The Church of the Nazarene in Australia is equipping young leaders with practical training and spiritual leadership insights through the Young Leaders Conference. 

The YLC started in 2017, but the most recent conference was held in November. Leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 came from across Australia to hear from speakers on a diverse group of topics, including leading teams in business, the psychology of calling, and egalitarian leadership.

Southern Australia District Nazarene Youth International President Patrick Montelongo explained why it is important and where the idea came from.

“This event was born around the desire for an opportunity to build relationships among our own denomination and the need for continued leadership development of our young leaders,” Montelongo said. “Not only is this conference building on the incredible work of leadership development that has taken place locally and on our districts in recent years, but [it is] also a catalyst towards fulfilling God’s call in the lives of young leaders around Australia.”

The YLC team believes that the most obvious and effective way to invest in young leaders is to gather them together, to show them they are valued, and then release them into the ministry field. These three aspects — gather, value, and release — made up the conference theme, and each lesson fit into one of the categories.

“It was great meeting other youth leaders from around the country and have awesome, encouraging conversations,” one participant said. “I left feeling so supported in my ministry and encouraged by all that God is doing in the lives of young people around Australia.”

The attendees also participated in worship, testimony, and team building activities.

“I’m blessed to have been part of this amazing conference,” another participant said. “Seeing fellow young leaders wanting to do more for the glory of the Lord have inspired and motivated me even more.”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific