Connect 2025 Workshops
There are 25 workshops and intentional conversations planned for Connect 2025. See the details below
Workshop One Options
Saturday 11.10am - 12pm
Mental Wealth:
Learning ways to look after your mental health to generate Mental Wealth.
Aysia Paeu and Jim Stretton - Le Va
Laidlaw College Hall 10:40am - 12:05pm
The training aims to equip young people and their communities with knowledge and the skills to understand, address, maintain and nurture good mental wellbeing. This training is complemented by the Mental Wealth website at www.mentalwealth.nz.
Mental Wealth training is intended for our young people who want to:
Be better informed on what the facts are about mental health
Gain an understanding of how to check in on a mate or a family member who is in distress
Know what to do or say in challenging situations
Know how to look after yourself and your own personal wellbeing
Know how to access help and find professional support that is confidential and available 24/7
Le Va’s purpose is to support people of the moana to unleash their full potential. We support and encourage this by carefully designing and developing evidence-based resources, tools, information, knowledge and support services for the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes. We do this all while recalling our traditional values, and applying them safely, in a contemporary way. For more information visit Le Va at www.leva.co.nz
My name is Jim To’o Filiva’a Stretton, and I’ve been with Le Va since January 2022 as a Senior Project Coordinator, initially within our youth wellbeing programme and now working across the FLO Pasifika for Life suicide prevention programme. I’m of Samoan and European descent, with family roots in Saleimoa, Iva, and Salelologa.
I’m married to the beautiful Naomi, and we’re blessed with two amazing children — our four-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum and continues to teach us so much on that journey, and our two-year-old daughter. They are the greatest joys of my life.
Outside of Le Va, I’m the founder of JS Carvings Ltd, a business grounded in Indigenous carving and cultural storytelling.
Fa’afetai tele lava
Tālofa lava, my name is Aysia Paeu. I use the pronouns she/her. I am a New Zealand born Samoan and was raised in the beautiful South Auckland.
I hail from the Samoan villages of Lalomanu, Vaimoso, Sapunaoa and Asaga.
I attended the University of Otago, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and was involved in a range of voluntary work within the Pasifika student community. I am now a Community Psychology Master's student studying at the University of Waikato and working full time at Le Va as a Senior Project Coordinator, looking after the Pacific Suicide Prevention Community Fund.
I am passionate about fostering the social and academic potentials of Pasifika, so working at Le Va team allows me to professionally embody my passion.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Barefoot theology
Terry Pouono - Otago University
Alpha NZ Room
At its most basic level theology is simply talking or reasoning about God, so in one sense every Christian is a theologian! Theology is based on our words and ideas about God as we respond to His Word within the context of our time and place. In this barefoot guide to theology we will dig into the Scriptures and use some basic tools to help us gain a deeper understanding of God’s revelation in the story of the Bible.
Terry is a Pacific lecturer in the Theology Programme at the University of Otago. Terry loves teaching theology and having ‘talanoa’ (conversations) with his students. This dialogical approach to learning, he believes, enriches theological education by integrating theory and practice. At Otago, he will be teaching Pacific courses - Moana Pasifika Theology, Pastoral Theology: Pacific Perspectives, and History of Pacific Christianity. Additionally, he supervises Pacific students undertaking thesis writing at the postgraduate level.
Terry was raised in the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, but his family has been attending the Presbyterian Church in recent years.
Outside of his lecturing responsibilities, Terry enjoys getting involved in community projects. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at Roscommon School and South Auckland Middle School and has volunteered for Cancer Society projects.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
The Big Six- Key ministry essentials for churches to help young people flourish in faith: Karo Wilson - PCFM
Lounge
Our hope is to see young people flourishing and growing in their faith, and for our churches to be communities that encourage our Tamariki and Rangatahi in faith that lasts a lifetime. In this workshop, we will look at 6 key ministry essentials that play a major part in discipling young people, and creating a faith community that will flourish and grow together.
Karo is the Director of Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry. She has a passion for seeing young people engage in God’s Big Story, for families to grow in faith together, and encouraging faith communities to recognise the value and contribution of our Tamariki and Rangatahi. Karo also works for Weston Community Church, in the beautiful Waitaki region, where her focus is on community-based children’s ministry.
Youth Ministry
What’s the Treaty got to do with it?! Faith, justice and belonging in Aotearoa NZ today.
Sam Carpenter - Laidlaw College
Conference Room
Aotearoa New Zealand has been shaped by the people and events of the past, and by the many Christians – including Presbyterians! – who have served God in church and wider society. This workshop explores the story of Christian missions to Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi narrative. It will ask how the Church can learn from, and even be inspired by, its history, and how we can foster a just society where everyone can rightly belong.
