National Leadership Conference

Fresh Horizons organizes an annual national Leadership Conference that is designed to:

• inspire, educate and resource leaders involved in ministry to people in life's second half
• promote and encourage churches to engage a seniors pastor, paid or voluntary
• assist churches to set up regional conventions (see below)
• provide inspirational and informative speakers with opportunity for workshops and networking
• encourage churches to affiliate with Fresh Horizons for ongoing support

In August 2011 Fresh Horizons hosted two conferences for those embracing the new wave of ministry to those in life's second half.
The first was held in New Zealand, in Tauranga on the north island. This was the first New Zealand conference of this kind in the country.
The second was held in Australia the following week. Caloundra in South East Queensland hosted their second Australian Conference with over 60 leaders, ministers and interested Christians from as far away as Victoria attending.

Both conferences benefited from the insights of keynote speaker Ward Tanneberg (USA) who focused on the topic "Influencing the Generations". A variety of relevant electives were offered and well received that included the topics "Jesus and women in today's world", "Positioning and equipping your church to reach and mobilize baby boomers" and "Accentuating the positive". A valuable feature of both conferences was the panel of practitioners who are successfully involved in second half ministries. Both conferences were held in great community venues where there was plenty of time for networking and some good ideas to take away.

Australia's practitioner's panel included Bruce Murray who is involved in the Rivers and Lakes model of reaching cross generationally into the community, Ross Morgan is refocusing his ageing congregation to re-engage in play groups and the Kids Hope mentoring program and Mark Wall is addressing men's health issues through a growing Men's Shed ministry.

Fresh Horizons New Zealand

In August 2011, Fresh Horizons held its first two day leadership conference in beautiful Taurangua New Zealand. A local board working in cooperation with Fresh Horizons Australia staged a fantastic event over two days that drew close to 100 pastors, church leaders and interested Christians from around New Zealand. A practitioner's panel featured Tom Frew, a Baptist pastor whose entire ministry focus is on building a vibrant congregation of over 50s. Nan Kingston-Smith focused on health and fitness while Denise Whitehead is involved with the Tauranga City Council exploring the concept of global age friendly cities. For more information, contact Nan Kingston-Smith:

Regional Conventions

Let us help you organize a regional based convention that will:

• bring Christians in life's second half and the wider community together for education, fellowship, food and fun.
• inspire and encourage individuals to set up seniors ministries in the local church for the purpose of evangelism, pastoral care and interaction with the church and the community.
• promote your seniors ministry here and within your community

Conventions in Queensland:
These are generally annual events. As more information becomes available it will be displayed here. Contact the relevant church for more information.

• Toowoomba Regional Convention for Seniors: in March at the Humeridge Church of Christ, Toowoomba.
• Sunshine Coast Seniors Convention: in August 2011 at the Caloundra Church of Christ.

2nd Half Groups

These are organized groups holding events and activities within your local church or community.

Let us help you set up or take a fresh look at your ministry or group for the over 50s.
Contact us to discuss your requirements and ideas.