On 2-3 September a first national evangelism conference in many years was held in Tauranga, called ‘Engage.’ The conference attracted almost 200 key leaders and members, representing most denominations, and over 20 outreaching organisations.

On the day before the leaders of 18 outreaching organizations gathered – many meeting for a first time. The hearts of all were warmed as these leaders quickly became united through sharing what they saw God doing through their various efforts to serve and help churches, and through a selfless interest in each other’s work.

The scale of the missional challenge we all face was especially noted. As many as 6 out of 10 non-Church people are unaware of having any church-going friends. Additionally, many church people are not actively seeking to connect those they know with Christ. As a result, as many as 80% of our nation’s un-churched people have no-one trying to connect the love of God through Christ with them.

Together these leaders affirmed the importance of addressing this through intentional equipping and mobilisation, whilst being wisely sensitive in methodology to the changing cultural environment in our nation and its churches.

This unity and dynamic continued into the conference, resulting in an overwhelmingly positive experience. Attendees left feeling inspired and uplifted, and together affirmed the value of this kind of unity and equipping for churches within our nation.

Organisations represented in the picture:

Alpha, Christian Camping, Christchurch Evangelism Network, Church Army, CRC Media, Christianity Explored, Evangelism Explosion, International Teams, Long Story Short, New Zealand Christian Network, OAC, Operation Mobilisation, Rhema Media, Shining Lights Trust (Hope Project), Thinking Matters, Train to Proclaim, Willow Creek, YWAM.

DAVE MANN. Dave is an Author and gifted communicator with a passion for the Gospel. This passion started when he came to faith at age 11. After Secondary School he went straight to Bible College, followed by 7 years in outreach ministry in New Zealand, then nearly 9 as a pastor in Singapore, before returning to New Zealand at the end of 2011. Dave is a visionary and fearless about pioneering initiatives aimed at helping the Church in New Zealand in the area of its mission. Author of various books and Tracts including “Because we care”, “That Leaders might last”, “The Elephant in the Room” and available free on this site: “The what and how of Youth and Young Adult ministry”.