Chaplains equipped for ministry at convention

Around 120 chaplains from across Australia and New Zealand gathered at Murwillumbah Seventh-day Adventist Church (NSW) for the Australian Union Conference (AUC) Chaplains Convention from October 20-23.

The event included prayer and worship programs, presentations aimed at inspiring attendees and practical workshops. Chaplains had the opportunity to connect, share and participate in professional development.

Lead pastor at Gilson College Community Church Dr Mau Tuaoi, spoke on the theme Me3 (Me To The Power Of Three). Dr Tuaoi reminded all in attendance what ministry can look like when they deliberately partner with God and He “unleashes His power within them”. Dr Tuaoi also highlighted that school chaplains have a unique opportunity to “build the kingdom of grace and glory in the lives of those in the three areas of college, church and community”.

Korus Connect education and training manager Pastor Dean Eaton gave presentations on various topics, allowing those in attendance to achieve six micro-credentials from the Korus Connect online professional study suite.

Phil Thompson and Sarah McCutcheon from Global Leadership Summit shared practical information to chaplains and, at the end of their presentation, gave all Adventist schools across Australia and New Zealand access to their world-leading library of resources free of charge for the next six months.

French Polynesia Mission women’s ministry leader Danièle Maheahea, who attended the event, said, “The Chaplains Convention has made me realise that chaplaincy in our schools, churches and communities is a blessing from God. When God chooses a person, He equips them, builds them up, supports them and provides a place where they can belong to Him and for Him.”

According to Ms Maheahea, the convention inspired her to work more closely with God’s will for her students and community.

The next national Chaplains Convention will be held in 2026.