Canberra Youth + Children’s
Ministry Training
Saturday 1st August 2026
GROW is the convention designed to train, encourage and challenge people in ministry to youth and children across Canberra and the surrounding region.
Including talks and electives, with content that is Biblical, practical and inspiring, GROW is the opportunity to learn alongside other leaders like you in our area.
GROW is for everyone who is involved in ministry to young people, whether you are just starting out volunteering through to a paid ministry leader. It is for people in churches, school based ministry, and anywhere else you find people working alongside young people to know and follow Jesus.
GROW as leaders as God uses you to GROW those you lead.
GROW 2026
Saturday 1st August 8:30am – 1:00pm 301 Veritas Building, Australian Catholic University
Keynote Speaker: Tim Beilharz
Tim is the kids pastor at Soul Revival Church in Sydney, and writer behind The Child in God’s Church.
He will speak on "including and nurturing" across all generations, in addition to running an elective to explore answers to the question “What would intergenerational ministry look like in the regular things you are already doing?”
2026 Electives
Helping Young People Respond to Jesus
Glenn Coombs (SU Australia)
There is no greater joy than seeing children and young people make genuine steps of faith towards Jesus, however many of us get tongue tied or not sure how to go about it in a way. This workshop will explore a range of practical options that simultaneously honour what God is doing in a young person’s life without creating undue pressure for a specific response
Caring for the Carer
Kelly Wood (Embracing Ministries)
Children’s and Youth Ministry is not just about the young people, it’s also about navigating relationships with their parents or carers. This Embracing Ministries workshop explores the space where you feel equipped to have all the information you need for including and nurturing belonging in your ministry without adding to the Carer load.
Games for All Ages
Libby Horton and Stephanie Waldron (Logosdor/Max7)
Learn about sports and games bible programs for the community, family camp ideas, and half and full day events that engage all ages.
Jane Dixon and Holly Hayes (Logosdor/Max7)
Creativity in Ministry
Explore why creativity in leadership is important, and how roadblocks can help you and your team.
Supporting Positive Behaviour
Jess Fields (SU Australia)
Supporting children and young people well goes beyond managing behaviour, it’s about creating spaces where they feel safe, valued, understood, and able to grow. Explore positive support strategies for church-based kids and youth ministry to respond calmly, build strong relationships, encourage participation, and navigate challenging moments with confidence and care.
"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord"
Psalm 78:4
