Coming from a background of being a speaker for 10+ years, Sarah is deeply passionate about sharing the life lessons she has learnt from her own journey to see others embrace and live their greatest most color-filled stories. Living with the disabilities of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalous has seen her face many trials and battles with courage and many victories to share. Sarah is the most passionate about using what she has learnt and gained from her own lived testimony to see others equipped and facing their own struggles with great joy in the journey. From traveling around the world solo, studying the joy of art and color, daring to embrace opportunities that present themselves to tackling the day to day challenges of living with disability, it is all part of creating the masterpiece of a testimony. Working alongside individuals in a mentoring capacity to encourage and empower others to seek perspectives in all moments of life. Sarah shares the power of her testimony with deep reverence and great Joy.

Rev. Rhys McFadden is Pastor of Maryborough Baptist Church.. With a wealth of pastoral and community engagement experience spanning 30 years and four states, Rhys oversees, develops, supports and equips with a practical hand on approach to his work. He is creative ‘out of the box’ thinker and noted gifted communicator with a passion to see people develop a real, authentic, world-changing faith. As pastor of Maryborough Baptist, Rhys breathes passion for Jesus and supports and enables people to make a positive impact in the world. Rhys and his wife Jackie are both the outdoorsy types. They enjoy riding their Harley, fishing, 4x4ing, camping and caravanning in their leisure times.

I am a husband, father, son, brother, friend, surfer, speaker, pastor and spiritual director.

Rev. Rhys McFadden is Pastor of Maryborough Baptist Church. With a wealth of pastoral and community engagement experience spanning 30 years and four states, Rhys oversees, develops, supports and equips with a practical hand on approach to his work. He is creative ‘out of the box’ thinker and noted gifted communicator with a passion to see people develop a real, authentic, world-changing faith.

As pastor of Maryborough Baptist, Rhys breathes passion for Jesus and supports and enables people to make a positive impact in the world. Rhys and his wife Jackie are both the outdoorsy types. They enjoy riding their Harley, fishing, 4x4ing, camping and caravanning in their leisure times.

Naomi is a life-long youth worker of 30+yrs, in roles including youth specialist, missions coordinator, schools team leader and currently as specialist trainer in youth ministry. She is responsible for training of chaplains, volunteer leaders (in primary and secondary settings, missions and camps), interns and staff.

Her greatest thrill is seeing disconnection and disaffection turned around as young people discover their worth, their gifts and capacities; find a sense of purpose to life. Jesus is the key. She has more patience with teens than with herself, the Church or consumer culture. Meeting and working with people of all ages who want to bless their community is an antidote to discouragement or cynicism… and an absolute privilege.

Life is busy with her husband, teenage daughter and a close extended family. COVID was made more bearable by the company of a cavoodle and a kitten.

Sarah Welch is a teacher with a passion for discipleship. Kate Wallis is a GP and the mother of 2 girls. Both attend South Toowoomba Baptist Church where Sarah coordinates the Kids Church ministry. They have a vision to see children know Jesus, know the Bible, and grow in Him.

I have been a training with CREP-SC on the Sunshine Coast in 2022 and have conducted several workshop sessions for local RI Instructors and Coordinators throughout the year. I’ve with students through delivering RI in state schools, I’ve had experience in early childhood education, and have worked with children and young adults through my local church.

For 35 years, Wendy has been involved in children’s ministry in different parts off the world, with Scripture Union and other agencies. Now retired, she volunteers with KidsChurch and Religious Instruction.

Shane Brigg has a vision to be a catalyst to help make a positive difference in the world. He is recognised by his compassionate, and keen, multi-generational approach in empowering others and helping to create solutions in communities. Shane has been involved in various community development engagements in Australia and Internationally for 33 years. He has been extensively involved in work with young people, pioneering several innovative youth ministries and projects.

Shane is based on the Sunshine Coast working as a SU QLD School Chaplain at Chancellor State College. The Mentoring Program and families engagements at Chancellor have attracted national and state applause and awards. He is the Sunshine Coast contact for Chaplaincy Australia developing Chaplains in over 30 different sectors. Shane has pioneered churches and outreach endeavours in Australia and South-East Asia. He is an accredited Minister with the Australian Christian Churches and part of a team mobilising community oriented (missional), organic (simple) gatherings. He is respected across denominations and sectors as a caring servant leader.

