Church Planting Symposium Equips Avondale Students for Mission
Avondale University hosted the Church Planting Symposium on 9-10 October, bringing together students for a weekend of inspiration, practical training, and discussion focused on disciple-making, church planting, and mission in today’s world. The symposium was a collaborative initiative between SPD Adventist Mission, Avondale University Seminary, Avondale University Church, the Australian Union Conference, and the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference.
The event was designed to help students explore how they can become active participants in God’s mission, particularly in the increasingly secular and diverse communities throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Through a series of presentations, participants were challenged to think beyond traditional approaches and consider fresh opportunities for mission and church planting
The symposium opened with presentations from Dr Wayne Krause, Director of Global Mission for the South Pacific Division. In his sessions, he explored the biblical and practical foundations of church planting, highlighting why new churches remain one of the most effective ways to reach new people and communities with the gospel. He also emphasized the close connection between disciple-making and church planting as essential components of mission.
Pr Roy Kim, Adventist Mission Director for Australian Union Conference, presented “A Movement, Not a Monument: An Adventist Theology of Mission”, challenging participants to see the church not primarily as a building or institution, but as a movement of people joining God’s mission in the world. His presentations encouraged students to rediscover the missional heart of the Adventist Church and to engage intentionally with their communities.
One of the most engaging presentations came from Amy Leposa, Church Planting Pioneer, who shared the story of The Table, a church-planting initiative that focuses on creating spaces where people can belong before they believe. Through practical examples and personal experiences, she demonstrated how authentic relationships, hospitality, and community can become powerful tools for making disciples and establishing new faith communities.
Pr Jonathan Contero, Director of the Centre for Secular and Post-Christian Mission (CSPM) addressed the challenge of reaching secular and post-Christian people, presenting research and practical insights into how Christians can connect meaningfully with those who may have little interest in organised religion. His sessions encouraged participants to listen carefully, understand people’s worldviews, and build genuine relationships as a foundation for sharing faith.
In a highly practical session, Pr Wayne Boehm, Adventist Mission Director from South Pacific Division, explored how digital platforms can be leveraged for ministry in his presentation on maximising media for mission. Participants were encouraged to think creatively about how online tools and content can support disciple-making and help connect with people who may never enter a church building.
Social media influencer SJ Foaga presented “Content That Matters,” sharing his experience in creating meaningful content that resonates with audiences online. He challenged participants to move beyond simply producing more content and instead focus on creating relevant, authentic, and engaging messages that can build relationships, spark conversations, and ultimately connect people with Jesus. His practical insights helped students consider how digital communication can become an effective tool for mission.
Throughout the weekend, participants had opportunities to interact with presenters, ask questions, and reflect on how the principles discussed could be applied in their own ministry contexts. The atmosphere was one of learning, collaboration, and a shared passion for reaching people with the hope of the gospel.
The symposium concluded with students leaving equipped with new ideas, practical tools, and a renewed vision for mission. More than simply providing information, the event challenged attendees to see themselves as disciple-makers, church planters, and missionaries wherever God may lead them. As the South Pacific Division continues its commitment to developing future leaders for mission, the Church Planting Symposium served as an important step in inspiring and equipping the next generation to participate in God’s work of reaching communities throughout the region.