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Recommended Resource: "Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions”

31/5/2017

 
Do you struggle to engage in meaningful conversation with people who hold different views to you?

I don’t mean telling them what you believe. I mean genuinely understanding and engaging with what they believe, and why they believe it.

Christian apologist, Gregory Koukl, makes this observation:
​
“There are plenty of resources that help Christians understand what they believe and why they believe it — and certainly those are vitally important. But it’s equally crucial to know how to engage in a meaningful dialogue with a skeptic or a person from another religious viewpoint.”
His book, “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions“, provides much needed and thoroughly practical help for Christians to engage in these discussions.
​
Koukl has a modest goal for these conversations – not conversion, but disruption:
“It may surprise you to hear this, but I never set out to convert anyone. My aim is never to win someone to Christ. I have a more modest goal, one you might consider adopting as your own. All I want to do is put a stone in someone’s shoe. I want to give him something worth thinking about, something he can’t ignore because it continues to poke at him in a good way.”
In short, Koukl’s approach is to ask questions:
“…never make a statement, at least at first, when a question will do the job.”
This is so effective because as Koukl says “Many people have never thought through their views and don’t know why they hold them.”

This has certainly been my experience. I’m sure you’ve noticed how common it is after someone dies for the remaining friends and family to make comments such as:

  • “He’s in a better place now,” or
  • “She’s looking down on us.”
    ​
However, if you ask them why they think that, most people would have no idea what to say. Asking questions is an opportunity to explore not only what people believe but why.

The other reason this questioning approach is so useful is that by asking questions we clarify what the other person actually believes, rather than what we think they believe. We can then engage with their actual beliefs, rather than beliefs we’ve assumed they hold.
​

10 Questions You Can Ask


​Koukl’s book is excellent, and I highly recommend reading it in full.

For now, here are some questions, drawn from Tactics to help you engage with the beliefs of others.
​
  1. How do you know?
  2. What do you mean by that?
  3. How did you come to that conclusion?
  4. Why do you say that?
  5. Have you considered?
  6. What are your reasons for holding that view?
  7. What makes you think that’s the right way to see it?
  8. Why would that idea sound compelling to you?
  9. Would you be willing to look at another angle (or consider an alternative)?
  10. Would you take a moment to carefully explain your view and also your reasons for it to help me understand better?

​Each of these questions provides an opportunity to understand and engage – without the need to make a statement.

Of course, you should be ready and willing to give reasons for what you believe and why, but Christians aren’t the only ones who need to be able to explain their worldview.
​

When The Discussion Gets Personal


Koukl also suggests a couple of helpful tips for when the discussion gets personal.

​Firstly, when people ask you for your beliefs and you’re not sure if you’re being set up for intolerant ridicule, you could say:
“You know, this is actually a very personal question you’re asking. I don’t mind answering, but before I do, I want to know if it’s safe to offer my views. So let me ask you a question: Do you consider yourself a tolerant person or an intolerant person on issues like this? Is it safe to give my opinion, or are you going to judge me for my point of view? Do you respect diverse points of view, or do you condemn others for convictions that differ from your own?”
Secondly, if the discussion turns away from reasoned argument to personal attack, you could say:​
“I’m a little confused about your response. Even if you were right about my character, could you explain to me exactly what that has to do with this issue?”
We recommend his website, Stand to Reason. And here’s Koukl in conversation with Deepak Chopra:

This blog post originally featured on Communicate Jesus.

You can purchase Koukl's book on The Wandering Bookseller.

Get to know David Robertson in 43 minutes

24/5/2017

 
On June 23-24, David Robertson will be one of our guest speakers at Onward.

​This talk from a conference in Scotland is an excellent introduction to David and encouragement to be courageous in our witness to the risen Lord Jesus.


David Robertson - #iTC14 East of Scotland Gospel Partnership March 2014 from eosgp video on Vimeo.


Here’s a quote to spur you on today:
“The biggest problem in evangelism is not the world out there - it’s that we’ve lost confidence...Once you believe that the gospel works, there’s nothing that will stop you communicate that gospel.” - David Robertson

Join us at Onward - find out more here: http://onwardevent.com/​

Stay up to date with Onward on Facebook or Instagram. 

Onward Speaker Kanishka Raffel on why Christians are labelled ‘Intolerant’

24/5/2017

 
KCC is pleased to invite Kanisha Raffel as a guest speaker for Onward 17. Raffel will be speaking in the Adults and Young Adults program both held on Saturday 24 June. 
Raffel is a well known preacher and social commentator and currently serves as the Anglican Dean in Sydney. He was born to Sri Lankan parents in London, and emigrated to Australia in 1972. He grew up as a practicing Buddhist, and converted to Christianity in his 20s after conversations with a friend who encouraged him to read about Jesus in the gospels. 

You can listen to his conversion story here:

According to Raffel, the claim that 'Jesus is the truth' is a big statement in our culture. In this video he explains why Christians can be labelled as 'Intolerant' if they hold this view in Australia:

Kanishka Raffel on why Christians are labelled as 'intolerant' from kcc on Vimeo.


​Through a mix of short talks and Q&A, Onward 17 will directly address some of the cultural issues facing Christians in secular Australia and equip delegates with confidence in God's truth, wisdom for Christian living, and courage to engage with people on hard issues and pushback.
​For tickets or more information visit the Onward website: www.onwardevent.com 

KCC Sydney events serving delegates who are time poor and hungry for God's Word

12/5/2017

 

​In 2017, Katoomba Christian Convention will be hosting three one-day events, in a convenient Sydney location at the Sydney Olympic Park. The events exist to serve delegates who are time poor and hungry for encouragement from God's Word.
​

Onward - 23/24 June


​Onward is a brand new convention that seeks to directly address some of the pressing cultural issues facing Christians today. Speakers will examine how Christians confront ‘Tolerance’ in light of absolute truth and our need to bear witness to Jesus Christ. 

For tickets visit the Onward website: www.onwardevent.com

Truth & Tyranny of Tolerance from kcc on Vimeo.



OneLove - 9 September
​

OneLove is a convention that aims to inspire women in their relationship with Jesus. The theme for OneLove 2017 is "For Eternity", and guest speakers Nancy Guthrie and Michael Raiter will speak from the Bible, encouraging women to lift their eyes to Jesus and refocus on things eternal. 

Early Bird tickets are available until end of June. If women purchase 10 tickets in one transaction, they get 1 ticket for free. Register at: www.onelovewomen.com 

​Stay up to date with OneLove on Facebook or Instagram.

OneLove 2017 from kcc on Vimeo.


BASECAMP: Sydney - 12 August


BASECAMP is an annual event where men gather to renew their strength and to know God better. Through powerful Bible talks, practical wisdom, uplifting worship and hearty meal times, men will return home refreshed by God's life-giving grace. Guest speaker Simon Manchester will speak from the book of Proverbs on the theme 'Foolproof'. 

For tickets visit: www.basecampmen.com/sydney 
​
Stay up to date with BASECAMP on Facebook or Instagram.

BASECAMP Promotional Video from kcc on Vimeo.

Over 5,500 teenagers encouraged to live boldly for Jesus at KYCK

10/5/2017

 
Over three April weekends, a total of 5,519 teenagers headed up to the Blue Mountains to hear from God's Word and to be challenged to live for Jesus in the world.

​Youth groups travelled from all over NSW for the conference, with the biggest groups coming from Crossroads Christian Church (Canberra), Christ Church Gladesville, St. Matthews Anglican Church (West Pymble), and Springwood Baptist Church.
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KYCK 2017 featured Bible talks from the book of Daniel, taught by guest speakers Brett Middleton, Ross Ciano and Dan Wu. Youth were also served with a workshop 'Standing For The King At School' and opportunities to worship God through singing, dancing, games and fellowship with thousands of other like-minded teenagers. Over the three weekends, 79 youth committed their lives to Jesus for the first time, and 196 youth made a recommitment to God. Praise God!
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Brilliant in every way. Superb worship, inspiring bible teaching and awesome donuts!

​​- Debbie
First year and I loved it had an amazing time meeting new people and learning about the book of Daniel together.
​
​-Kylah
Found it so influential and formative, seeing so many other young Christians like me worshipping Jesus.

​​- Hannah
While KYCK is designed for youth, it also exists to serve leaders who are given a break from leading youth group for a weekend. Many leaders find that their relationship with youth is strengthened after a weekend of bonding, learning and sharing together at KYCK. 
What a great weekend learning with one another from the book of Daniel and encouraging God's youth on how to stand for the King! I took a car load of very happy, tired young people home, who were pleased with their first KYCK.
​
​- Sharon
As someone who took our youth to KYCK2017 #1, this was very worthwhile. The three speakers were not only knowledgeable but also very personable - especially during the 'Q & A' session.
​
​- Dan
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Save the dates for KYCK18!

Week 1:  13-15 April, 2018
Week 2:  20-22 April, 2018
Week 3:  27-29 April, 2018
Stay up to date with KYCK on Facebook or Instagram.

OneLove hosts a Mothers Day giveaway

4/5/2017

 
To celebrate Mothers Day (Sunday 14 May) OneLove is hosting a giveaway where you can win some hand crafted goodies for mum!

​The giveaway includes beautiful products created by Christian women who are using their companies to spread the love of Jesus locally and across the globe. 

You can enter the competition on Facebook or Instagram. 

Facebook Entry Instructions:

1. Like the OneLove Facebook Page,
2. On the OneLove competition graphic, tag 2 friends in the comments section,
3. Enter the draw to win! 

Instagram Entry Instructions:

1. Follow the OneLove Instagram account
2. On the OneLove competition graphic, tag 2 friends in the comments section,
3. Enter the draw to win!

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For full terms and conditions and details of each product visit: www.onelovewomen.com/news/onelove-mothers-day-giveaway 
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3,100+ delegates served at Katoomba Easter Convention 2017

3/5/2017

 
Over 3,100 delegates attended Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) over the Easter long weekend. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KEC has become an annual tradition for many families who head up to the Blue Mountains each year to spend quality time together around God's Word. 

The KEC program is designed to give every family member an opportunity to be refreshed from God's Word. For many parents, KEC is a unique opportunity to worship God without the distractions of parenting and everyday life. This year over 2,200 adults gathered together to hear from guest speakers Matt Fuller, Kirk Patston and Leon Stead speak from the Bible, on the theme "In God We Trust".

All the talks are currently available for download on the KCC App. 

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This was our first time at KEC. After 20 years in pastoral ministry and therefore unable to attend, we were blessed and encouraged beyond our expectations!

​- Heath & Kylie
KEC is like my new year. I go to be renewed refreshed encouraged and taught. Then I go back to my church and my town renewed and invigorated ready to serve God and his people. This is vital especially for those of us who live outside of Sydney."

​- Verina
How awesome it is for us to hear amazing talks without kids distracting us, and being encouraged and encouraging other adults in real adult conversations.

​- Todd & Michelle
Meanwhile, over 910 youth and children spent the weekend in an age specific program, led by scores of trained volunteers. Through games, songs, activities, and even a surprise visit from Colin Buchanan, every delegate under 18 heard the gospel and were encouraged to put their trust in Jesus.

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My little fellow has had so many conversations with me about Jesus I am utterly convinced the weekend has been one of spiritual growth for him, as much as my wife and I. 

​- Theodore
After day 1 with you guys, both my kids spent the afternoon singing songs about Jesus and asking questions. My children sang songs about Jesus rocking the world as we walked through public places. They are encouraging me to speak out and be more bold. 

- Michelle
With little ones, it often does feel like a luxury to be able to sit and listen through an entire sermon. So I was incredibly grateful and impressed by the children's ministry...Children need to hear God's Word and this priority was so clearly evident in the number of volunteers involved and careful planning to make sure they are in an age-appropriate environment while the parents are listening to the talks in the morning. 
​
- April
The KEC team is thankful to God for perfect mountain weather, powerful Bible teaching, and for every single one of our 321 volunteers who served so cheerfully over 4 days. KEC will return next year from March 30 to April 2, 2018.


Katoomba Easter Convention 2018 will be from March 30 to April 2, 2018. 

Download the KEC17 talks on the KCC App. 

Sign up to volunteer for KEC 2018.


​Stay up to date with KEC on Facebook. 

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  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • Board & Governance
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    • Work With Us
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  • Support Us
    • Pray
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  • 2019 Review