Shane has a background in Environmental Science focusing on Sociology, Anthropology, Development and International Management. He also has a Master of Arts in Ministry with International Management specialisation and is an accredited Trainer/Assessor. Shane is regularly called upon to teach Chaplaincy based subjects, cross cultural ministry, community development and leadership.

Shane has several writing projects underway including a Graphic Novel, a Major Trilogy Young Adult Novel, and several other creative pursuits.

He enjoys watching movies, playing games and meals together with his family, reading, bushwalking, going to the beach, and good coffee.

I have over 40 years of experience working with children in churches and schools. It is my passion to see happy, healthy children knowing God in a real and tangible way and loving His Word. I am an ACC Credentialed pastor and have been an SU Chaplain for 13 years. I have recently been appointed as a chaplain in a Christian School. In my Chaplaincy role, I have directed an SU Qld residential camp for a number of years, and for the past 8 years, I have directed a day camp or holiday club.

Dr. Kara Powell is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI), a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary, and Fuller’s Chief of Leadership Formation. Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women You Should Know,” Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange, and also speaks regularly at parenting and leadership conferences. Kara is the author or coauthor of a number of books, including 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager, Growing Young, Growing With, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, Sticky Faith Curriculum, Can I Ask That?, Deep Justice Journeys, Deep Justice in a Broken World, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World, and the Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum. Kara lives with her husband Dave and their three teenage and young adult children, Nathan, Krista, and Jessica, in Southern California.

Kylie Hofer is the Families Minster at Warnbro Community Church in Western Australia, the church she grew up in, and has been serving in for as long as she can remember.
Kylie was appointed to the Families Minister role in 2014, and has been faithfully serving her church, growing the ministry team, and journeying with families throughout this time. Her heart is to see her church community of all ages grow closer in their relationship with Christ, build in their service to Him and expand their faith to those around them. Raising disciples who make disciples. Passionate about encouraging, equipping and inspiring leaders, Kylie has built a team to run the Beyond Families Ministry Conference over the last 6 years.
Along with her husband and her 2 beautiful children, Kylie and her family seek to honour the Lord in every area of their lives.

Apparently Owen is ‘retired’. However, tell that to his wife, Gay, and you will be told he is anything but retired, devoting himself to children’s ministry in many forms: Kids Talks at church, Sunday Kids, RI at two schools, a Trainer and Mentor for those wonderful people who put their hands up to do RI, and doing Bible Time with his wife at the local Christian Day Care Centre. He is also a bona fide Primary teacher (retired) with special gifts in music.

I have been Involved in Ministry for over 25 years and have served in most areas of church life. Completed Bible College at Hillsong Church and was an Intern-Pastor their for a few years before returning to the Sunshine Coast. Have extensive experience particularly in youth ministry. I have been an SU chaplain for 12 years and currently work at two schools. I am an ordained ACC Pastor and on the board of my local church serving my senior pastor for over 15 years. I have been married for 14 years and have 4 kids.

Hi I’m Gem,
I love all things creative, all things Jesus and all things kids!
I have been the Children’s Ministry leader at MCF for almost 4 years now, and feel beyond blessed to be called into a role that involves so many things that I love.

Growing up I did not have any Christian family, however around 10years old I was invited by friends to Children’s Ministry, suddenly I found myself going to church every week, where many wonderful people sowed such vital seeds in my life leading me to accepting Christ and becoming the person I am today. Knowing just how valuable those seeds were, and the love I received when I needed it the most led me to becoming so passionate about Children’s Ministry and our future generation.

I love the quote “We are not Disciples in waiting, we are Disciples in training” and believe equipping kids to have a personal relationship with God starts today. I have a passion for teaching Hearing the voice of God as I believe hearing Gods voice and learning to obey is the most valuable tool we can have, I feel blessed beyond measure to be able to be a part of God’s work, helping Children know Him, and equipping leaders to use their gifting’s to serve within Children’s Ministry.

