For the first time, 250 key leaders from the Adventist Church in South Queensland gathered together for a summit focused on starting a “servolution”.
The “Shaping for leadership” conference was intentional about inviting younger leaders, with many of the attendees aged under 30.
“We have a major focus on the inclusion of young adults as a part of ‘the Church’ and not just another ‘side ministry’,” said Pastor Greg Pratt, from the South Queensland Conference.
The event was designed to refocus the Church on mission and to give leaders practical stories and ideas of how they can share the love of Jesus—including simple acts of service, friendship evangelism, centres of influence, ADRA projects and more.
“We wanted every leader to leave the weekend and head back to their church saying ‘I can do that’,” Pastor Pratt said. “The leaders were challenged to consider how this would look in their own lives and churches. All leaders present made a stand and accepted the call to begin a servolution in their towns, cities and communities where they live.”
Speakers included South Pacific Division (SPD) president Pastor Glenn Townend, South Queensland Conference president Pastor Brett Townend, SPD Church planting expert Pastor Wayne Krause, Pastor Gary Krause from the General Conference and Pastor David Jamieson.
Conference general secretary Pastor Colin Renfrew said the event grew out of the Mission to the Cities emphasis. “We want to reach the people living in the cities and we can’t do it on our own, so we need to be serious about equipping our members, especially our young leaders, to make an impact right where they live and work,” he said.
