One hundred and sixty youth leaders from 66 churches came together for Connect 2010, held at El Rancho. Wellington turned on the weather for a fantastic weekend of learning, connecting, being inspired and worshipping God.
Many participants commented on the quality and range of the workshop programme. One said, “too many great workshops to choose from. I don’t know if this is a criticism or an accolade…will have to come to 2011 and hope they are repeated.”
There were 40 different workshops with 22 different speakers, including ministers, youth workers, and lecturers. Streams included: discipleship, church, mission and community, youth praxis, and worship, where participants ended up jamming together as well as reflecting on the nature of worship. The enthusiasm for the Biblical/theological stream suggested a hunger for going deeper in our understanding of faith.
As worship curator, Vanessa Gordon created a broad range and experience of worship. Her team of talented musicians took us on a journey, starting with God creating the world. On Saturday, we engaged with Jesus’ creation of a new humanity and the Holy Spirit’s role in forming a community of belonging. Sunday morning had an outward theme, as we shared communion together over lunch.
Participants said they loved the use of other mediums of worship. “There was something for everyone in every worship session. It wasn’t just singing, or just reflection.”
Guest speaker Tim Keel spoke on about what it means to be lost, and how this is actually a good thing. He challenged us not to reach for quick fixes of the next and latest model of youth ministry. Instead, we need to stop and seek God among us, consider what he is doing that is specific to our context and then join him in whatever this might be. Then Graham Redding took us on a whirlwind tour of John Calvin’s thinking and its ongoing relevance for us as the people of God.
Connect 2011 is all go, with guest speaker Andrew Root, author of Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry, already booked. Check out the video promo at www.presbyterian.org.nz/pym. See you at Living Springs, Christchurch, 1-3 July 2011!
By Carlton Johnstone
Some participants’ comments:
“This is the best Connect I have been to! The workshops were fantastic and relevant for me; an awesome selection!”
“This Connect has been food for the body, mind and spirit.”
“Highlights were connecting with people, creating new relationships and maintaining old ones.”
“High points were networking with others; playing soccer on the field with the Moderator.”
“I can honestly say I had so many highlights that I was overwhelmed at the unity and value I was able to tap into. The weekend, speakers, and workshops were so relevant. I feel equipped, renewed and even excited to get home and start building on all I’ve taken in this weekend. Malo lava (well done).”