I look forward to serving on the Amplify team again this year and can’t wait to see you!

Jai Wright moved with his family to the Mackay region in 2011 to plant MAKE Church where he continues as founding Pastor. The church has grown from a small group meeting in a lounge room to a vibrant and growing community of around 200 people who love God and His Word. Jai is the author of Life Plugged In: Connecting with the Source of Peace, Power and Purpose.

My wife Ashlee & I have been youth & young adult pastors at Suncoast Church for the past 5 years and have been serving in ministry for 9 years. I am super passionate about helping youth ministries to reach more teenagers and helping them to create environments that unchurched teenagers love to be in.

Tim Beilharz has been a Children’s Ministry Advisor in the Sydney Anglican Diocese for almost 10 years, after six years as children’s minister at Gymea Anglican Church. Tim has recently contributed a chapter on ‘Intergenerational Church and Sociocultural Faith Development’ in the recently published Engage All Generations edited by Cory Seibel.

Apparently Owen is ‘retired’. However, tell that to his wife, Gay, and you will be told he is anything but retired, devoting himself to children’s ministry in many forms: Kids Talks at church, Sunday Kids, RI at two schools, a Trainer and Mentor for those wonderful people who put their hands up to do RI, and doing Bible Time with his wife at the local Christian Day Care Centre. He is also a bona fide Primary teacher (retired) with special gifts in music.

Rowan is the Head of Pastoral Theology at ACOM (Australian College of Ministry). He is an experienced researcher and educator in the area of formation and spirituality especially as it relates to younger people. Over the last 15 years, he has created and led formation programs for youth and young adults, and specialised in accompanying young people amidst times of doubt and spiritual transition – which ultimately became the focus of his PhD. Together with his wife Kirra, Rowan lives in Melbourne with three energetic teenagers who keep life suitably animated.

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Chris has been working with children and youth for over 30 years. Some relevant roles have been; Youth & Children’s Pastor, school Chaplain, RE Coordinator, presenter and trainer at conferences, camp leader, Senior Pastor and more. He knows that God has called him to share the good news of Jesus with kids and follows that heart and passion in his ongoing role with Scripture Union in South Australia.

Jake Mulder is the Fuller Seminary’s Executive Director of Leadership Formation Division and Senior Director of Strategy at the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI). As Senior Director of Strategy at FYI, he oversees Business Administration, coordinates new research, develops resources and trainings, and helps the team think strategically. Jake holds a BA in Business Administration in finance from Western Michigan University, an Mdiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Fuller. Passionate about helping individuals and organisations achieve their full potential, he is the co-author of Growing Young. Prior to joining the FYI Team, Jake worked in a variety of ministry and professional roles, including as a Financial Analyst, Youth Pastor in the Reformed Church of America, Ministry Director with Youth for Christ, and missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Europe and Asia. Jake and his family live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Adam Lowe is the Senior Minister of St Bart’s Anglican Church, Toowoomba, having previously served at a number of local churches and lectured in New Testament studies. Adam has a background in organisational psychology and has a passion for making and maturing disciples of Jesus through effective preaching, small groups and leadership. He is married to Bettrys (who serves as a Children & Families Minister) and together have three children, Amelia (10), Theodore (8), and Giovanna (5).

Rachel has served in children’s ministry for around 12 years in a variety of voluntary and paid roles. Previously a high school teacher, Rachel has now moved into a position as the Children’s Pastor at HumeRidge Church which she has now been serving in for 3 years.

Tom has been leading teams of people involved in youth and young adult ministry for almost 20 years. From state wide events to small one off teams to long running ministries, he has successfully built and led teams for a huge variety of purposes.

Greg and Kym Dickman – both educators – have worked in isolated locations through the years and in small rural church settings.
Emma Burstow is a youth worker as well as a registered nurse, and has been working with young people and refugees for 8 years, to help them feel connected.
Adam Lowe is senior minister and has a background in organisational psychology.

Tim Fawssett looks after Cross Cultural Innovations at Scripture Union. From 2009-2017 he led a ministry called the “The Feast” in multi-cultural Birmingham England, helping equip Christian young people to engage with, love and share their faith with peers of a different faith or culture. Now Tim is taking this experience of vibrant engagement with “others” and exploring how it can inform and enrich ministry with SU and the local church.

