Today, 390 kids, youth, and family ministers from across the country gather for the Growing Young Disciples Residential Conference. Over the next four days, we’ll share rich fellowship, deep discipleship, and the refreshment that comes from being immersed in God’s Word.
This year’s theme—Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King—reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the foundation and focus of all our ministry. It’s not just a time to recharge; it’s a time to realign our hearts, rediscover joy in Christ’s work, and leave reenergised for the year ahead.
Why Focus on Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King?
As children’s, youth, and family ministers, we often pour ourselves into others—teaching, discipling, and leading week after week. It’s easy to lose sight of why we do what we do or to feel spiritually dry ourselves. That’s why this conference begins by bringing us back to the basics: Who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Christ as Prophet
Jesus speaks God’s Word to us, not as a distant messenger but as the Word made flesh (John 1:14). In a world crowded with noise and competing messages, His voice alone is life-giving and eternal (John 6:68). These days together are an opportunity to listen afresh to His Word and be reminded of the transforming truths we teach to children and young people.
Christ as Priest
Jesus not only speaks to us but intercedes for us. As the great High Priest, He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, securing our salvation and ongoing grace (Hebrews 7:25). When we feel the weight of our inadequacies, we can lay those burdens at His feet, resting in the sufficiency of His finished work (Romans 8:34).
Christ as King
Jesus reigns over all, and His kingdom is unshakable (Hebrews 12:28). Amid the chaos of the world and the challenges of ministry, we can take heart knowing that He is on the throne. He is building His church, and our labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
For the Sake of the Next Generation
This theme is not only for our refreshment but for their transformation. The children and young people we serve need to see Jesus as the Prophet whose Word can be trusted, the Priest who secures their salvation, and the King who holds their future secure.
When we teach them that Jesus is their Prophet, Priest, and King, we’re not just imparting knowledge—we’re offering them a vision of the One who loves them, calls them, and leads them. This is the kind of discipleship that changes lives and shapes eternity.
A Time to Be Recharged
As the conference begins, take a deep breath and give thanks for the opportunity to spend these days together. Lean into the fellowship, dive into the teaching, and let the truth of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King renew your heart and your ministry. This is a time to rest in Him, rejoice in Him, and be reenergised to proclaim His glory to the next generation.
For those unable to join us in person, we invite you to partner with us in prayer. Pray that this time would be marked by deep learning, Spirit-filled fellowship, and renewed passion for discipling the next generation. Ask that every attendee would leave equipped, encouraged, and ready to proclaim the truth of Jesus in their unique contexts.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). May this week deepen our worship, renew our joy, and prepare us to serve with boldness, trusting that He will do abundantly more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
