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What characterises a man of faith? Paul Tripp to address this topic at BASECAMP this August.28/3/2019
What defines a man of faith? What does it look like to live as one? What traits should characterise a faithful and godly man?
This year, Dr. Paul David Tripp will return to the KCC platform to address men at BASECAMP men's conference. He will be speaking on the theme 'Portrait of a Man of Faith', to address how biblical faith gives men a new identity that is very different from the way the surrounding culture defines a man. The Bible is clear that faith is not just something you do with your brain, but a commitment of your heart that radically changes the way you live your life. This year at BASECAMP we will consider core characteristics in the life of a man that only grow out of the soil of faith in God. Watch the promotional video for BASECAMP 19 here: Bring a group to BASECAMP this year!
BASECAMP is better with your brothers! We encourage Group Leaders to make the most of our Group Deals for each of our events:
BASECAMP Mountains (2-3 August) Group Deal: Purchase 5 or more tickets upfront during Early Bird to "hold the rate" all the way up to the conference for any additional tickets you need! Valid from 1 March 2019. Just call the KCC office to purchase your additional tickets. Register now! BASECAMP Sydney (10 August) Group Deal: Get every 10th ticket in your cart FREE automatically at checkout! Invite a first-timer or bless a brother in need with this free ticket. Valid from 1 March 2019. Discount automatically applied at checkout. Register now!
We are thankful to God that Tony Payne will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC). In this interview, Tony shares on life and faith, and how the resurrection gives him hope in a jaded world.
As you get older...it's easier to become jaded and depressed about the future and indeed of Christianity...But the more starkly and realistically you come to appreciate the nature of sin and its consequences, the more brightly shines the hope of the resurrection.
1. What occupies your time during the week?
This year, I’m dividing my time between two organisations—Matthias Media and Moore College. I’ll be be spending about half of my time as a Writer and Director at Matthias Media, mainly responsible for generating new resources and projects to help churches in the great task of making disciples. The other half will be as the Director of the Centre for Christian Living at Moore College, plus also helping out with some lectures in ethics. I know the Bible says that you can’t serve two masters, and that you will hate the one and love the other. But I honestly love both of my masters this year!
2. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention?
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to KEC, but it was a regular part of our yearly rhythm as a family in the past. And I think the benefits we experienced were the ones that most people testify to: a time to pause amid the furious regular pace of life to think and pray and refocus; an opportunity to hear God’s word powerfully taught and be challenged about our walk with Christ; a time of fun with our kids, especially mixing with other families; a chance to catch up with many old friends!
3. Who is someone who has inspired or spurred you on in your Christian walk?
I think Phillip Jensen has probably had the biggest influence on my Christian walk: as a teacher and example and encourager. He’s now hit 70, but is still as insightful and passionate as ever for the gospel and glory of Christ.
4. The KEC theme this year is "The end of all things: life on the edge of eternity". How does the 'end times' and promise of eternity with Jesus shape the way you live today?
More than anything it gives me hope. As you get older (I’m 56 now), I think it's easier to become jaded and depressed about the future — of our society, and indeed of Christianity. Somehow things don’t seem as rosy and hope-filled as they were in your 20's. You run up against the stubborn realities of sin, corruption, dishonesty, foolishness and all the rest—not only in your own life and those around you, but in the world more generally. But the more starkly and realistically you come to appreciate the nature of sin and its consequences, the more brightly shines the hope of the resurrection, and the more urgent becomes the work of the gospel. That’s how it is for me anyway.
5. What spiritual disciplines or habits helps you to persevere ahead of eternity?
For me, the most significant is the discipline of continuing to meet in prayerful, word-based fellowship with other Christians. Talking about the encouragement we get from brothers and sisters in the Christian community, especially when we have doubts or struggles, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: "The Christ in own own hearts is weaker than the Christ in the Word of the brother”.
There’s a lot of truth in that. We can get the wobbles quite easily; we need the Word to come to us from outside—on the lips of our brothers and sisters, whether in preaching or in mutual encouragement and conversation—to help us persevere. I think that is the main means God has used to help me persevere in Christ over all these years.
6. If you could give some pastoral advice to your younger self, what would it be?
That’s a toughie. The easy answer is ‘read the Bible and pray more’ — and that would be true. It’s always true! But I think I’d say two particular things to my younger self:
1. Watch less television, and spend the time you save talking to people more, and reading more. 2. Be stronger in saying 'No' to various good and worthwhile opportunities and activities (including in church life), so as to focus more effectively on the things you’re most responsible for (especially shepherding your family and focusing on the key ministries you’re responsible for). Hear Tony speak at KEC!Meet KEC19 Speaker, Tony Payne from kcc on Vimeo. Join us at KEC 19!
Katoomba Easter Convention is an annual retreat for the whole family.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together. Register today at: www.easterconvention.com. On Tuesday 04 December 2018, KCC’s development application to upgrade its Katoomba site was refused by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel.
The application process has involved many professionals who have partnered with KCC and worked tirelessly and diligently to pursue this vision for the convention site. At the meeting, the panel chairman acknowledged the excellence of the design, and voted for a deferral to allow KCC time to work with local council and Rural Fire Service to amended plans, however the remaining four panel members voted for a refusal. Further details are included here in our full statement. The KCC board and management are considering its options in light of this decision in consultation with its advisors, and an update will be provided in due course. KCC would like to thank all of its supporters and those directly involved in the process and planning to date and invites continued prayer for pathways forward and decisions about the best use of the site.
We are thankful to God that Geoff Harper will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC). In this interview, Geoff shares on life and faith, and gives us some advice on how we can persevere and be spiritually disciplined ahead of eternity.
1. What occupies your time during the week?
I teach Hebrew and Old Testament at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. I also write whenever I can carve out some space. Current projects include an edited volume which explores interpersonal forgiveness and a book on teaching Leviticus aimed at pastors and Bible teachers. Coming from an island nation I enjoy the ocean - so swimming, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling are on the menu as often as I can swing it. 
2. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention?
KEC offers the chance to gather with Christians from other churches and regions and is an implicit testimony to what God is doing outside of our own contexts. That is deeply encouraging. The opportunity to sit under good teaching and to sing and pray together is not something to which we all have equal access. KEC can thus be a place of refreshment and re-invigoration to aid us in the tasks God has called us to in our own context.
3. Who is someone who has inspired or spurred you on in your Christian walk?
Many people have: some living, and many more through what they have written. Above anyone else, I am blessed to have a godly wife who is not afraid to call me out when I'm wrong or to point me to the gospel. There are plenty of times when either (or both!) has been required. The writings of C.S. Lewis and Martyn Lloyd Jones have also been of immense benefit over the years. Each has, in his own way, demonstrated the importance of a sound biblical understanding coupled with perceptive thinking. While I may not agree with everything, they have certainly helped me sort out my own muddled thoughts as well as inspiring me in my role as a teacher and preacher. 
4. The KEC theme this year is "The end of all things: life on the edge of eternity". How does the 'end times' and promise of eternity with Jesus shape the way you live today?
I hope it gives an overall shape and purpose to my life. The important things are those that will last, they are the ones to invest in. I try (and often need reminding) to work knowing that my labour in the Lord is not in vain and with the goal of hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
5. What spiritual disciplines or habits helps you to persevere ahead of eternity?
It's hard to go past the key 3: prayer, the Bible, and Christian fellowship. Each of these has been vital for my faith, yet also requires constant attention and investment. Whenever things feel "wobbly," it's usually because one of these three is suffering. At the same time I tend to get bored with routine, so variation is key. For example, I don't follow any particular Bible reading plan. I do, however, keep a track of what I have read to ensure I keep reading through the whole of Scripture (I keep track of what we read with the kids for the same reason).
6. If you could give some pastoral advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Take personal holiness seriously and strive for it, rather than just assume it will happen by itself. Be aware that the patterns you form early on will have an impact on the rest of your life - for better and for worse. Hear Geoff preach at KEC 19!
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