Electives

How effective boards reduce dysfunction in their organisation
The board is the apex-decision making body of an organisation. It is the place where ultimate responsibility for its viability and vitality resides. Good governance can help an organisation mitigate, manage and navigate the complex context in which it operates. Poor governance can add complexity, suck away energy and focus, and even cause catastrophic failure. We will explore the unique traps boards of faith-based organisations need to avoid that can create dysfunction and look at the attributes of boards that facilitate high functioning organisations.

Tim Davey, FICDO

Donor Confidence in 2025 – What Ministries Need to Know Now
Join this session as we unpack the latest findings from the 2025 Donor Confidence Report, commissioned by Dunham+Company. Despite economic headwinds, Australian donors remain steadfast — 97% say they will continue giving.
But behind this encouraging stat is a growing selectiveness, especially among younger generations, and a sharp rise in cost-of-living concerns.
You’ll walk away with fresh insight and practical strategies to strengthen donor engagement in a time of caution and change.

Amanda McSeveny and Rick Dunham, Dunham+Company

Financial reporting – the end of Special Purpose financial reports
What does this mean for your organisation, when will you need to act, and what action do you need to do? This session will explore the proposed changes that will see removal of the special purpose framework from the Australian Accounting Standards, and the introduction of a Not for Profit accounting standard, designed for smaller not for profits. We will consider the key elements of the new standard, who will likely have access to the standard and what it means for organisation that may have to start preparing General purpose financial statements. An interactive session for board members, finance staff and other leaders.

Jeff Tulk, Saward Dawson

Guiding difficult HR conversations
HR conversations are rarely easy and failing to have them well, or at all, can have significant relational and legal risks for your workplace. Having them with wisdom requires both skill and heart. In this practical session we will cover how to lead sensitive conversations in a way that mitigates your legal risks, provides transparency, accountability and preserves your workplace culture.

Charlene Woodbine, Caris Consulting

Thinking Christianly about AI and techno-enthusiasm.
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies raise urgent ethical concerns—job losses, privacy, misinformation, and more. But a Christian perspective on our techno-enthusiast times raises questions that may not be asked by others: What does it mean to be human, made in the image of God? What is the nature of consciousness? Can machines bear moral responsibility? How do we honour God in shaping and using these tools? This session explores how faith can guide our response to technology’s promises, perils, and potential idolatries.

Chris Mulherin, ISCAST

Flourishing Leaders, Flourishing Organisations
Human flourishing lies at the heart of Christian leadership, organisational health, and sustained performance. Yet too often, as leaders, we neglect our own soul care and spiritual formation—especially in seasons of disappointment, failure, or hurt.

In this session, Nicholas and Dr. Williams explore the vital connection between personal and organisational flourishing through the lens of Biblical Human Flourishing. Drawing on the latest research and practical wisdom, they will unpack the essential building blocks for thriving leaders and healthy ministries.

You’ll discover accessible, proven ways to restore clarity, cultivate resilience, and lead with healthy vulnerability—drawing strength from your identity in Christ rather than your output. This is not about doing more, but becoming more—and empowering those you lead to flourish as well.

Nicholas Marks and Dr Glenn Williams

Vision Synergy – Principles and Models for Collaboration
Everyone talks about collaboration. But what is it, exactly? Are there different types? Is collaboration within a ministry different than collaboration amongst ministries? Vision Synergy is an organization that has equipped ministries around the world in multi-national and multi-lateral network collaboration for over 20 years. We’ll look at some of their guiding principles, best practices and most helpful tools.

Scott Harris, Mission Increase (USA)

Governance Networking and Collaboration Session (including launch of CMA Board Chair Network and CMA Governance Network

Spend an hour around tables with others interested in the topic of ministry governance. You’ll get to know each other a little as you engage in some facilitated exchanges, you’ll engage in a Theology of Governance conversation, and you’ll be present for the brief launch of two new CMA Network communities: one for Board Chairs, and one for governance more generally.

The CMA Team

Growing Generosity: How to inspire Church Giving and Acquire New Donors
Churches are home to some of the most faithful and generous Christian donors. In this session, we’ll explore how mission and ministry organisations can inspire and engage local churches around the call to mission and meaningful giving.

This session will explore ways to:

Acquire new donors through church partnerships—before, during and after key engagement moments
Build mutual trust and long-term relationships
Lead and equip your church engagement teams for sustainable success

Whether you’re just beginning to work with churches or looking to refine your approach, this session will give you the tools to connect authentically and grow your support base.