Sam Carpenter teaches into Laidlaw’s Church History courses with a specialist focus on New Zealand religious and political history. He leads Te Rongopai ki AotearoaProject at Laidlaw that is exploring the multidimensional relationships of Christianity and Māori society. Sam was raised in Pukekohe, in the rohe of Waikato-Tainui, where his Cornish ancestors settled in the 1860s prior to the Waikato war: ko Waikato te awa, ko Pukekohe te maunga, ko Bombay te waka. He often identifies as Ngāti Pākehā or Ngāi te Tiriti (those here by right of the Treaty of Waitangi). Sam previously worked as a lawyer before shifting to history and working for over a decade in the Wellington Treaty sector including for the Waitangi Tribunal, the Office of Treaty Settlements (senior historian) and the Crown Law Office (consultant historian). In 2021 he was awarded his PhD, which explored early New Zealand political thought. He is a founding trustee of Karuwhā Trust. His research page is nzhistorian.com. He also writes public interest pieces and provides media commentary on the Treaty of Waitangi and New Zealand historical subjects.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Circle of Mana: An approach of responding to needs of rangatahi instead of reacting to their behaviour.
Michael Smith - Praxis
Rec Mezanine
The Circle of Mana is an approach that seeks to engage young people around their developmental needs: to belong, to become competent, to take responsibility for themselves and to live generously. This needs-based approach is an alternative to focusing on the behaviours that often get them referred for support. The workshop and the Circle of Mana model are based on recent research around neuroscience and resilience, and approaches that resonate with traditional values in indigenous contexts. The Circle of Mana has been adapted for the Aotearoa context, from the original Circle of Courage model (Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg and Steve Van Bockern). The Circle of Mana will be introduced through an interactive workshop that will establish a shared language of youth work in practice.
Michael Smith is the Co-Leader of Praxis, a network of practitioners and educators of youth development passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders across Aotearoa. Michael has worked alongside marginalised young people and whānau in communities of Hawkes Bay and Auckland for over two decades. In this time Michael has mentored many budding youth workers through the Praxis programmes. Recently completing a Master of Educational Leadership, Michael brings his extensive experience and learning to leading with others.
Youth Ministry
Workshop Two Options
Saturday 12.10am - 1:00pm
What It Means to Be Pasefika Presbyterian
Masele Bakulich-Tufeao - Northern Presbytery
Laidlaw College Hall
Kia Ora, Talofa, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Kia Orana, Malo E lelei, Malo Ni, Bula, Mauri, Bok & warm Pacific Greetings. Masele Bakulich-Tufeao the Northern Presbytery Youth Co-ordinator & Intercultural Facilitator. Masele is a member of Newton PIPC, Auckland, Married to the very handsome Logo Tufeao and is proud to be Presbyterian.
Come Join My Workshop on “What It Means to Be Pasefika Presbyterian”: Since the early 1950s, Pasefika communities have been an integral part of our Presbyterian Church. As the first denomination to establish a specific Pasefika church, we have a rich history that continues to shape our identity and mission. In 2024, we invite you to explore what it means to be a Pacific Islander in the Presbyterian Church today.
Join us for a comprehensive workshop where we delve into the history, facts, and theology of our journey. Discover the unique blend of Pacific and Western cultures within our church and learn how this fusion enriches our faith and community. This workshop offers an opportunity to understand our past, celebrate our present, and envision our future as Pasefika Presbyterians. Come and be part of this enlightening, interactive and inspiring experience.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
The Basics of Interpreting the Bible
Terry Pouono - Otago University
Alpha NZ Room
Understanding the Bible isn’t always straightforward — Christians come to it with different backgrounds and experiences that shape how they read and understand it. In this workshop, we’ll explore some helpful ways to study the Bible, including exegesis, which tries to uncover the original world and meaning behind the text, and eisegesis, which focuses on what the reader brings to the text. By learning about both approaches, we’ll work together to find the best ways to interpret Scripture for teaching and preaching in today’s world.
Terry is a Pacific lecturer in the Theology Programme at the University of Otago. Terry loves teaching theology and having ‘talanoa’ (conversations) with his students. This dialogical approach to learning, he believes, enriches theological education by integrating theory and practice. At Otago, he will be teaching Pacific courses - Moana Pasifika Theology, Pastoral Theology: Pacific Perspectives, and History of Pacific Christianity. Additionally, he supervises Pacific students undertaking thesis writing at the postgraduate level.
Terry was raised in the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, but his family has been attending the Presbyterian Church in recent years.
