Into the Nations – Workshops
Saturday Morning
The Bible Isn’t Flat: Reading God’s Word with Wisdom (Part 1) – Mike Johnson
God is the Great Communicator – He speaks to be understood so His people may know His nature, will, and ways, and respond with faithful obedience. Yet His Word comes through diverse human authors and literary styles – poetry, narrative, prophecy, and more – each requiring different tools to interpret well.
We’re not the original audience but eavesdroppers on ancient conversations. So how do we listen wisely? How do we bridge the cultural and historical gap to grasp the authors’ intent and rightly apply God’s Word today?
In this two-part workshop, we’ll explore key principles for reading the Bible faithfully and fruitfully, growing as those who “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
Mike longs to know the heart of God through His Word and let that understanding shape every part of life and ministry for God’s glory. He is currently serving as the ministry leader for Melbourne.
Spiritual Street Smarts: Living as a Teenager with God’s Wisdom – Dustyn McLaren
Wisdom can be a total lifesaver – not just for getting through tough moments, but for avoiding some altogether. Think of intelligence as book smarts, and wisdom as street smarts – like knowing a tomato is a fruit, but being wise enough not to put it in a fruit salad.
God doesn’t just like wisdom – He loves it. Solomon could have asked for anything, and he chose wisdom. The Bible has whole books dedicated to it, and 1 Corinthians says Jesus is wisdom for us.
So—how are your spiritual street smarts? What does godly wisdom look like in school, friendships, and online?
This workshop will help you seek God’s wisdom, live it out, and pass it on.
Dustyn caught a vision for disciple-making in high school. He now serves with the Navigators in Gympie alongside his wife, Hannah, and is pioneering student ministry at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Crossing Cultures: Stepping Into Another’s World – Clint and Leigh Ann Trebesh
How do we enter someone else’s world with the gospel? This interactive workshop explores the heart and posture of cross-cultural ministry – whether overseas or on your street. Through stories, role plays, and input from those with rich experience, we’ll unpack practical ways to cross cultures with sensitivity, purpose, and long-term impact. Whether you’re considering a short-term trip, exploring a long-term assignment, or simply wanting to grow in everyday cross-cultural engagement, come ready to be stretched and stirred to embrace God’s global mission.
Clint and Leigh Ann have recently navigated the challenges of moving to Australia for the sake of the gospel with their three daughters – Hayley, Abigail, and Sylvie. They have led multiple short-term mission trips and are currently pioneering a Navigator ministry at Deakin University.
Beyond the Spotlight: Sharing Jesus in Everyday Moments – Paul Bailey
How do you feel when you hear the word evangelism – excited, hesitant, overwhelmed? Many of us fear we need to deliver a full Gospel message every time we speak, which can be paralysing.
In a culture increasingly shaped by atheism, apathy, and scepticism, people are still searching for meaning. So how can we share our faith when we feel inadequate or unprepared?
This workshop offers simple, practical steps to grow in confidence – not to become a street preacher, but to be a faithful witness right where God has placed you. Come and discover how to trust Christ, depend on the Spirit, and take small, courageous steps to advance the gospel – for His glory and the good of those around you.
Paul leads the Navigators ministry at Monash University, where he’s passionate about sharing Jesus and helping others take their next steps in faith.
Model and Multiply: Discipling your Children with Purpose – Randall and Taryn Donohue
In a world of constantly shifting values and increasing distractions, intentional discipleship at home is more vital than ever. This workshop is designed to help equip parents to raise children who are disciples of Jesus with a heart to fulfil the great commission (Matt 28:18-20). Together we will look at biblical principles and real-life examples to encourage and challenge us to move beyond imparting skills and habits to shaping hearts and vision.
Taryn and Randall are part of the Canberra Labourers Community. They have three daughters: Olivia, Adelaide and Elise.
Losing to Live: Discipleship in a Self-Fulfilling Culture – Bruce Clarke
We live in a culture that prizes autonomy, and self-fulfilment – yet Jesus offers a startling challenge: “…whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matt. 16:25). This workshop invites participants to reckon with the dominant narratives of modern life that promote personal control and perpetual craving. In contrast, we will explore the radical path of discipleship shaped by surrender to Christ’s lordship. Through cultural insights, Scriptural reflection, and conversation, participants will reconsider the life-giving choice to live with Jesus as Lord.
Dr Bruce Clarke is a retired engineer who has more recently been engaged in understanding cultural trends in the light of Scripture.