Matt is the Creative Director of Quiz Worx, a ministry that seeks to share Jesus with kids everywhere. He has a passion for ensuring that kids are taught faithfully from God’s Word in a fun and creative manner.

Terry has been on the staff team of Scripture Union in Queensland for 38 years as a specialist in ministry with families and children. In 2008 he was seconded to the SU International staff team, for half of his time, to serve the 120 SU movements in other countries. Terry is married to Margaret and they have three children and six grandchildren.

Bettrys is passionate about finding creative ways to help children engage with the Bible and prayer. Throughout her life she has been involved in various churches, serving in children’s ministry, youth ministry, and music ministry. She is currently employed as the Children’s and Families Minister at St Bart’s, Toowoomba. Bettrys is also an experienced primary teacher, having worked in schools throughout south-east Queensland and in the UK.

From 13 years of age, Dan’s daily reality was the tenacity and pressure of high-performance sport as an elite swimmer, competing (successfully) against Ian Thorpe and others.
As the pressures of identity grew, so did drug and alcohol abuse. After time in a Christian rehabilitation centre, Dan was able to face reality and encounter the love and redemptive power of Christ. Overcoming incredible odds, he then represented Australia in the 2016 Olympic Games. In this journey, he has learned to rely on Christ – and has discovered that his experiences connect with and impact others.

Peter Dutton has been involved in Youth Ministry for over 15 years. He is the Youth and Young Adults Minister at St Bart’s Anglican Church in Toowoomba, and also works as a Youth Ministry Consultant.

Liam Carelse is the Head of Generations at Outlook Christian Church and is passionate about seeing young people become fully devoted followers of Christ. Liam has been youth leading for 6 years and loves seeing young people love God and serve Him and His church.

Bettrys is passionate about finding creative ways to help children engage with the Bible and prayer. Throughout her life she has been involved in various churches, serving in children’s ministry, youth ministry, and music ministry. She is currently employed as the Children’s and Families Minister at St Bart’s, Toowoomba. Bettrys is also an experienced primary teacher, having worked in schools throughout south-east Queensland and in the UK.

Tracy is passionate about ensuring we create thriving church communities where children feel loved and feel they belong as they grow in their faith. She has been a Kids and Families Pastor for 15 years and Lectures in Kids Ministry for the Queensland Baptist Theological College, Malyon.

My wife Ashlee & I have been Youth & Young Adult pastors at Suncoast Church for 5 years and have been serving in ministry for 9 years. I am extremely passionate about helping youth ministries to reach more teenagers who don’t know Jesus.

Rev. Rhys McFadden is Pastor of Maryborough Baptist Church.. With a wealth of pastoral and community engagement experience spanning 30 years and four states, Rhys oversees, develops, supports and equips with a practical hand on approach to his work. He is creative ‘out of the box’ thinker and noted gifted communicator with a passion to see people develop a real, authentic, world-changing faith. As pastor of Maryborough Baptist, Rhys breathes passion for Jesus and supports and enables people to make a positive impact in the world. Rhys and his wife Jackie are both the outdoorsy types. They enjoy riding their Harley, fishing, 4x4ing, camping and caravanning in their leisure times.

Terry has been on the staff team of Scripture Union in Queensland for 38 years as a specialist in ministry with families and children. In 2008 he was seconded to the SU International staff team, for half of his time, to serve the 120 SU movements in other countries. Terry is married to Margaret and they have three children and six grandchildren.

Shane Brigg has a vision to be a catalyst to help make a positive difference in the world. He is recognised by his compassionate, and keen, multi-generational approach in empowering others and helping to create solutions in communities. Shane has been involved in various community development engagements in Australia and Internationally for 33 years. He has been extensively involved in work with young people, pioneering several innovative youth ministries and projects.