Outside of his lecturing responsibilities, Terry enjoys getting involved in community projects. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at Roscommon School and South Auckland Middle School and has volunteered for Cancer Society projects.
Young Adults
Emotional intelligence and the enneagram
Roxy Gahegan - St Peters Presbyterian Church
Lounge
St Ignatius once said, "Without desire, will is toothless." In other words, it’s not enough to decide to change—unless we actually want that change, willpower often falls flat. Most of us know this struggle all too well, whether it’s with coffee, social media, or doom-scrolling the news. Our emotions play a key role in bridging the gap between what we know we should do and what we actually do.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how understanding our emotional patterns—especially through the lens of the Enneagram—can help us grow in self-awareness and empathy.
This workshop is especially relevant for Youth Leaders and Young Adults, but anyone curious about the emotional dynamics of faith and leadership will find it valuable.
Roxy is enthusiastic about everything to do with personal and spiritual growth, and always keen to share new insights and learnings. She's been working with the enneagram for the past four years alongside parish ministry and roles in the national church. She lives in Auckland with her husband, Mark, and their cat, Minerva. She loves gardening, reading, crafting and cooking.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
What’s Wrong with the World? What’s wrong with me?
Phillip Porter - Laidlaw College
Conference Room
This session explores the Bible’s diagnosis of the world’s deep troubles—namely, sin—and how this concept engages with modern narratives about humanity and society. We’ll consider how the Christian understanding of sin can shape meaningful apologetic conversations today. The session will also unpack how God, through Christ Jesus, offers both forgiveness (reconciliation) and freedom (from sin’s power) as a response to this brokenness. Designed with youth leaders in mind, this workshop is also accessible and engaging for high school-aged participants and older.
Phillip Porter lectures in New Testament Studies, within the School of Theology, teaching across the full range of New Testament literature. Phillip was a Teaching Fellow in New Testament at the University of Otago (2023-2024). He brings extensive pastoral practice to the role, together with missionary experience in Vietnam. Phillip studied New Testament (undergraduate and post-graduate), at the University of Otago, completing a PhD in the parables of Jesus under the supervision of Prof Paul Trebilco (University of Otago) and Prof Klyne Snodgrass (Northpark Seminary, Chicago).
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Your Story - Learning from the Faith Journeys of Young People
Neville Bartley - Scripture Union NZ
Rec Mezanine
Explore groundbreaking research that traces the faith journeys of 439 young Australians—revealing not just what they believe, but how they got there—and discover 8 powerful faith narratives that could reshape how we disciple the next generation here in Aotearoa.
Neville has been involved in Youth Ministry in New Zealand for the last 38 years. For about 22 years he was a Youth Pastor and for the last 14 years he has headed up the Scripture Union Youth Consultants team. He is passionate about training, supporting and equipping both leaders and young people, to be all they can be in Christ.
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Workshop Three Options
Saturday 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Reading the Bible for all its Worth: For the Challenges of Today
Joey Millington - Laidlaw College
Laidlaw College Hall
The world is a challenging place, yet full of God and hope. Learn about the biblical story and why people are rediscovering its relevance and importance for not only their lives, but for society and the world. This breakout session explores how and why the Bible is so important for today.
Joey is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand (2018) and presently pastors at East City Wesleyan Church and lectures at Laidlaw College as the Internship Coordinator. He is passionate about preaching, church strategy, and evangelism. He is married to Lauren, and they have one daughter. Joey loves to stay active through playing ice hockey and running regularly. He also hosts a podcast called “Lunch on The Way” where he explores questions of faith, cultural philosophy, ministry, and more with Graeme Flett and Jonathan Hoskin.
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Reconnecting the Missing Generation: A Framework for Young Adult Ministry
Logo Tufeao - Newton PIPC
Alpha NZ Room
In 2019, my wife and I felt led to start a young adults group TWAY - to address the growing absence of the 20-35 age group in churches. Originally formed as a home group for friends who had drifted away from traditional church settings, this ministry flourished by being intentionally inclusive and focused on the unique needs of this demographic. Join us to discover the key strategies behind its success and gain valuable insights and practical tips for creating an impactful young adults ministry. Whether you're looking to start a new group or strengthen an existing one, this workshop will provide you with a framework to engage and inspire the missing generation in your community.
Logo Tufeao, a current ministry PCANZ ordinand, elder, and Sunday school teacher from Newton PIPC, who will share his experiences in young adults ministry.
