CCCQLD EQUIP Conference
By Timon Bengtson
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19
What a joy it was to celebrate all that God has done and is doing through our network at our recent conference! It was impossible not to sense that God is doing a new thing through our network. New growth and renewal are evident everywhere in our network. God is making dry bones live!
Conference Highlights
Dr Malcom Gill powerfully reminded us from the gospel of Matthew that, in the light of Christ’s imminent return, we are called to steward our gifts faithfully and courageously. He challenged us to use our time, treasure, and talents for God’s glory, so we receive a “well done” from our Master when he returns. It was so refreshing to hear preaching on Christ’s return that was practical and biblical.
Our times of worship and singing were also filled with joy and unity— one person said they nearly lost their voice because they were so caught up in worship. We were also blessed with a range of inspiring electives:
Kerry Marshall spoke on helping our women become “women of the Word.” One church leader remarked, “This focus of getting our people to connect with the LORD through his word is something our whole church needs to hear, not just our women.”
Simon Heazlewood challenged us with practical wisdom about embracing our call to be on mission in our workplaces and how businesspeople can use their entrepreneurial skills and passion for God’s kingdom. He shared a story about how George Mueller (an early Brethren leader) raised the equivalent of $200 million at today's rates for mission work and his orphanage, demonstrating that risk and faith have always been a hallmark of our movement.
Troy Beer unpacked the heart of true discipleship. One attendee said, “If God blesses the vision, then we will need twenty Troys helping our churches to embed a culture of discipleship."
Kyllum Lewis encouraged us to become multiplying churches that raise up new leaders and fresh expressions of gospel witness.
Titilia inspired us with stories and practical advice on using “hands and feet” to reach people in our communities with the love of Christ.
In the evening, it was truly moving to see our next generation step up and lead us in worship. A big thank you to Seni Tafa (TYJ), who challenged us to live for God’s glory. Kyllum Lewis then challenged our next generation with a message from Exodus 3 and 4, to bring all their objections and insecurities to the Lord. They were invited to see themselves—and their callings—in light of who God is, not just their limitations. We pray that our next generation will take this calling back to their churches and be a force for God in their schools, universities and workplaces.
A Vision for the Future
Throughout the conference, we heard testimony after testimony of how God is working. A visitor from one of our interstate organisations commented that there was a sense of expectation and vision at the conference that he has rarely seen elsewhere. We believe that the best days are yet to come for our network, and we would love to become a network of 150 healthy, growing, and multiplying churches by 2050. We would love to play our part in seeing the gospel saturate our great state. We praise God for stirring us with fresh hope and pray that this continues.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This conference would not have been possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers and the generous partnership of our sponsors: AMT, Bethany Christian Care, Stewards Foundation, CYC Adventures, and Sovereign Funerals. Your support was a powerful demonstration of hope and unity.
Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude to my team, Daniel Moller and Kerryn Stackman, for all their hard work and tireless service. Their leadership behind the scenes was instrumental in making this conference a reality.
Let’s continue to pray and expect God to do great things as we move forward together. May we have eyes to see the “new thing” he is doing in our midst!