Katoomba Christian Convention's brand new conference held last weekend was packed with over 1500 young adults.
The new conference is Engage and its coordinator Luke Hall says it is specifically aimed at young workers in the post-studies and pre-family stage of life.
"The convention aims to help people create a Christian view as they balance work, family, friends, church and ministry," Mr Hall says.
Engage committee chairman, the Rev Andrew Nixon says the inaugural Engage received an overwhelming response.
"It seems clear that Christians desperately need encouragement to stand firm in the often crazy and always complex world of work," he says.
"Work is a minefield of tensions between what you believe and how you act. Sometimes it feels like work itself is "the problem' and the only way to be godly is to quit work. But that’s not what the Bible teaches us."
The convention speakers were Chris Chia, the Senior Pastor of Adam Road Presbyterian Church, Singapore and former Sydney Anglican minister Justin Moffatt who is now assistant minister at Christ Church, New York City.
Mr Nixon says the young adults enjoyed the "vibe' of Engage.
"People loved the vibe " the late starts, coffee, newspaper, the jazz in the plaza, the cafe-style seating and the fresh new approach to the music. They loved the food and the time to talk to one another," he says.
"They liked that we met real people " both live and recorded interviews " and that we wrestled with real issues. Best of all we heard real answers from God’s word."
Driscoll, Carson to engage with Sydney workers in 2008
Next year's convention will feature two high-profile international speakers: Research Professor in New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Don Carson and co-founder of Mars Hill Church, Seattle, Mark Driscoll.
"Most churches can't possibly arrange to fly in Carsons or Driscolls " but with people’s support, an organisation like KCC can," Mr Nixon says.
KCC Chairman and Bishop of Wollongong, Al Stewart says Engage is an important first step in connecting with young people.
"For the health of our churches it is vital that we engage with young workers and call on them to take the Lordship of Christ seriously," he says.
