Katoomba Christian Convention
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • Board & Governance
    • KCC - Our Team
    • Work With Us
    • Annual Review
  • Our Events
  • Support Us
    • Pray
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Working Bee
  • StayKCC
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • 2020 Review


BLOG


 ​

Onward Conference Confronts ‘Cancel Culture’ With the Gospel

1/7/2020

 
Picture
Onward was hosted by MC's Hayley and Sam.
Last Friday, close to 900 youth gathered in churches and living rooms for the Onward conference livestream, and to hear how the Gospel of Christ challenges ‘Cancel Culture’ in the West.  Youth groups tuned in from across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, with the largest groups represented by Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, One Family Church Granville, North Side Chinese Alliance Church and Wild Street Anglican. 
 
Despite being livestreamed due to COVID-19, the Onward team worked hard to recreate a physical conference experience by providing an interactive Q&A panel, worship in song by Whitefield band, and encouraging camaraderie within youth groups with a Dress Up challenge.  
Picture
Young Baptist Church Youth Group wins the Onward Dress Up Challenge with a Star Wars theme.
Picture
 ‘Rebellion Youth’ from Cessnock was a finalist for the Dress Up challenge.

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Onward is a convention that seeks to prepare Christian youth to see their place in the wider world. By combining short TED-style talks, personal testimonies, singing and a live Q&A, the Onward program equips and encourages youth to engage with society and culture, with a biblical worldview.  ​

Onward20 | Finding Your Crowd from kcc on Vimeo.

​With the world becoming increasingly divided into tribes of thought, the theme for Onward 2020 was ‘Finding Your Crowd: Living in a World of Difference & Exclusion’. The official program kicked off with guest speaker, Sam Chan preaching from Matthew 15:21-28, to share what the Bible says about tribalism and the universal human desire for belonging.  
 
Blending biblical references, news headlines and personal stories, Chan humorously highlighted both the benefits and dangers of tribalism. He then explored the development of ‘Cancel Culture’ in the West and how we are now only “one tweet away” from being shunned, shamed or expelled from even our own tribe. Furthermore, offenders of ‘Cancel Culture’ no longer bother with apologies, because there is no offer of forgiveness.  
Picture
Urban Missionary, Sam Chan preaches at Onward 2020.

​The realities of 'Cancel Culture' were further highlighted with personal testimonies sharing experiences with tribalism on social media, in high school and the workplace. These stories highlighted the extent of the problem in every sphere of life and left us wondering how Christians can engage with others in a more loving and inclusive way. 
Picture
Karen, a university student, discusses tribalism and 'Cancel Culture' on social media.

​Sam Chan then offered five ways in which the Gospel challenges ‘Cancel Culture’ and reminded youth of the unity that’s possible in diversity, if our identity comes from Christ. By highlighting God’s unconditional love for sinners, Chan reminded youth that all humans are broken, and yet Jesus “cancels” no one. Therefore, the Gospel should empower Christians to create inclusive communities marked by love, prayer, blessing and forgiveness for all people – even our enemies. 
“Campsie Youth had a great time and were super excited that we received the first shout out! Sam Chan shares his gift of sharing God’s Word so well, and we love how laid back and Aussie Asian he is.”  

​– Onward 2020 delegate 
​The night ended with a live Q&A panel led by Sam Chan and Onward Chair, Sam Wan. Together, they helped viewers to consider the practicalities around virtue signalling, love for enemies, demonising others, and whether Christians should be involved in social justice marches such as “Black Lives Matter”.  
Picture
Onward 2020 Q&A panel.
​
​Although KCC has had to put a pause on physical events this year, we thank God for the gift of technology, and the ways in which it has enabled his word to be preached far and wide, so that hearts can continue being impacted and transformed for God’s glory. It is our hope and prayer that youth will walk away from Onward 2020, committed to challenging 'Cancel Culture' with the Gospel and to show a divided world the unity and reconciliation that’s possible in Christ alone.
​“The work and passion that KCC puts into Onward and KYCK is really evident! I really enjoy and look forward to these events every year, and I know that they've played a big role in the Christian journeys of me and others."  – Onward 2020 delegate 

Missed Out on Onward?


​You can still purchase tickets and view the event on-demand until 2 August 2020.  Get tickets HERE. 

Get 15% off Evangelism Books!


​Our list of recommended reads on evangelism and apologetics are 15% off for Onward delegates. If you registered for the conference, make sure to pick up one of our recommended books from the Wandering Bookseller using the discount code that’s available in your conference booklet! 

Save the Date for Onward 2021! ​


Onward will return on Friday 25 June, 2021 and will be held at The Concourse in Chatswood. Mark the date in your calendar, and stay tuned for more details by following us on Instagram, Facebook or by signing up to our mailing list on our website.  We look forward to serving you again next year!

Comments are closed.

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017

    Categories

    All
    Easter Convention
    KYCK
    OneLove

    RSS Feed

events

NextGen
KYCK
​Easter Convention
​BASECAMP
OneLove
Oxygen
Onward

support

Pray
Donate
Volunteer
​Working Bees
​StayKCC
Jobs

ABOUT

History
Annual Review
Statement of Faith
Privacy Policy
App ​Terms and Conditions

Governance
​
Press
Contact Us
All One in Christ Jesus
since 1903
© COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • Board & Governance
    • KCC - Our Team
    • Work With Us
    • Annual Review
  • Our Events
  • Support Us
    • Pray
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Working Bee
  • StayKCC
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • 2020 Review