Being “real” in leadership has very much to do with our attitudes. To be a “real” leader – one that people enjoy being with and following, who is genuine and vulnerable, who can inspire and encourage others, is a leader with a great attitude. 

Good governance is discipleship in action. It’s about faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to us so our church can flourish. As local Baptist churches, our elders, deacons, and board or council members are called to spiritual discernment as they lead us in remaining faithful to our mission and values. At the same time, as not-for-profit organisations registered with the ACNC, these leaders are our ‘responsible persons’, required to meet specific governance standards. In this elective we will consider how these roles both align and are held in tension. We will explore how we can live out our biblical and theological values with integrity, ensuring our governance reflects not just compliance, but the kingdom of Jesus.

Melinda is BCSANT’s Director of Ministries and in that role part of the Assembly Board. She is also on the Board of Directors of the new national BaptistCare. Her background is in pastoral ministry and theological education. In 2023, she graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors as part of the Christian Women in Governance program. She is passionate about Baptist ecclesiology (ways of being church) and interested in how it intersects with modern governance standards.

This session aims to equip small group and discipleship leaders with practical tools to read the Bible well, for themselves and those they lead. Together we’ll address common challenges, draw on key theological insights for understanding God’s word, and practise ways to foster Spirit-led transformation as we move from the biblical text to everyday life.

Gayle Kent loves seeing people deepen their love for God in everyday life. She is a lecturer in the Bible and Theology faculty at Morling College, specialising in pastoral care and spiritual and ministry formation. In addition to her teaching, she serves on the college’s Executive Leadership Team as the Vice Principal for Students and Community. Her role allows her to connect with people across all generations, from current students to alumni. She also has the privilege of coordinating Encore, Morling’s popular program for retirees.

How can the local church meaningfully engage with the “big” issues of poverty, justice, and mission? In this elective, the team from Baptist World Aid will draw on stories from the global Baptist family as they respond to poverty, conflict, and injustice in their communities, and explore practical ways for churches—especially smaller congregations—to foster authentic global engagement. This includes how prayer, advocacy, generosity, and local discipleship can be powerful acts of solidarity that connect your church community with brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe.

Jayden is National Church & Partnerships Manager at Baptist World Aid, an organisation passionate about seeing God’s justice and love transform lives around the world. He works with churches and young people to help them see how faith and action go hand in hand – following Jesus not just with our words, but with our lives. Jayden is married to Mikyla and together, they serve at Syndal Baptist Church and live alongside men at risk of homelessness through Servants Community Housing; a Christian housing organisation birthed from their local Baptist Church.  

Cathy Turner is the Co-Lead Pastor at West Beach Community Church. 

Cathy has over 15 years experience in pastoral ministry and is passionate about local community engagement. She is also the Pastoral Care Worker at West Beach Primary School.

Andrew Turner is the Co-Lead Pastor at West Beach Community Church. 

Andrew is an experienced pastor with a passion for healthy, vibrant, fruitful churches. He also works for Australian Baptist Ministries leading Crossover. Andrew & Cathy have lived in West Beach for over 10 years.

The church of tomorrow will not look like the church of today. As our communities grow more diverse across cultures and generations, pastors and volunteers need fresh skills to connect meaningfully and lead with wisdom.

This elective introduces Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as a practical framework for ministry. Participants will look at one aspect of CQ that will be practical as we seek to bridge cultural differences, read the changing context around us, and build ministries where all people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Come ready to be stretched, challenged, and encouraged as we explore what it means to lead God’s people with curiosity, courage, and cultural intelligence.

Des is a trusted guide for leaders navigating today’s complex and fast-changing world. With more than 25 years of experience across ASX-listed companies, educational institutions, private enterprise, and the faith-based not-for-profit sector, he brings a wealth of insight into how organisations and churches can thrive.

Alongside his corporate and consulting work, Des has served for 15 years in pastoral ministry, including church planting and leadership on Baptist Boards. This unique blend of marketplace and ministry experience enables him to bridge worlds that often remain disconnected.

Drawing on the frameworks of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Cultural Intelligence (CQ), and Generational Intelligence (GQ), Des helps leaders move beyond surface-level change toward lasting transformation.

Whether guiding a board retreat, shaping organisational culture, or coaching a leader, his focus is on building trust, uncovering personal insight, and aligning people with God-given purpose.

Known for his warm presence, intuitive listening, and future-focused lens, Des creates space for honest conversations that lead to authentic growth. His conviction is simple yet profound: leadership is not about status, but stewardship – and the best leaders are those who cultivate environments where people and communities flourish.

Worship is central to the life of the church—but how do we lead and model worship that truly shapes and inspires our communities? In this elective, we’ll ask some deep questions about worship and explore how it reaches beyond the songs we sing. Participants will be invited to think creatively about how worship can form us and fuel God’s work in the world. Expect fresh ideas, practical tools, and space to reflect together on how worship can be authentic, Spirit-led, and life-giving in every context.

Mike is passionate about Jesus and helping individuals and communities grow deeper in their relationship with Him, particularly through worship. He has over 15 years of experience working with worship teams in local churches and camps, and served as Worship Pastor at Rostrevor Baptist for 8 years. Having served in both large and small church settings, he brings a breadth of experience in helping teams discover how to worship authentically in every context. He now serves as Lead Pastor at All Nations Baptist Church.