Ali Cooke, Wild Hive

A practical and biblical approach to Psychosocial Hazards in the Christian Workplace.
Just as Empatia integrates the Gospel with therapy and PeaceWise brings the hope of Jesus into conflict situations, this elective brings a biblical perspective to the challenge of addressing workplace Psychosocial Hazards. Referencing case studies, participants will not only be provided with practical ways of identifying, assessing, controlling and reviewing hazards and risks but, we will show this can be an opportunity to nurture Gospel based communities of healing and cultures of peace.

Dr Shannon Hood, Empatia and Wayne Forward, PeaceWise

A quick and effective way to evaluate your risk management framework
Are you looking for a quick and effective way to evaluate the strength of your risk management framework? Ansvar has leveraged its deep expertise in enterprise risk management to create RMA Online, a powerful new system designed to help community and not-for-profit organisations assess and enhance their risk management frameworks. This session delves into the essential components of a modern risk framework, highlights the common risks faced by organisations, and demonstrates how RMA Online can support your Board and Executive in identifying and implementing improvements.

Rebecca Cooney, Ansvar Insurance

Better Together Than Alone: Parachurch Leaders Collaborating for Kingdom Impact – Part 1
Are you a parachurch CEO who sometimes feels isolated in your leadership journey, facing pressures like fundraising stress, board accountability and limited back-office resources? Join us for a powerful two-part elective where we’ll share about the strategic collaboration conversations 20 parachurch mission leaders have begun this past year. We’re early on this journey of the Kingdom Impact Network (KIN), taking time to build relationships of trust, aligned to a shared Kingdom vision. We want to meet others with a similar heart and to dream about what’s possible. Come along for a time of discussion, connection, and even some speed dating!

George Savvides, Duncan Brown, Herbert Um, Kylie Butler, Nic Mackay, Sam Hearn & Michelle Farrall

Organisational Design for Impactful Ministries
The Canadian Centre for Christian Charities developed its Organisational Design Model to help Christian ministries become ever more exemplary, healthy, effective, and Christian in practice. The goal is to have a thriving organisational platform from which to conduct impactful ministry. We will review a self-assessment model that presents 49 aspects of your organisation from three perspectives to help you decide which organisational improvements will provide the greatest benefit to your ministry in its current circumstances. The three perspectives are: 1) the Ideal Ministry; 2) the organization’s Felt Needs; and 3) the Hierarchy of Needs for organisations. Participants in the room will receive one free online assessment they can complete later to receive a detailed report for their ministry.

John Pellowe, Canadian Centre for Christian Charities

Agile Problem-Solving for Busy Nonprofits
This interactive workshop will show nonprofit leaders how to use constraints and cross-functional collaboration to solve problems with simple, fast, and cost-effective technology solutions. Attendees will learn how breaking down silos and forming diverse, time-bound teams can accelerate outcomes—even with limited resources. Presenters will share a proven structure, real examples of impact, and guide participants in applying the approach to their own challenges, helping them leave with a tailored plan they can start using immediately.

Oliver Schofield and Jui Ho, Compassion

Understanding AI: Risks, Realities and Relevance for Christian Organisations
AI is reshaping how we live, work and serve. This session unpacks what AI really is (and isn’t), explores practical use cases from sectors like education and aid, and shares lessons from designing responsible AI in high-stakes environments. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of AI’s capabilities and ideas for how you could use AI, along with insights on risks and governance implications and how they apply in faith-based and charitable contexts.

Louise Mercer, Nova Sight

10x Your Charity
Leading a charity is deeply rewarding—but it also requires more than passion to scale effectively. In this session, you’ll gain practical insights from real-world nonprofit experience, including the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that fuel sustainable growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your charity to the next level this session will help you grow your fundraising income, deepen engagement with supporters and ultimately, create game changing impact for your charity.

Mike Gore, Charitabl.

Privacy
The Privacy Act’s new, stronger laws and higher penalties require Christian organisations to protect personal information from misuse and privacy breaches. With hacking activity increasing, join this must-see session to understand your legal obligations and learn practical tips, sector stats and lessons from real life cases.

Cecelia Irvine-So, Moores

Helping people off the bus – managing terminations with grace
Navigating the issue of people who no longer fit an organisation is one of the most challenging and confronting tasks leaders face. Making such decisions is difficult and executing them even more so. The challenge is unique in faith-inspired organisations where the employee/employer relationship can be complicated by concepts of calling and belonging. We will explore the notion of the psychological contract individuals have with their organisation and how managing it is critical to ensuring successful and dignified departures.

Tim Davey, FICDO

AI That Works: 10 Simple Ways to Use AI Today
Discover ten practical and easy-to-implement ways AI can save you time, reduce costs, and boost your impact—without needing a tech team. This session breaks down real-world uses of AI for marketing, admin, communication, and more, tailored for Christian organisations and small businesses. No hype—just tools and tactics you can use straight away to work smarter and serve better.

