More than 420 church members and leaders from across Australia gathered at Gold Coast Central Seventh-day Adventist Church from August 14–15 for the seventh annual Creative Conference.
Across 15 sessions, attendees discovered how creativity can bring new life to almost every area of ministry—from discipleship, children’s ministry and worship environments to songwriting, live painting, podcasting, videography, content creation and social media.
The program featured keynote speaker Dr Nick Kross presenting the World Changers Bible, alongside creative ministry leaders including Lyudmilla Haycock (live painting), Dwane Hedges (stage design and lighting), Reuben Bazley (videography), Jared Madden (Psalter Studios), Kimberley Ellen (creative expression), Pastor Dayne Habermann (content creation), Kymberley McMurray (social media) and Pamela Jovanovic (songwriting).
“Together, these gifted ministry leaders demonstrated that creativity is not simply reserved for artists, musicians or media professionals, it belongs in every part of the church and can become a powerful doorway through which people encounter Jesus,” said Creative Conference organiser Charmaine Patel.
“Through compelling stories, practical insights and heartfelt presentations, attendees were challenged to listen more closely to the Holy Spirit, step boldly into their calling and use their gifts with courage, purpose and faith.”
Ms Patel said Creative Conference was more than an event: “It was a call to awaken the gifts God has placed within His people. It invited the church to dream bigger, embrace new possibilities and communicate eternal truth with fresh vision.
“The church does not need creativity for creativity’s sake. It needs creativity surrendered to God—creativity that reveals Jesus, reaches hearts and builds a vibrant, Spirit-led and mission-focused church.”
