Here is a brief history of the Strength and Unity Conference as compiled by Mr David Burt.
In brief, the Conference arose out of a growing concern that
• As a Brethren movement, we had stressed autonomy so much, that it had turned into isolationism and independence. We were losing any cohesion as a movement, and suffering increasing weakness as a result.
• There was now a wide variety of practice within Brethren Assemblies - but did that mean we had lost any sense of identity as a movement?
• Yet, as we surveyed the strengths within the movement, and the heritage we had, we could see that our forebears had made discoveries which the wider Christian Church in New Zealand was only now catching up with.
2001: Massey University Campus, Palmerston North
The first Conference was held on the Massey university campus in Palmerston North in 2001. Peter Lineham was invited to come, but we had to settle for a video presentation from him. Other plenary speakers were Ken Edgecombe, Tim Cooper and Malcolm Barrow. It was a most remarkable weekend - one I will never forget. We convened on the Friday evening with heaps of uncertainty. Don Barrow and I met with the speakers and Elective leaders that evening. We firmly believed that God had called us to do this, but had no idea how it would work out. The delegates were also very uncertain. Just what's going on here? And where's the hidden agenda? But on the Saturday afternoon the mood suddenly changed. We know we are brothers. There is strength here which we did not fully realize. Then the Communion Service on Sunday morning became one of those very moving occasions when the presence of God's Spirit was so real.
2003: Crossroads Church, Palmerston North.
The second Conference was again in Palmerston North, but this time hosted by the Crossroads Assembly. Delegates found their own accommodation. The thrust of that one is shown in the communiqué. My recollection is that the speakers were:
Harvey Rees-Thomas on the Authority of Scripture
Craig Barrow on the Centrality of the Cross
Kevin Honore on Mission
2005: Totara Springs Christian Centre, Matamata
The theme was "Catching the Fire".
Don Fleming from Australia was the main speaker. We also had Lui Ponifasio, Russell Burt, Tim Cooper, and Myk Habets. Roger Osbaldiston ran a Youth Stream
2007: Totara Springs Christian Centre, Matamata.
Peter Brookes led the Committee in bringing this conference together.
The stated theme for this one was:
United in Christ
Strong in Relationships
Going Forward
Paul Windsor gave the opening address. Then we had Robert Siakimotu, Mark Brown (Bible Society) and Brian Trebilco
2009: Totara Springs Christian Centre, Matamata.
Campbell Fountain led the Committee for this one. The slogans were:
Missional Church
Led by the Spirit
Connected, Encouraged, Empowered
Speakers were Craig Barrow, Kemp Pallesen, Russell Burt, Graham Ashby, with Murray Harris speaking at the Communion Service
2011: Raleigh Street Christian Centre: Cambridge
Craig Barrow is leading the Committee in planning this conference.
Speakers are: Dr Rod Thompson, James Rees-Thomas.
• As a Brethren movement, we had stressed autonomy so much, that it had turned into isolationism and independence. We were losing any cohesion as a movement, and suffering increasing weakness as a result.
• There was now a wide variety of practice within Brethren Assemblies - but did that mean we had lost any sense of identity as a movement?
• Yet, as we surveyed the strengths within the movement, and the heritage we had, we could see that our forebears had made discoveries which the wider Christian Church in New Zealand was only now catching up with.
2001: Massey University Campus, Palmerston North
The first Conference was held on the Massey university campus in Palmerston North in 2001. Peter Lineham was invited to come, but we had to settle for a video presentation from him. Other plenary speakers were Ken Edgecombe, Tim Cooper and Malcolm Barrow. It was a most remarkable weekend - one I will never forget. We convened on the Friday evening with heaps of uncertainty. Don Barrow and I met with the speakers and Elective leaders that evening. We firmly believed that God had called us to do this, but had no idea how it would work out. The delegates were also very uncertain. Just what's going on here? And where's the hidden agenda? But on the Saturday afternoon the mood suddenly changed. We know we are brothers. There is strength here which we did not fully realize. Then the Communion Service on Sunday morning became one of those very moving occasions when the presence of God's Spirit was so real.
2003: Crossroads Church, Palmerston North.
The second Conference was again in Palmerston North, but this time hosted by the Crossroads Assembly. Delegates found their own accommodation. The thrust of that one is shown in the communiqué. My recollection is that the speakers were:
Harvey Rees-Thomas on the Authority of Scripture
Craig Barrow on the Centrality of the Cross
Kevin Honore on Mission
2005: Totara Springs Christian Centre, Matamata
The theme was "Catching the Fire".
Don Fleming from Australia was the main speaker. We also had Lui Ponifasio, Russell Burt, Tim Cooper, and Myk Habets. Roger Osbaldiston ran a Youth Stream
2007: Totara Springs Christian Centre, Matamata.
Peter Brookes led the Committee in bringing this conference together.
The stated theme for this one was:
United in Christ
Strong in Relationships
Going Forward
Paul Windsor gave the opening address. Then we had Robert Siakimotu, Mark Brown (Bible Society) and Brian Trebilco
2009: Totara Springs Christian Centre, Matamata.
Campbell Fountain led the Committee for this one. The slogans were:
Missional Church
Led by the Spirit
Connected, Encouraged, Empowered
Speakers were Craig Barrow, Kemp Pallesen, Russell Burt, Graham Ashby, with Murray Harris speaking at the Communion Service
2011: Raleigh Street Christian Centre: Cambridge
Craig Barrow is leading the Committee in planning this conference.
Speakers are: Dr Rod Thompson, James Rees-Thomas.