Stephen Hughes and Michael Dogger, R6 Digital

Better Together Than Alone: Parachurch Leaders Collaborating for Kingdom Impact – Part 2
Are you a parachurch CEO who sometimes feels isolated in your leadership journey, facing pressures like fundraising stress, board accountability and limited back-office resources? Join us for a powerful two-part elective where we’ll share about the strategic collaboration conversations 20 parachurch mission leaders have begun this past year. We’re early on this journey of the Kingdom Impact Network (KIN), taking time to build relationships of trust, aligned to a shared Kingdom vision. We want to meet others with a similar heart and to dream about what’s possible. Come along for a time of discussion, connection, and even some speed dating!

George Savvides, Duncan Brown, Herbert Um, Kylie Butler, Nic Mackay, Sam Hearn & Michelle Farrall

From Fishermen to Faith Leaders: A Masterclass in Collaboration with Jesus
In this elective we will explore the collaborative ministry of Jesus Christ. He was more than a skilled carpenter, he was the ultimate master builder of kingdom collaboration. Together we’ll dive into the gospels to uncover how Jesus’ approach to teamwork provides a blueprint for godly collaboration in our workplaces, ministries, and daily lives. Our aim is to be inspired by Jesus, the pioneer of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), to help us build extraordinary collaborative partnerships for God’s glory.

Stephen Baxter

Beautiful conflict – the essential building blocks of a conflict competent organisation
While diversity is unquestionably a driver of innovation and performance, it can also contribute to misalignment, frustration and damaged relationships. This session explores the practical steps that executive teams can take to embrace diversity with frameworks that hold teams and stakeholders in right relationship.

Mal Cooke and Heidi Rawson, Neometric

Measuring Mission: Progress impact through your strategy monitoring & evaluation
Proactively move the dial toward your vision through your mission & strategy. Discover how to use a version of the classic strategy framework, the Balanced Scorecard, to track your organisation’s strategy and measure impact. This session will introduce a clear framework for aligning vision, mission, strategy, and outcomes, so you can track what matters most.

Peter Chandra, Pluri

Legal Hotspots that could affect your Christian Ministry in 2025
This seminar will canvas some of the key legal and regulatory hotspots facing many Christian Ministries in 2025. Ranging from governance trends, shifts in regulatory posture, to recent legal reforms, we will address the impact each of these could have on the way you conduct your organisation, from employment to fundraising. Our intention is that you leave this session better equipped to navigate the challenges you face as you serve God and the people God has entrusted to you.

Stephanie Judd and Allison Strickland, Prolegis Lawyers

Thriving in a Crowded Market: How a clear unique value proposition fuels growth & long-term sustainability
In an increasingly competitive landscape, defining your unique value is essential. This session will guide leaders, marketers, and strategists through the critical process of defining a unique value proposition that resonates with audiences, and articulating their position in the market with clarity and impact. Through case studies, interactive exercises, and expert insights, attendees will learn how to:

Identify what truly differentiates their organisation
Develop a compelling brand narrative that resonates with target customers
Align messaging, marketing, and business strategy to reinforce market positioning

Whether you’re an emerging startup or an established organisation looking to reposition, this session will equip you with practical tools to strengthen your competitive edge, discover ways to grow through collaboration and build lasting brand equity.
Everyone wins when we’re clear on the unique role we play and the place we hold in the market.

Chelsea Beech, beech agency

Cyber security and resilience: key priorities

Sarah Daniel, Westpac Group

Kingdom Impact Network – Closed Session (KIN members only)

General Networking & Collaboration Session

This is an open session with no main presenter. You’ll be sitting around tables, and a facilitator will lead you in some structured networking and collaboration exercises.

The CMA Team

Grace in the Boardroom
This session will focus on how our theology shapes the way we do everything in the boardroom – including the business practices we adopt, the role models and mentors we follow, and even the language we use and the agendas of our meetings.

Ken Dean, Reformed Theological College

Which tools and techniques from mainstream fundraising are out of bounds for Christian fundraisers?
Mainstream fundraising, especially at the bigger end, has become a sophisticated, precision operation. Outsourcing research of the giving capacity of individuals, using AI for more efficient personalisation of appeals, using psychological techniques to increase the chances of larger and more frequent gifts is all fair game now. Is ministry fundraising any different? Are all the tools, techniques and advances in general fundraising equally appropriate for Christian ministries, or are some of them out of bounds for us? Join us in an invigorating panel conversation as we look at whether there are boundaries ministry fundraising shouldn’t cross.

