cater for small church camps through to large regional conferences - and everything in-between. Visit their website to discover great books for Christians and curious agnostics. Youth Pastor, Shelley Ligtermoet, will join the Oxygen Live panel to share a talk about Gen Z and how the church can reach them with the gospel.  On Wednesday 16 December, Shelley Ligtermoet will join the Oxygen Live panel to share a talk titled ‘Who Are Gen Z and How Do We Reach Them?’ Drawing from over ten years' worth of youth ministry experience, Shelly will talk about spiritual formation and discipleship of Generation Z and equip us with practical tips for reaching the next generation with the gospel. To access this interview, make sure to tune in at 12pm (AEDT) on the Oxygen Facebook page. Shelley Ligtermoet has been a Youth Pastor for over a decade and currently leads the Youth Ministry of CityLife Church in Melbourne. She is currently finishing a Master of Divinity with the Australian College of Theology and has a passion for systematic theology and biblical studies. To get the latest updates for our Oxygen Live events, make sure to follow our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kcc.oxygen Missed an Oxygen Live talk? Get instant access to the following ‘Oxygen Live’ talks on the Oxygen Facebook page or the KCC One App.
Reset Your Ministry Tank with our ‘Time to Reset’ series on the 'KCC One' App!  We are pleased to share the ‘Time to Reset’ series on the KCC One App – a collection of handpicked resources designed to refresh people serving in Christian ministry. Featuring past Oxygen talks by Dr Grant Bickerton, Tim Dyer, Jen Wilkin and Lyn Worsley, ‘Time to Reset’ has been specially curated to help leaders refuel their ministry tank so that they can continue serving the Gospel with zeal and joy. Here’s a preview of the 8 talks that are available in this series:
Download 'KCC One' on mobile and tablet devices today! In this interview, Paul and Robyn Langsford share how KCC conventions have inspired them to persevere in the faith since the 1980s.  Katoomba Easter Convention 2019 We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Paul and Robyn Langsford who have been attending KCC Conventions since the 1980s. In this interview, the Langsfords share their favourite memories from Katoomba Easter Convention and why KCC conventions has become ‘the thing’ that keeps them going and persevering in the faith. 1. How many years have you been attending Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC)? We have been going to Easter convention since the late 1980s. At that time, we did not know each other, however we went separately with our church groups. We have been going together as a married couple since 1996. 2. What is your favourite memory from KEC? Each year, both of us look forward to the fantastic Bible teaching, the great singing, and the four-day experience of being firmly rooted in God’s Word and having fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters. Our highlights include Kirk Patston’s talks from Ecclesiastes, John Dickson’s talks from James which encouraged us to use our financial means for God’s glory, Peter Adams playing classical piano in the talent quest, and all the great Colin Buchanan songs that we’ve heard and sang over the years. 3. How have conferences like KEC encouraged you in your faith? Paul: It is incredibly encouraging to have more in-depth teaching than you would typically receive on a Sunday, over a four-day period. Robyn: Katoomba Christian Conferences are the thing that have kept me going as a Christian. The opportunity to hear a fresh biblical perspective from different speakers around the world who reveal God’s truth to us in ways that stimulate a response by the Holy Spirit has made a massive difference to my perseverance in the Christian faith. 4. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like KEC? Church can be a hard slog, and even more so day after day, in a secular job where religion and faith are sneered at. Christians are often isolated, lonely and unable to bring their real selves to work. Therefore, the benefit of Katoomba Conventions is the opportunity to get away from the busyness of life and to immerse yourself in God’s Word with different Christian speakers who walk in different Christian circles. Conferences like KEC help to breathe fresh life into bible passages and fill you up, so you can go back into the world and breathe Christ again. Also, the opportunity to sing together with thousands of other Christians offers a brief glimpse into what it will be like in heaven. It is the highpoint of every year.  Help us keep KCC going in 2021Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) began in 1903 under the banner of being ‘All One in Christ Jesus’. Growing from a small gathering of Christians in a children’s playroom in Katoomba, KCC has continued for over 110 years to bring Christians together and to see transformation in their lives as they sit under God’s Word. While there is much to thank God for, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our financial situation. In June, we commenced a fundraising effort to raise a minimum of $750,000 to see KCC through the challenges of 2020. So far, KCC supporters have contributed over $510,000! We are now seeking to raise the remaining $240,000 before the end of this year. If you have been blessed by the ministry of KCC and have the capacity to give, we would love to invite you to consider donating to our ministry. CLICK HERE to give.  Ahead of Christmas, we are pleased to share our hand-picked list of Christmas gift ideas. This year, we have chosen to spotlight Australian creators and small businesses who are committed to Christian values, supplying ethical products and to serving those in need this Christmas season. 