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CRE8 Kingdom Business Summit Melbourne 2009

Rising above the Storm


Source: OnWatch
Monday, 27 April 2009, 9:08 (EST)
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Over 330 people attended the 2009 Cre8 Kingdom Business Summit held in Melbourne on March 13 – 14. The achieved purpose of the conference was to provide encouragement, practical support and relational connectivity to Christian Business Owners, Leaders, Emerging Leaders, Entrepreneurs and Church Leaders. Many of these are facing a turbulent future at a time when the current world economy is in crisis.

The theme of the conference, “Rising Above the Storm” focused on overcoming the impact of the global recession by helping Christian Business people recognise their calling to the Marketplace Ministry and how to impact the marketplace as leaders. This was progressively developed in every session.

Michael Youssef shared about “Crossing your River of Impossibility”, connecting calling and perseverance with the trials of the current global financial crisis. Many people responded to the call to step into their destiny in business, some also making a first time response to Christ.

Craig Winkler shared his story of how he built MYOB as part of his relationship with God and how he built his Christian values into his work life. This provided great encouragement to those who understand they are placed in the marketplace for this very purpose.One response was: "I never realised before that my business was my ministry".

Andrew Hagger, National Australia Bank Executive General Manager, shared a message about the economic situation, providing an understanding of the state of world markets with insights into the Spiritual dimension involved, opening a way for business owners to make sensible financial decisions in uncertain times.

Martien Kelderman from New Zealand shared personally about why “failure” is necessary in building faith and how to apply this to the environment of business. This session reflected the truth that no great success in business can occur without a foundation of learning through failure as this is how God creates character in His people.

Jason Smith, founder of award winning physiotherapy franchise group, Back in Motion, shared from personal experience about the seasons of business and the valuable lessons to be learned, particularly in the current crisis (the ‘winter of business’) which helps prepare for the seasons to come. Feedback from the conference included many comments such as:

"I am struggling to absorb the extensive personal spiritual "value" I took away from the array of speakers, the intercessory prayer, the networking, and the overwhelming sense of the presence of God in an auditorium full of people searching for Kingdom purposes and ways in the midst of the global financial storm.” Terry Friend

Murray Baird related his journey of transformation of Moores Legal assisted by the mentoring input of Rob Palmer. This was a valuable to many business owners who are seeking transformation growth. The insight that transformation of a business follows transformation of the business leader was very challenging to attendees as transformation is a painful but very necessary process.

Interspersed with cutting edge messages were presentations from the Melbourne Dance Theatre who shared an emotive production of the conference theme in dance, as well as some amazing illusions from well-known entertainers Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster who left attendees amazed!

The final key session crystallised the conference theme with Peter Kentley (CEO of Australian Marketplace Connections) making the point that many Christian Business Leaders AGREE with God’s Principles but need to go further and ALIGN themselves and their businesses with Kingdom process. Moving from “Agreement to Alignment” is the key factor in releasing God’s power in businesses. Wendy Simpson, Chair of Westray Engineering extended on this concept by sharing her personal business journey, which was a valuable insight in how God can use a person committed to his purposes.

“Cre8 was a life changing experience for me and my sense of calling in the market place. Session topics were spot on leaving me with a great sense of direction in my market place calling. I loved this conference and the connections I made with like-minded people.” Jonathon Brake

The connection with local Churches and Business Leaders was also strengthened by the number of Church Leaders at Cre8 and by workshops run by David Doery (Senior Pastor Richmond AOG) and John Muys (2Significance) helped both business people and Church leaders connect with each other more effectively. One senior pastor commented:

“I realised I had the opportunity to come to Cre8 and gain what I could from the conference, or take 10 of my most busy business people who can never find time together and spend 48 hours with them and minister to them at the same time"

The Expo provided the ability for attendees to interact with around twenty selected service providers and sponsors, each with special conference offers specifically tailored to the needs to Christian Business Leaders

Click here for Bio's of the Keynote speakers.

Attendees of Cre8 appreciated the vast variety of nearly twenty workshops that provided resources for Business Leaders to take directly into the marketplace and apply in their own businesses.

Workshop Subjects:

God’s Turn-around Strategies - Phil Cave

Financial Fundamentals for Life’s Purpose - Kevin Bailey

Was that call really from God? - Martien Kelderman

How to Support your Church's Leadership - David Doery

How to Support your Church’s Business Leaders – John Muys

Why Christians go Bust in Business - Jason Smith

Appreciative Enquiry for Organisational Transformation - Jeremy Ellis

The Power of Mentoring & Coaching in Today’s Marketplace - George Barrett and the MBCI team

Face Your Fears - Tim Ellis

Number one Tax Secret in Christian Business & Investment - Clive Bird

Succession Planning for Christian Business - Michael Pittendrigh

Facilitated Peer Mentoring (ILG) - Peter Kentley

Time Poor, Soul Rich - Anne Winckel

Championing Change – Sandy Schutte

Leading for Sustainable Excellence - Rob Palmer

Keeping ALL of your Life Together – Business, Ministry, Family and Self - Philip Volk

Click here for bio's of the workshop presenters.

“Cre8 is a light in the business world, a soul in your business - a new life” Stephen Niwa.

The keynote speakers and workshop presenters have provided an outstanding resource to help equip and grow both our leadership skills and business capacity in a way that is uniquely integrated with our Christian faith. This is part of God's provision to help us "Rise above the Global Financial Storm".

Click here to order the DVD recordings of these sessions.

Australian Marketplace Connections provides ongoing support and Integrated Leadership Groups to assist Christian Business Leaders develop their impact in the marketplace for Christ. Please get in touch if you would like to know more about joining an Integrated Leadership Group or join a Sustainable Excellence Workshop starting in July.

Click here for the AMC and ILG web sites.


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