Melbourne East

Asking questions is Jesus' main way of communicating and facilitating transformation in people, but we tend to do a lot of telling and answering instead. Explore the different types of questions and when they are best used, for building relationships, provoking thought and exploring the Bible.

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.

Explore the profound challenges faced by individuals navigating multiple cultural identities. Delve into the 'collective sin of omission' and the 'double self' phenomenon, where people feel compelled to hide aspects of their heritage. Discover how to embrace your cultural richness as an asset and find healing and unconditional belonging through faith.

Grace Lung is a pastoral leader and cultural trainer specializing in cross-generational, bi-cultural ministries, who has collaborated with Scripture Union on various cultural awareness initiatives.

Arguably, your early years ministry is the most foundational and critical ministry in the life of your church. Join us as we unpack the 'why' we provide a ministry space for young children and explore how to create an engaging and exciting space/program that will see preschoolers' hearts set on fire for Jesus.

Bethany has served as the Early Years Pastor at a large Baptist in Brisbane and works as a Children's and Ministry Chaplain in a number of early learning centres across Queensland.

Discover how to transform any worship gathering into an engaging, relational space where all generations connect. Learn practical Messy Church principles and hands-on skills to design inclusive services that embrace neurodiversity and welcome everyone.

Sandy Brodine is an ordained Uniting Church minister and the Younger Generations Education and Strategy Coordinator for the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, specializing in neurodiversity-affirming, intergenerational ministry, and local and international Messy Church leadership.

How do we help kids grow UP with the Bible - not to grow OUT of it? It's more than a bunch of disconnected stories, and far more than a list of rules. Let's invite them to join God in His big story and open their eyes to the adventure of living and serving with Jesus.

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.

The world is changing at an exponential pace. Technology is not going away. Denial is not a strategy that is going to work! While the challenge seems huge, come and explore some basic principles that undergird any strategy to help young people and parents to navigate through a digital world in a healthy way. Being informed is the start of the journey.

Terry was on the staff team of Scripture Union in Queensland for more than 40 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.

Leveraging influence when you lack authority. Explore the special leadership lens required for "second chair" leadership that recognises three unique areas of leadership challenge.

Leanne has led teams in missional movements, not for profit and local church contexts. As ministry specialist, Leanne has worked with children in schools and churches, on missions, camps and holiday programs. She loves to engage kids with creativity and curiosity and is passionate about equipping leaders to work with children in real, relevant and life-changing ways.

An exploration of some of the important keys that will help you to match your expectations of what children can understand and do with the diverse and creative range of learning experiences available. Unlocking this process by using these keys will empower your communication and build deeper connections.

Terry was on the staff team of Scripture Union in Queensland for more than 40 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.

You don't need to look far to see that before, during, and after this pandemic, young people are navigating unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, suicide. This seminar equips you with proven and practical answers to the pressing questions of why we're seeing this surge in young people, and how your team and church can offer the hope and help young people and families need.

Kara E. Powell is chief of leadership formation at Fuller, executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI), and professor of youth and family ministry. She completed her PhD in Practical Theology from Fuller Seminary with a focus on pastoral role expectations in 2000, an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1994, and a BA in human biology, graduating with honors from Stanford University in 1991. Kara also serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange. Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara is the author or coauthor of numerous books. Kara lives in Pasadena with her husband, Dave, who is a medical device engineer, and their children, Nathan, Krista, and Jessica.