Shane is based on the Sunshine Coast working as a SU QLD School Chaplain at Chancellor State College. The Mentoring Program and families engagements at Chancellor have attracted national and state applause and awards. He is the Sunshine Coast contact for Chaplaincy Australia developing Chaplains in over 30 different sectors. Shane has pioneered churches and outreach endeavours in Australia and South-East Asia. He is an accredited Minister with the Australian Christian Churches and part of a team mobilising community oriented (missional), organic (simple) gatherings. He is respected across denominations and sectors as a caring servant leader.

Shane has a background in Environmental Science focusing on Sociology, Anthropology, Development and International Management. He also has a Master of Arts in Ministry with International Management specialisation and is an accredited Trainer/Assessor. Shane is regularly called upon to teach Chaplaincy based subjects, cross cultural ministry, community development and leadership.

Shane has several writing projects underway including a Graphic Novel, a Major Trilogy Young Adult Novel, and several other creative pursuits.

He enjoys watching movies, playing games and meals together with his family, reading, bushwalking, going to the beach, and good coffee.

I’m a qualified primary school teacher and have been involved in RI for many years. I’ve been a trainer with CREP-SC for several years working with both RI Coordinators and RI Instructors on the Sunshine Coast. I am committed to seeing RI team members flourish in their skill sets and confidence, and to continue to grow as Instructors.

Ministering to children is a passion and calling for me that has consumed over 40 years, of my life. I have served God and children in many settings both as a volunteer and in paid roles. These roles have involved serving as an RI teacher, Children;’s Ministry Director, and youth ministry leader through to running camps, and holiday clubs and also being the Director of an Outside School Hours Care Centre.
For the past 13 years, I have loved my work in state schools as an SU Australia Chaplain until recently being employed as the Chaplain at a Christian school. I am also an ACC-credentialed Pastor working in partnership with my husband Mark.

Brendan is part of SU Australia’s Equip team, providing training in the children and families ministry context. He’s also a member of the Snack Music kids band, a worship minister, computer programmer and (pragmatic) bike riding enthusiast. He loves helping people understand what’s going on and introducing various frameworks for mission and ministry.

Shane Brigg has a vision to be a catalyst to help make a positive difference in the world. He is recognised by his compassionate, and keen, multi-generational approach in empowering others and helping to create solutions in communities. Shane has been involved in various community development engagements in Australia and Internationally for 33 years. He has been extensively involved in work with young people, pioneering several innovative youth ministries and projects.

Shane is based on the Sunshine Coast working as a SU QLD School Chaplain at Chancellor State College. The Mentoring Program and families engagements at Chancellor have attracted national and state applause and awards. He is the Sunshine Coast contact for Chaplaincy Australia developing Chaplains in over 30 different sectors. Shane has pioneered churches and outreach endeavours in Australia and South-East Asia. He is an accredited Minister with the Australian Christian Churches and part of a team mobilising community oriented (missional), organic (simple) gatherings. He is respected across denominations and sectors as a caring servant leader.

Shane has a background in Environmental Science focusing on Sociology, Anthropology, Development and International Management. He also has a Master of Arts in Ministry with International Management specialisation and is an accredited Trainer/Assessor. Shane is regularly called upon to teach Chaplaincy based subjects, cross cultural ministry, community development and leadership.

Shane has several writing projects underway including a Graphic Novel, a Major Trilogy Young Adult Novel, and several other creative pursuits.

He enjoys watching movies, playing games and meals together with his family, reading, bushwalking, going to the beach, and good coffee.

Medical Missionary in PNG for 17 years. Taught RI in PNG for a few years. Settled on the Sunshine Coast and have been teaching RI to the Grade ones and twos for 26 years. What a blessing it is teach RI. I get so excited to listen and encourage the little ones. The Holy Spirit is working through the RI programme in a mighty way. I teach about God’s Heart and
the heart of God’s people.

Tim has been helping people thrive for all his working life. He works with cause-driven NGOs and humanitarian organisations, enabling them to navigate the complex communications needs, challenges, and requirements of unstable humanitarian environments. His current role is the Country Director for Watoto, helping vulnerable women and children in South Sudan and Uganda.

Having spent his childhood growing up in Fiji, working and volunteering in Israel/Palestine, serving in Children’s ministry in the US, as well as working with special needs children in Afghanistan, battered women and their children in Mexico and other people-to-people projects across the globe, Tim has a deep passion and sensitivity for those who struggle to help themselves and struggle to thrive.

