Keynote Speakers
Friday PM
Geoff New
“Fight night”
In this session we will take a deep dive into Genesis 32:22-32 and see what happened when God wrestled with Jacob; and how this story can change how you live the rest of your life.
Geoff is the principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML). KCML forms ministers and leaders for service in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and partner churches.Previously he was minister of Papakura East Presbyterian Church for 17 years; and a police chaplain for Counties-Manukau Police District and lectured at Laidlaw College in preaching. He has regularly travelled to south Asia to train leaders in preaching . He is especially keen to help facilitate Christian leadership in deepening their formation in Christ and to be acquainted with the Scriptures in life-giving ways.
Saturday AM
Ryhan Prasad
Exploring our story as the PCANZ; past , present and future
The Presbyterian Church has a remarkable story, one worth engaging with as the Spirit guides us in writing the next chapters of our journey. In this keynote we will explore some of the historic achievements of the Presbyterian Church in the realms of biculturalism and social justice. We will also look to the incredible future work we are called to undertake with youth ministry playing a pivotal role.
Kia ora! I’m Rev. Ryhan Prasad (Raz) and I have a strong interest in reaching out to people with the good news of the Gospel and seeing that form and reform the Presbyterian Church in our time. My wife Ani and I have two son’s Eli and Theo and currently minister at Khandallah Presbyterian Church in Wellington.
Our ministry continues to be impacted strongly by our bi-cultural journey and the children and young people we encounter everyday. I’ve been involved with the Presy Youth Scene from Sunday school Leader, small group leader, Easter Camp, Regional Committees, Young Adults Services, A Parish Minister all the way to now serving on the Council Assembly. CONNECT has been a key touchstone throughout all that and so its awesome to be invited to come share with you all a bit about my Journey. Peace.
Saturday PM
Scottie Reeve
Scottie is an ordained Anglican Priest, pioneer, and social entrepreneur in Wellington. As the national director of the Catch Network, Scottie has a passion for supporting small groups of people with a desire to renew the local church. Scottie is the the author of 21 Elephants, co-host of the 21 Elephants Podcast, and contributes regularly to national print media with columns on faith. Currently, he is re-planting the Anglican Parish of Brooklyn alongside his wife Cilla and daughter Luna.
Sunday AM
Jessica Dreadon
"Navigating the Squiggle."
In our last session together we will explore the often winding journey from God given promises to their fulfilment. We'll delve into the significance of the in-between times, uncovering what God is doing and how we can find assurance and hope during these periods of waiting. Join us as we embrace the squiggle and ready ourselves to return to our contexts with renewed faith and resilience.
"Hi, I’m Rev. Jess Dreadon, the Associate Pastor at Hope Presbyterian, where I’ve been ministering for the past four years. Before this, I spent 8 years leading a team of 24/7 youth workers and youth pastors in Otautahi Christchurch. Now, my husband Berne and I live in Rolleston with our two kids, Falcon and Aubrey.
I’m passionate about our church being a place where people are seen and known, can encounter the transforming love of God, and feel free to wrestle with and embody a faith that is real and relevant. I am endlessly amazed by the immense potential of young people and believe that they are crucial in shaping the church's future. I am dedicated to empowering people of all ages to become confident, faith-driven leaders, both within the church and in the marketplace. I am looking forward to being with you and sharing something of God's heart for you and your ministries... hopefully with a bit of laughter too! "