1. Grab a spiritually nourishing read from The Wandering Bookseller For many years, The Wandering Bookseller has been travelling across Australia with hand-picked bookstalls for Christian events. The team have curated a large range of titles including Kid’s Christmas Books, inspiring biographies, resources for pastoral care, and family-friendly fiction. By purchasing a book from The Wandering Bookseller, you are supporting a faithful Christian business that has been afflicted by bushfires, floods and of course, the global pandemic. Order online, or if you visit the Blue Mountains, make sure to pop into their shop located on Katoomba Street. Find out more on The Wandering Bookseller website or follow on Facebook or Instagram.  Photo: The Wandering Bookseller 2. Send a hug to persecuted Christian children with a Knot Forgotten crochet toy Since 2018, 2133 Knot Forgotten toys have been delivered to children in persecuted regions across six countries. These hand crocheted toys bring joy to children who are persecuted for loving Jesus and help local churches to share His love with children who don’t yet know him. This Christmas, you can Buy a Bear In A Bag to get started on making and sending your first Knot Forgotten toy. Find out more on the Open Doors website or follow on Facebook and Instagram.  Photo: Open Doors 3. Leave The World Better – Buy ethical clothing and give back to those in need Leave The World Better (LTWB) is a social enterprise that is 100% invested into clothing people in need around the world. Every LTWB product sold helps give clothing to someone who needs it the most, in the city where the product was purchased. According to the Founder, Carlos Aguilera, “our goal is to change the fashion industry while clothing people in need around the world.” He adds that it is his dream to “build a business where I could l literally give people the shirt off my back. I didn't want to create fast fashion that ended up in landfill. I wanted to give tees away that are the same quality as the tees I wear." You can browse the LTWB range on the website or follow on Facebook or Instagram.  Photo: Leave The World Better 4. Support victims of family and domestic violence with a ‘Christmas Feel Good’ Pack In 2020, Australia has seen an increase in Family Violence, with many women and children having access to even more limited options to flee violent homes. For this reason, three like-minded Christian creators have come together to create the ‘Christmas Feel Good’ gift pack. 50% of profits from each gift pack will be donated to the Women's Community Shelter who work to shelter victims of domestic and family violence. Each pack contains:
Follow The Little Vine on Instagram. Follow Sponsaur on Instagram. Follow Irrelevant Society on Facebook or Instagram.  Feel Good Christmas Pack 5. Support Australian Christian writers and creatives with Soul Tread Magazine Founded by a group of Australian Christians from a range of denominations and cultural backgrounds, Soul Tread is a beautifully designed, quarterly print-only magazine, exploring faith from an Aussie perspective. Each edition contains hopeful stories on sustainable faith, church as a community and cultural engagement. If you purchase the annual membership as a gift, it includes a Tearfund Australia card posted to your recipient where $5 is donated to help provide health & nutrition in places like Papua, Indonesia. To subscribe to Soul Tread, visit the website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.  Photo: Soul Tread Magazine
Award-winning author, cultural analyst, theologian and City Bible Forum speaker, Sam Chan, will join the Oxygen Live panel to share his ‘Tips for Talking About Jesus Over Summer’. In this interview, Sam will equip everyday Christians to tell their friends about Jesus.
On Wednesday 9 December, Sam Chan will join the Oxygen Live panel to share his ‘Tips for Talking About Jesus Over Summer’. Drawing from material from his latest book How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy), Sam will equip everyday Christians who are nervous to tell their friends about Jesus with practical, tested ways of sharing their faith in the least awkward ways possible. To access this interview, make sure to tune in at 12pm (AEDT) on the Oxygen Facebook page. Sam Chan is an award-winning author, cultural analyst, theologian and public speaker for City Bible Forum. He blogs at Espresso Theology and his book Evangelism in a Skeptical World won Christianity Today’s book award for 2019. Sam has served as a valued speaker for multiple KCC events including Oxygen, KYCK, Onward and Katoomba Easter Convention. You can access these old talks for free on the KCC One app. Get a taste of his teaching in this short talk ‘3 Things I Wish I’d Known About Telling People About Jesus'. To get the latest updates for our Oxygen Live events, make sure to follow our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kcc.oxygen Missed an Oxygen Live talk? You can replay previous events ‘What to do when your tank is low’ (Tim Dyer), ‘Ministry Stress: Crisis or Catalyst?’ (Dr Grant Bickerton), ‘What to do when you’re on the brink of burn out’ (Dr Valerie Ling), ‘How do we have joy in our limitations?’ (Zack Eswine), ‘How to Ignite Your Spiritual Health’ (Paul Tripp), on Facebook or the KCC One App.
Reset Your Ministry Tank with our ‘Time to Reset’ series on the 'KCC One' App!
We are pleased to share the ‘Time to Reset’ series on the KCC One App – a collection of handpicked resources designed to refresh people serving in Christian ministry. Featuring past Oxygen talks by Dr Grant Bickerton, Tim Dyer, Jen Wilkin and Lyn Worsley, ‘Time to Reset’ has been specially curated to help leaders refuel their ministry tank so that they can continue serving the Gospel with zeal and joy. Here’s a preview of the 8 talks that are available in this series:
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