Tim is married to Jesmae, his best friend from high school. They have five high energy children and a cattle dog with even more energy. He has a thing for languages, learning Hebrew, Arabic and Farsi, is partial to Turkish coffee, the wisdom of Brennan Manning, Daniel Silva novels and spending as much time with his family as possible.

Tracy Valentine has been a Children’s and Families Pastor for 15 years, most recently serving as a Children’s Pastor, Generations Pastor and then Families Pastor at Gateway Baptist Church, where she Pastored for seven years. Before this, she served as a Children’s Pastor in Ballarat, Victoria. In 2021 Tracy was the team leader for QB Kids and Families. She is a Registered Pastor with Queensland Baptists and is the QB Area Pastor for Women Pastors. Tracy Lectures on Kids and Families Ministry at the QLD Baptist Bible College Malyon. Tracy is passionate about encouraging families to create vibrant homes of faith. She is eager to empower parents, grandparents and the church to use their influence in the comings and goings of everyday life to positively shape the faith of the next generation. She loves investing in the leadership of people who share the passion of raising the next generation to have an authentic and lifelong relationship with Jesus.

Terry has been on the staff team of Scripture Union in Queensland for 38 years as a specialist in ministry with families and children. In 2008 he was seconded to the SU International staff team, for half of his time, to serve the 120 SU movements in other countries. Terry is married to Margaret and they have three children and six grandchildren.

I commenced my position at Suncoast Church in March 2020 right before we plunged into lockdown. What I thought was just crazy bad timing began a unique opportunity to take a step back and relook at how we run Sunday programs, onboard and look after our volunteers better and engage with parents and guardians more effectively. One breakthrough, which for us has been a gamechanger, has been the implementation of digital media. Turns out there is a lot of resource out there and I have been fortunate enough to find the right fit for our church. Digital media has provided us with the margin to develop different strategies, empower new leaders, extend our incredible volunteer base and work towards creating environments our kids love to attend. I would love the opportunity to share some of our journey and hopefully provide valuable insights in to how a good kids program can realistically become a great ministry.

Kerry is a speaker, program facilitator and author. She has been blessed with a career of wide variety. Currently she is a chaplain at a local primary school, community programs manager at Hopefield Services and delivers a traffic offender program once a month. These roles offer her the chance to connect with children and adults, support them through challenges and struggles and celebrate positive change.

Kerry is trained in various parenting and other programs, all of which offer participants the chance to reflect and grow. She is also the author of two children’s books and delivers regular community education and workshops on the topic of anxiety.

Kerry is blessed to be married to Phil and has two children, a daughter and a son. Her daughter passed away in 2014. Her son and his wife have two children and another on the way. She has lived experience of anxiety, depression and grief but is anchored by faith in God and His promises.

In her spare time, she enjoys creating with a crochet hook, puzzles and musicals.

I have been Involved in Ministry for over 25 years and have served in most areas of church life. Completed Bible College at Hillsong Church and was an Intern-Pastor their for a few years before returning to the Sunshine Coast. Have extensive experience particularly in youth ministry. I have been an SU chaplain for 12 years and currently work at two schools. I am an ordained ACC Pastor and on the board of my local church serving my senior pastor for over 15 years. I have been married for 14 years and have 4 kids.

Amy serves as a Lay Minister of Discipleship at St Bart’s Anglican Church, Toowoomba. In this role, she oversees aspects relating to Discipleship & Pathways, including small groups, Alpha, newcomers, and workplace faith. Amy also has experience in children’s ministry, having developed curriculum and resources in a parish setting for a number of years.

Bob was the chaplain of the Inala State School for six years, up to his retirement in 2022. Prior to that, he held a contract management position for ten years with the Qld Department of Communites, Child Safety and Disability Services; and also worked in the area of intellectual disability in various capacities for 25 years.
In 2017 he developed a project called “100,000 MENTORS – SHARING THE DREAM”, to promote awareness of the unlimited potential of voluntary, informal youth mentoring, which emerged from insights he gained through a couple of years of mentoring youth from multicultural backgrounds.