From our Alliance Partners at Fresh Horizons
In August 2011 Fresh Horizons hosted two conferences for those embracing the new wave of ministry to those in life’s second half. Tauranga in New Zealand’s North Island was the host city for the first New Zealand Conference of this kind in the country. A local board working in cooperation with Fresh Horizons Australia staged a fantastic event over two days that drew close to 100 pastors, church leaders and interested Christians from around New Zealand. The following week Caloundra City in South East Queensland hosted their second Australian Conference with over 60 leaders, ministers and interested Christians from as far away as Victoria attending.
Both conferences benefitted from the insights of keynote speaker Ward Tanneberg (USA) who focused on the topic “Influencing the Generations”. A variety of relevant electives were offered and well received that included the topics “Jesus and women in today’s world”, “Positioning and equipping your church to reach and mobilise baby boomers” and “Accentuating the positive.” A valuable feature of both conferences was the panel of practitioners who are successfully involved in second half ministries. New Zealand’s panel featured Tom Frew, a Baptist pastor whose entire ministry focus is on building a vibrant congregation of over 50s. Nan Kingston-Smith focused on health and fitness while Denise Whitehead is involved with the Tauranga City Council exploring the concept of global age friendly cities.
Fresh Horizons is a Kingdom focused ministry established to inspire, educate and equip active Christians to engage in a ministry and evangelism with Baby Boomers and beyond. Learn more at www.freshhorizons.org.au.