Sunday Afternoon
The Bible Isn’t Flat: Reading God’s Word with Wisdom (Part 2) – Mike Johnson
God is the Great Communicator – He speaks to be understood so His people may know His nature, will, and ways, and respond with faithful obedience. Yet His Word comes through diverse human authors and literary styles – poetry, narrative, prophecy, and more – each requiring different tools to interpret well.
We’re not the original audience but eavesdroppers on ancient conversations. So how do we listen wisely? How do we bridge the cultural and historical gap to grasp the authors’ intent and rightly apply God’s Word today?
In this two-part workshop, we’ll explore key principles for reading the Bible faithfully and fruitfully, growing as those who “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
What’s Love Got to Do with It? Dating, Relationships, Sex and Marriage – Thomas and Raylee Bielenberg
What does God really say about singleness, dating, relationships, sex, and marriage? If you’re 15–30 and have questions (big or small), this interactive workshop is for you. Ask anything – anonymously or in person – as we explore how to honour God with our maleness and femaleness in every season.
We’ll talk about the value of singleness, the purpose of marriage, and how to view dating through a biblical lens. Can Christians date non-Christians? Should we “flirt to convert”? How do you know if someone is “the one” – and is that even a thing?
There will also be time for guys-only and girls-only Q&As. Come ready to listen, laugh and think deeply about one of the most personal and important aspects of life.
Thomas and Raylee, married nearly 30 years with four sons and two daughters-in-law, love helping young men and women follow God’s wisdom in relationships.
Abraham in Your Own Words: Storytelling the Gospel – Luke Midena
Why is storytelling such a powerful way to talk about Jesus? Stories don’t just entertain – they stir the imagination and make deep truths accessible. No wonder Jesus used them so often.
Most of us know more of the Bible than we realise. But when talking with friends unfamiliar with it, that knowledge can feel like a bottleneck – making it hard to speak naturally.
In this practical workshop, we’ll explore how to tell the story of Abraham in a way that highlights gospel themes of grace and God’s heart for the nations. Abraham’s story shows God’s initiative to offer unmerited favour – received by faith, expressed in costly obedience, and culminating in blessing for all nations through Jesus.
You’ll learn a simple, conversational method for sharing biblical stories – and be equipped to share their hope with those around you.
Luke is the Missions Director and leads the Canberra City ministry. He’s married to Kate and is dad to two daughters, Elodie and Bonnie.
Multiply Here: Reclaiming the Church for Disciple-Making – Andrew and Esther Sylvester
When Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” who knew it could be so hard – especially in the local church? Yet imagine the impact if every church became a place where disciple-making was normal, intentional, and multiplying.
This workshop explores why discipleship in the church can be challenging – and how to overcome barriers with wisdom, humility, and vision. You’ll gain practical tools and fresh encouragement for blessing and building the body of Christ through making disciples in your own church community.
We’ll explore:
• Where discipleship fits in the church’s mission
• How to disciple others while blessing and honouring church leadership
• A step-by-step guide to discipleship in church life
• Navigating awkward or tricky relational dynamics
• Shaping a church culture where discipleship thrives
Andrew is an ordained minister at Chatswood Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife Esther have experienced the highs and lows of disciple-making in the local church – from both sides of the paid ministry team.
From Platform to Presence: Embodying the Gospel Where You Work – Frank Tully
Our work, workplace, and relationships can be a platform to proclaim the good news of Jesus – to coworkers, customers, clients, and even competitors who desperately need to know Him. But let’s be honest – it can feel intimidating and lonely.
What if God places us in specific jobs not just to speak the gospel, but to show it? What if the work we do – and how we do it – can become a picture of the gospel’s power to transform lives, teams, and workplaces for God’s glory?
This workshop explores biblical principles, real-life stories, and practical steps to help you live out the gospel wherever God has placed you on the job.
Frank serves with the US Navigators as Associate Director of Workplace Ministry. He and his wife Debbie now live in Boston, Massachusetts, after more than a decade of disciple-making ministry in Sydney.
From the Ends of the Earth to the End of the Street: Praying God’s Heart for the Nations – Doug Utley
What happens when we pray in line with God’s heart for the world? This workshop offers an extended time of worshipful, Spirit-led prayer for the nations, grounded in glorious Scriptural promises – seeking God’s purposes both globally and locally. Together we’ll ask God to raise up more labourers, send workers to unreached peoples, and stir bold faith in our own lives. Whether you’re new to praying for the nations or longing to go deeper, come ready to be stretched, encouraged, and united in faith-filled intercession for God’s glory among all peoples.
Doug is married to Geneve and serves with the Navigators in Melbourne.
If you have already registered for the Confrence …