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Called for a Purpose: Discerning God’s Call
Fiona Fey & Martin Fey - Laidlaw College
Lounge
God has a special vocation for each of us, no matter where we are in life. Sometimes there's a small thought early in our lives to the call to Ministry, and at other times it comes as a surprise. Whether you're drawn to church ministry or called to serve in a unique way, every individual—regardless of age or ability—has something valuable to offer to the body of Christ. In this workshop, Martin and Fiona will share their personal journeys of answering God's call to Ministry. Martin, a Presbyterian Minister, will offer insight from his perspective, while Fiona will briefly describe her calling to Youth Ministry, and then expand into some of what she learnt in her Master of Theology thesis and explore the power of belonging to the body of Christ.
Fiona's journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to service, faith, and inclusion. Beginning her career as a Disability Support Worker, she developed a passion for advocating for others, which led her to Youth Ministry, where she served for eight years. Fiona now works as the Student Support Manager at Laidlaw College, drawing on her diverse experiences to support students. In 2020, she completed her Master of Theology, with a thesis focused on the church’s role in creating a place of belonging for people with disabilities—an area she remains passionate about.
Martin felt a call to Ministry as a young man, but was encouraged to pursue other paths. He worked first as a teacher, and then as a librarian in both the public sector and at a Theological College. It was then that the call to Ministry became evident. Martin is now a Minister in the PCANZ for over 15 years. Martin is married to Fiona and has two young adult children.
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Imaginative Reading: A Practice of Prayer and Scriptural Immersion
Michelle Young - Venn
Conference Room
Prayer is at the centre of our lives with God but at times it can be hard to know how to pray and where to start. This workshop will look into a centuries-old practice the Church has used to help immerse itself in the lively, strange, life-giving, and beautiful book that we call the Bible; a way of prayer known as imaginative reading. My hope is that this will be a practice of prayer for your everyday life that will help you to encounter the living God and participate in his work in the world.
Michelle Young is the Director of Summer Conference and Public Events for Venn Foundation. Originally from Paeroa and the daughter of pastors, Michelle grew up in a family who were deeply embedded in the local community. She studied Geography at the University of Auckland and after graduating, took up a role in her local church for five years, completed a Graduate Diploma in Theology, and then managed a non-
profit trust in South Auckland. She has worked at Venn for the last decade – an organisation that seeks to serve the church through helping people to think deeply, live faithfully, and serve wisely.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Intentional Community: Searching for the Land of Belonging
Christopher Defibaugh - Relate Training and Counseling
Rec Mezanine
In a world marked by isolation and surface-level connection, how do we cultivate spaces where people truly belong? This workshop explores the power of the intentional Christian community to foster honesty, healing, and spiritual growth—where, as one person put it, “good groups give people a little glimpse of heaven on earth.” Drawing from theology, relational psychology, and lived group experience, Christopher Defibaugh invites us to consider how truth, vulnerability, and love can transform our relationships and point us toward the Redeemed Community God envisions. Together we’ll reflect on what it means to be known, to speak truth in love, and to choose connection over isolation—every single day.
Christopher Defibaugh– Creator & Director, Relate: Training and Therapy Services
Christopher is the founder and director of Relate: Training and Therapy Services, a ministry dedicated to integrating Christian faith with relational, emotional, and theological insights for personal and spiritual growth.
With a Master’s degree in Relational Psychotherapy, Christopher works with individuals seeking spiritual direction, short-term solutions to mental, emotional, or relational challenges, and those navigating deeper, long-term healing. His approach is grounded in a belief that personal transformation happens best in the context of authentic relationships.
A passionate advocate for the power of small groups, Christopher’s postgraduate research explored "the wisdom of relational leadership" within group settings. His conviction in the value of local community and the Church as God’s Redeemed Community underpins both his teaching and therapeutic practice.
Through Relate’s courses and the “Intensive Training Groups” he facilitates, Christopher brings a practical, lived approach to equipping leaders and individuals to grow in relational and spiritual maturity.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Workshop Four Options
Sunday 9:00am - 10:00am
Discover the Third Culture : Take the first step to cultivate your intercultural agility
Shireen Chua - 3rd Culture Solutions
Laidlaw College Hall
We live in a complex and hyperdiverse world. Navigating the different personalities in the people we meet requires us to understand some of the cultural worldviews and values that shape each one of us.
Have you wondered why Donald Trump behaves the way he does? Or how the different generations view life? Come along and discover some of the keys that unlock these cultural worldviews.
We will look at the cultural influences that shape our behaviours. This will equip us to become aware, adjust and adapt our intercultural approaches to create win-win situations.
This introductory session will set you on your intercultural agility journey. It is a session geared primarily towards youth leaders and young adults, though our younger leaders may have much to teach us!
Shireen has lived in Aotearoa New Zealand for 35 years, navigating life between Eastern and Western cultures. This journey led her to explore cultural identity, earning an MBA and completing a PhD on leadership and cultural diversity.
