Collective Gathering 2026

**Ministry leaders, you are invited to join us at Collective Gathering 2026 to be held on 11-13 November 2026 at Stanwell Tops!**

Each year ministers, elders, ministry staff, chaplains, and key leaders of our churches of Christ ministries across NSW & ACT converge for our Collective Gathering at The Tops with the purpose of strengthening our partnership through connection, conversation, celebration, and collaboration.

Together, we’ll spend time relishing God’s presence amongst us, enjoying both our unity and diversity, and making new memories together!

Scroll down or use our quicklinks below to explore what’s in store for our 2026 Collective Gathering.

A Discipling Church – the radiance of Jesus in the world

Discipleship is the core work of the Church – we are living out the way of Jesus, as a community called to bear witness to His way, words and works. At this year’s Collective Gathering, we’re exploring what it means to walk that out together with Jesus, and with each other, as beacons of hope in the world.

What does a Discipling Church look like?

In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, He emboldens us as disciples to radiate God’s light. He says: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.” (Matt 5:14 MSG)

After Jesus’ resurrection, two grieving disciples walked the road to Emmaus alongside a stranger – not knowing it was Jesus himself. When they later realised, “they asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?'” (Luke 24:32)

Our hearts are kindled to life when walking closely with Jesus, and hearts like that don’t stay still. They move. They spur others on. They carry what they’ve received everywhere they go.

That’s why at this year’s Collective Gathering we want to put discipleship at the centre of our focus as a network. We want to get talking about: what discipleship is, how we walk that out together in community, the ways we’re getting stuck, and what’s working in our churches.

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This year at Collective Gathering, we’ll invite you into a two-way collaboration as we explore our theme A Discipling Church.

Our keynote speakers, panel discussions and break out groups are all designed to facilitate an open, curious dialogue in response to our lived experiences and persistent questions about what it means to to be a follower of Jesus.

Main sessions will include input from keynote speakers and response through Q&A and personal reflection time.

Panel Sessions will include dialogue between the host and panel, plus engagement through small group discussion and personal reflection time.

This year we are welcoming…

Jeff Nagle (Coast Community Church, NSW)

Mark Riessen (Australian College of Ministry, Australia)

Pat Hegarty (Kenmore Church of Christ, Qld)

These three keynote speakers will help us explore and expand our views and practices of discipleship. Additionally, a number of churches will be sharing their journey and learnings as disciple-makers in their context.

We’ll wrestle honestly with questions like:

What do we mean when we talk about being a disciple?

Where – and why – do we get stuck in discipleship, personally and as communities?

How does discipleship shape the way we lead, engage in mission, and live out our calling?

Where

The Tops Conference Centre
51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops NSW 2508

View a site map here.

When

4pm Wednesday 11 November – 2pm Friday 13 November

Other Important Details

From 4pm on Wednesday, register on arrival on at the verandah outside Reception.

Feel free to bring your luggage up to the desk and our team will give you room details along with other items you’ll need for your stay.

After arrival and registration, our three-day program will begin with dinner on Wednesday night followed by our first evening session together.

On Thursday night, we’ll hold an evening of celebration. You’re welcome to come dressed up for a night of good food and good company while we look back at the year and celebrate all that God has been doing across the network. Our MC from last year, the dynamic Stephen Cha, will again be at the mic.

Have Questions?

Email your unanswered questions to hello@ccnswact.org.au

We would love to see your kids at Collective Kids!

Across both exciting days, kids will explore a faith-focused theme (details coming soon!) through creative crafts, lively games, indoor and outdoor play, and Bible times that point to Jesus, the Light of the World.

Led by Mel Oxman

With 20+ years as a primary teacher and a long history in children’s ministry at NewDay Church, Mel Oxman brings warmth, experience, and a heart for helping kids encounter God’s love. Mel’s caring team of leaders all hold Working With Children Checks and Safe Spaces training, ensuring your kids are safe and supported.

More details coming soon!