On the 19th April 2006, Christian Management Australia is holding its annual conference in Melbourne attracting hundred of delegates from different denominations across churches, schools, ministries and it also draws in managers and board members.
Running from the 5th to the 7th July 2006, the theme of this year conference was entitled ‘The Power of Partnership.’ Currently many churches and ministries were often labouring alone, wasting resources and reinventing the wheel, which result in less energy and resources in spreading the gospel. There was also a danger in rushing into partnership without due consideration of theological alignment, managerial competence or what each partner had to offer.
The conference aims to provide a unique combination of practical training and spiritual inspiration by covering issues such as: ‘Managing staff performance, develop more effective boards and how to ask for large donations.’ More importantly the delegates would be challenge to deepen their personal relationship with God and apply their personal faith in the context their ministry role.
It was reported the organisers had worked tirelessly to ensure the event was of high substances that would engaged the participants mind, heart and alter their approach to leadership and management practices.
Many testimonies had been given by delegates each year saying the networking and the input from this event was ‘first class.’
The keynote speaker is Dr. Os Guinness who had been described as ‘one of this generation’s outstanding contributors to public thought on matter of faith and culture.’ Born in China, earning his D.Phil at Oxford University Dr. Guinness authored over 20 books and had a global ministry to political and business leaders, pastors and academics and thinking Christians of all kind. In the tradition of CS Lewis and Francis Schaeffer, Os Guinness encourages people to use their minds, and not settle for the ‘popular froth and superficiality’ that is so common today.
He stated: “The challenges facing the church and the world in the 21st century cannot be addressed without serious and coherent thought, a wider understanding of the global and historical environment in which we live, and a respect for the deep, relevant and sometimes unfashionable message of the scriptures.”