A long-time member of Auckland Baptist Tabernacle and staff at OMF New Zealand, she brings insight into how cultural change shapes mission and ministry. She speaks and teaches on intercultural church, marketplace mission, leadership, and organisational development.
As director of Third Culture Solutions, Shireen coaches leaders, facilitates team learning, and teaches at Laidlaw, Carey, Waikato, and Massey.
In her spare time, she enjoys dog park visits with Wynston the Wauzer, board games, and tending a productive backyard garden.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Youth Alpha: One Invite. One Student. One Life Changed Forever
Ana Bracefield and Mark Bevan Alpha NZ
Alpha NZ Room
This breakout session will equip leaders to engage Gen Z using the Alpha Youth Series (AYS). We will cover key insights, a practical guide to using AYS in schools or youth groups, and strategies for inviting and connecting with young people. Participants will leave informed, confident, and ready to lead the next generation to Jesus.
Ana Bracefield
Ana started at Alpha NZ in 2019, serving in a few different capacities, and is currently the Online Coach.Ana has a big heart for Jesus and serving others. She loves to connect with people, working with the church, and equipping leaders to reach communities across Aotearoa. Ana’s faith journey started on an Alpha course in 2013 with her newborn. She knows first-hand how a tool such as the Alpha Course can change lives and the power of sharing the Gospel.
Mark Bevan
Mark has served as the Auckland Regional Coach for Alpha New Zealand for the past two and a half years, supporting churches across the region. He loves walking alongside leaders as they create spaces for people to explore life, faith, and meaning.
A highlight of his role has been working closely with Chinese churches—partnerships he’s found deeply rewarding as Alpha continues to impact diverse communities.
Mark’s faith journey began in 1990 when he came to know Christ through the Alpha course. Since then, he has led many Alpha courses, deepening his own faith and witnessing the transforming power of the Gospel. These experiences have helped him learn how to facilitate groups with grace, even in tough conversations
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
"Alive and Active" - Growing in the privilege of sharing God's word with young people (devo's and messages).
Jacob Esveld - Calvin community church
Lounge
One of the greatest tasks given to us by Jesus is to share and teach His word. As we do this, we see God use us as vessels - achieving his mighty purposes that go beyond our human abilities. I invite you to this workshop to be encouraged, reminded, and equipped for God to use you as a vessel of transformation as His everlasting word is planted and takes root in the hearts of our youth. In this workshop, we will cover some practical elements in crafting a devotion and messages. Whether you speak often, or have never shared before, I am hopeful that you will leave inspired and confident to take hold of God's word, and shine its light into the ministries God has called us to.
Jacob is originally from the far north – Whangarei - but has embraced Southland as home. Along with his wife Lydia and four kids, they share a love of the outdoors and the amazing part of the world they live in. They share a passion for young people and seeing them live their life to the full! Discipleship, preaching, and worship are the key areas in which Jacob feels privileged to serve in.
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Share your faith with Confidence
Lewis Bacon: Evangelism Explosion NZ
Conference Room
In a world of misinformation, dis- information and fake news let’s be clear about what the gospel is and how to share it confidently with the people in our lives in a loving and respectful way. We will equip you with the most comprehensive tool that will help you share your faith for the rest of your life. It is easy to use and hard to forget. We can help you jump start your confidence and ability to share the gospel with friends, family and even strangers.
Lewis Bacon is an Evangelism Enabler who works for Evangelism Explosion Ministries NZ. An organisation that trains and equips Christians through the local church to reach people of every age group, culture and nation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is also the founder and director of I Speak Your Language Ministries NZ which equips churches to reach speakers of other languages. After finding Christ back in 1993 he has spent the last 30 years sharing the gospel and helping other Christians to do the same.
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
Emerging Leaders
Youth Ministry Lab
Brad Kelderman: Southern Presbytery
Conference Room
Join us for an interactive and collaborative workshop designed for anyone involved in youth ministry. Together, we'll explore a wide range of resources—from curriculum and event planning ideas to health & safety strategies and effective policies. We'll also dive into different ways to run youth groups and events, with practical tools and creative approaches you can apply to your own ministry.
This is a great opportunity to connect, share, and learn from each other. Bring your go-to resources, tips, and experiences—we’ll learn just as much from each other as from the session itself!
Brad Kelderman serves as the Youth Advisor for the Southern Presbytery, bringing over 20 years of experience in youth ministry. He has spent much of that time walking alongside churches and youth leaders, offering practical support and encouragement. Brad is passionate about resourcing the local church and values the opportunity to support those working with young people in a variety of ministry contexts.
