Here’s 15 reasons why you should be there…!

1. because this is a very special opportunity to come out of our own corners and to enjoy spiritual fellowship, inspiration, and encouragement with Christian pastors and other leaders from across the wider Body of Christ across New Zealand
2. because a national Congress like this only takes place every few years
3. because New Zealand is in a period of rapid and deep change, and it’s helpful to process that together
4. because the Congress is firmly anchored in Christ, the Gospel, and the Bible
5. because the focus of the Congress is ‘Strengthening the church in Aotearoa’, and we all need that
6. because the Congress will cover an impressive array of very important topics, all of them related to our Christian ministry and mission, and all of them things we need to grapple with (see below)
7. because we have arranged a large number of excellent presenters and panellists, experts and practitioners, and all of them New Zealand people familiar with our own New Zealand contexts
8. because there will be no long talks, but just short talks followed by panel discussion and prayer
9. because there will be a great choice of useful elective break-outs and forums
10. because some things just can’t happen on line, and by being together in one building we will all meet people, make helpful connections and discover useful resources
11. because the cost includes several sit-down meals, including Tuesday and Wednesday nights
12. because, for upper North Island people, this Congress will be the most accessible it has ever been before
13. because, in effect, the Congress is only equivalent to two days
14. the long-term benefits of coming will outweigh the benefits of just staying at home and doing your normal work
15. because we strongly encourage you to register for the whole time, but if necessary you can register for one day only or two days only

Author: Dr Stuart Lange

Dr Stuart Lange is the National Director of the NZCN and is a Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, where he was formerly Vice Principal. Stuart wrote and presented the historical DVD documentary Te Rongopai: 200 years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014.