39 youth and their youth leaders were part of First Training in Canterbury over Kings Birthday weekend.
Riccarton Community Church, Rutland Street Church, Emmett Street Community Church, Halswell Community Church and Grace Church took part—with local youth leaders facilitating sessions on how to grow as leaders.
First Training is CCCNZ’s leadership development retreat for young people aged 16-17—named for the fact this is often the ‘first’ time many young people have had leadership skills and ability actively taught and nurtured in a retreat training setting.
The retreat is made up of combined teaching sessions and worship, personal reflection, and time for connection and fun with each other.
Emma Robinson from Rutland Street Church led sessions on hearing God’s voice and connecting with him—as we read his Word. Leanne Craig, a leader from Grace Church (Nelson), reflected that these sessions were particularly valuable because of their practical nature.
Other excellent talks included Lance Robinson from Rutland Street Church spoke on Personality and Leadership, and Qualities of an Effective Christian Leader. Zack Howe from Halswell Community Church spoke on the responsibilities of Christian Leadership, and Matt Meek from Riccarton Community Church on Personal Pitfalls in Ministry.
Several young people spoke about how specific elements of the weekend will shape their ongoing leadership and faith. Zuri from Halswell Community Church (Christchurch) highlighted the value of dedicated solo time with God and said she intends to make this a priority going forward. Gideon from Halswell Community Church reflected that his main takeaway was that “the Bible is the most reliable way we hear from God”, a perspective that grew directly out of the teaching sessions.
The weekend also created space for participants to begin considering how their learning connects with leadership in practice. Chelsea from Rutland Street Church (Christchurch) spoke about how the themes explored during the weekend could translate into her role as a Rally leader—this kind of practical reflection and application was a consistent thread throughout the weekend.
