By Garry Sanossian
Fifty-one people from across Churches of Christ in NSW & ACT gathered at The Tops Conference Centre for Pilgrimage 2026, taking time to connect and explore the story, convictions and relationships that have shaped our movement.
Held from 24–25 September, Pilgrimage is a two-day retreat introducing leaders to the history, ethos and foundations of churches of Christ in NSW & ACT, while creating space to build relationships across the network.
Hospital chaplain John Eves from Wyong came to Pilgrimage knowing little about the history behind the movement.
“It was just really great to see the history of the formation of churches of Christ because I really knew nothing about it,” John said. “It was just very helpful.”
Across the two days, participants explored the origins and development of churches of Christ, the ethos and convictions that continue to shape the movement, and the wider network of churches, ministries and resources available to support local leaders.
Conversations also covered church and leader health and safe ministry practices.
For James and Isabelle Lawrie from Bowral Church of Christ, the experience brought together both sides of Pilgrimage: discovering the movement’s history and connecting with the people who are part of it today.
“I have loved learning the history of churches of Christ in New South Wales and ACT,” James said.
“It was great to see and get to know all the people from the greater network,” Isabelle reflected.
Building connections was also central to the program, with participants gathering in small groups to share the spiritual and vocational journeys that had shaped their lives.
“I’ve really enjoyed hearing people’s stories and getting to know the story of the network and how all of our stories fit together,” Georgia said.
Cathy Kleemann, a Conference Executive member (the governing body of our network) and former Australian College of Ministry faculty member, led a session exploring Restoration Movement history, and its enduring principles since 1800s, including “No creed but Christ”, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things love”, These principles, alongside a commitment to simple New Testament Christianity and the Lordship of Christ, continue to shape the Network’s values of Unity, Restoration and Life.
That shared identity found expression as participants gathered around the fire for communion and worship together, reflecting how Christ invites us, his family, to gather around the open communion table regularly, participating in sacred hospitality and extending this invitation to all.
Even after many years with churches of Christ, Conference Executive member Peter Chi found something new to appreciate during Pilgrimage.
“What I’ve loved about Pilgrimage this year was to be able to hear from our history, just the richness of the origins of our movement,” Peter said.
“To have that brought to us in such a lively way is really, really awesome. I’ve been with the movement for so long now, and I’ve never really had the chance to be able to hear from that, so that was awesome.”
As Pilgrimage 2026 came to a close, participants returned to their churches, chaplaincy settings and ministries across NSW and the ACT with new connections, a deeper understanding of the movement they belong to and a greater appreciation of the story they share.
Peter hopes others will also take the opportunity to experience Pilgrimage.
“I would highly recommend it. If you haven’t gone to Pilgrimage, do it.”
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