Access The Story

29/05/2026

Big announcement from converge for their upcoming gathering!

28/05/2026

MARK IS A WISE MAN - CHECK OUT HOW THE YOUR STORY RESEARCH (commissioned by Converge Oceania) IS SHAPING THINGS AT HOME:

"The impact of the Your Story findings isn’t just being seen in youth ministry—it’s also shaping how parents think about nurturing faith at home.

We’re hearing from Christian parents who are finding language and frameworks to support their teenage children in more intentional, relational ways.

One insight that continues to resonate is this: faith grows in a relational ecosystem.

In this video, Mark shares how this idea has been both encouraging and practical for him as a parent—helping him think differently about the role of relationships, community, and everyday moments in his children's faith journey."

Your Story: What we're hearing

21/05/2026

WHAT'S THAT?
HAVN'T HEARD THE CONVERGE GATHERING IS HAPPENING IN JULY?
YOU'RE WELCOME:

"In 2026, Converge Oceania and IASYM will be held back-to-back, with a shared crossover day connecting both gatherings. As communities committed to reflective listening and practice, we are partnering to create meaningful opportunities for anyone engaged in Christian ministry with children, youth, and emerging adults from diverse contexts and Christian traditions across Australia and New Zealand to engage with one another.

By drawing on our distinct strengths in both ministry practice and scholarship, and by sharing our collective wisdom and learning, we believe we are better equipped to enrich young people’s lives and spiritual formation.

At the Converge Oceania Gathering, you will join other youth ministry leaders from across Australia and New Zealand for three days of connection, formation, and practical insight on discipling young people in a changing culture.

Along with time to connect with peers over good food and coffee, there will be facilitated conversations on topics such as leadership for a new season, embracing neurodiversity, discipling second-generation young people, supporting the mental health of your young people, and sustaining yourself in ministry. These conversations are designed to draw out and share the wisdom in the room.

Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and equipped alongside others who share your passion and calling.calling.

Find out more and register here: https://www.convergeoceania.com/conference "

20/05/2026

Upcoming focus group as we plan our leader formation pathway - would like to join?

14/05/2026

MARY UNPACKS HOW THE 'YOUR STORY' RESEARCH IS INFORMING MINISTRY PRACTICE - A LITTLE BIT MORE CONVERGE FOR YOU:

"The Your Story research project created space for the church in Australia to truly listen to young people—to hear directly from those we’re seeking to disciple.

At its heart, this project was about handing over the microphone to young people and asking a simple but important question: “How can we best support you in your faith?”

The findings were clear—relationships matter. While that may not be surprising, what stood out was the depth and nature of those relationships, and how much it matters for young people to be trusted, heard, and given real agency.

You can explore the full findings here: https://www.convergeoceania.com/yourstory

In this short video, Mary, a leader of youth leaders in Adelaide, shares what stood out to her from these stories."

Your Story: What we're hearing

13/05/2026

What a great convo with our new board member, Kez - check out the full chat in our latest podcast ep

07/05/2026

ANNOUNCING THE 2026 CONVERGE GATHERING - STARTING JULY 27

"In 2026, Converge Oceania and IASYM will be held back-to-back, with a shared crossover day connecting both gatherings. As communities committed to reflective listening and practice, we are partnering to create meaningful opportunities for anyone engaged in Christian ministry with children, youth, and emerging adults from diverse contexts and Christian traditions across Australia and New Zealand to engage with one another.

By drawing on our distinct strengths in both ministry practice and scholarship, and by sharing our collective wisdom and learning, we believe we are better equipped to enrich young people’s lives and spiritual formation.

At the Converge Oceania Gathering, you will join other youth ministry leaders from across Australia and New Zealand for three days of connection, formation, and practical insight on discipling young people in a changing culture.

Along with time to connect with peers over good food and coffee, there will be facilitated conversations on topics such as leadership for a new season, embracing neurodiversity, discipling second-generation young people, supporting the mental health of your young people, and sustaining yourself in ministry. These conversations are designed to draw out and share the wisdom in the room.

Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and equipped alongside others who share your passion and calling.calling.

Find out more and register here: https://www.convergeoceania.com/conference "

06/05/2026

‘the most unlikely often have the most impact’ … can you help us shape our new leader formation pathway?

03/05/2026

Our good friend Naomi (SU Australia), has some good things to say about the way of Jesus:

The Empowering Messiah!

Jesus’ ministry started "backstage at a wedding" and grew through a motley crowd of disciples who were allowed to try, fail, and grow.

How does true empowerment work? And how can we apply Jesus’ model to our own communities today?

Naomi Swindon, who has been serving on SU teams since 1983, shares her insights on why this "upside-down kingdom" approach is still the way forward for our mission today.

You can read the full article here: https://su.org.au/empowering-messiah/

01/05/2026

WE'RE PROUD TO HOST CONVERGE OCEANIA AS ONE OF OUR PROJECTS - CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT WORK THAT'S BEEN UNFOLDING:

"It’s been just over a year since the groundbreaking Your Story research was released—capturing the honest voices of nearly 450 young Australians as they shared how the church has, and hasn’t, supported them in their faith journey.

Since then, more than 1,200 church leaders across the country have engaged with these insights. And now, we’re beginning to see the ripple effects—real stories of change, growth, and renewed vision for youth ministry.

This short video features Tim, a youth pastor, reflecting on how the research has shaped and strengthened his approach, offering a glimpse into what’s possible when we truly listen to our young people.

Take a moment to watch and be encouraged by what’s unfolding, and check out the final Your Story report here: https://www.convergeoceania.com/yourstory "

2 likes. "Your Story: What we're hearing"