Panel discussion led by June Steward, Creagivity

Common Finance issues facing Christian organisations in Australia
As a financial service provider to Christian churches and ministries, BBS sees lots of common issues laying traps for the unwary. There are right and wrong way to pay honorariums, especially for religious practitioners. Awards, payroll, exempt benefits, STP and Centrelink are a potential minefield for many, with serious consequences if you get it wrong. ACNC requirements are often missed, and ABN problems emerge when changing entity types. This session will use case-studies and examples to help you ensure you’re going about things correctly.

Shelley Bartels, Baptist Financial Services

Looking through the mirror: an employment updated on the lessons of the last 12 months and the upcoming 12 months for your organisation.
Adam will cover an update on what your organisation can expect to wrestle with in the employment and safety space based upon changes in the last 12 months and the next 12 months to come with the re-election of the Albanese Government.

Adam Foster, Colin Biggers & Paisley

From Connection to Impact: Maximising Your CRM to Strengthen Donor Relationships
Join Heartburst’s CEO, Rob van der End, and Head of Digital, Nick Dubé, for an insightful session on enhancing donor relationships through modern CRM technology. Learn to optimise automation and personalisation tools, whether maximising your existing CRM platform or implementing a new one. With a platform-agnostic approach, gain practical strategies for mapping donor journeys and creating impactful connections for your ministry.

Rob van der End and Nick Dubé, Heartburst

Safety First: Protecting the Young and Vulnerable
This seminar examines the legal frameworks, compliance obligations, and duty of care requirements related to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons. It explores emerging risks, recent legislative developments, risk management strategies, and the roles of institutions and professionals in ensuring legal and ethical protection standards are met.

Sarah Ryan, Prolegis Lawyers

CEO Networking and Collaboration Session for CEOs Only (including launch of the CMA CEO Network)
Spend an hour around tables with others in the team leader role, working through three guided conversations. You’ll get to know each other a little, you’ll learn what issues other CEOs are grappling with, and you’ll be present for the brief launch of the CMA CEO Network, where we’ll explain the purpose and benefits of the network, but also give you a chance to begin to shape it.

The CMA Team

Board update
What Board members need to know to govern their Christian organisation effectively – we’ll discuss recent changes to the law including practical tips and guidance in areas including employment, discrimination and conversion practices as well as covering updated guidance on not-for-profit governance and cybersecurity.

Rebecca Lambert‑Smith, Moores

Innovation Leadership in Church & Ministry Life
What does innovation leadership look like in the context of local churches and ministry life? Using results from thousands of local leaders, who took part in the National Church Life Survey, this elective provides research-based insights. Do leaders see themselves as innovative? Who are the most innovative leaders? What are some examples of innovation taking place? How are churches and church ministries managing innovative practices? The National Church Life Survey is conducted every five years across more than 20 denominations.

Dr Ruth Powell, NCLS Research

Complex Structures – Why the ATO and ACNC have identified this as an emerging risk!
What is considered a “complex structure” and what you can do to address the concerns. This session will consider the emerging risk areas identified by the regulators and some practical approaches for boards and management to respond to the risks that maybe present in your organisation. The session will explore a number of practical responses to the key focus areas, that will strengthen your organisational governance and control framework. An interactive session for board members, finance staff and other leaders.

Helen Boucher and Peter Shields, Saward Dawson

Leading multigenerational teams
New research on leading multigenerational teams will guide leaders into the future of work. Leaders now manage employees with vastly different generational worker profiles and therefore understanding the expectations, communication preferences and leadership styles of different generations is vital for HR leaders.
This session will outline the new demographics and the social trends which have shaped Gen Z. It will identify the HR implications of these new attitudes, values, and workplace priorities of today’s employees and how to effectively motivate and lead teams. It will provide an exploration of the best leadership practices for today that connect with an intergenerational workforce.

Geoff Brailey and Sophie Renton, McCrindle

Collaboration as Part of Your Ministry’s DNA
There is no time like the present to ensure your ministry is one that others want to collaborate with. Your team’s collaboration skills within the ministry, culture, motivations, and several other factors all need to be reviewed to prepare your ministry for new collaborations or to upgrade your existing collaborations. The goal is to have a collaboration mindset and practices baked into the DNA of your ministry. Practical tips and tools will help your ministry be an exemplary collaborative partner.

John Pellowe, Canadian Centre for Christian Charities

Religious Freedom Update: Contemporary Pressures and Future Trends
Federal, State and Territory law is placing continuing pressure on the manifestation of religious belief in Australia. This session will canvass recent reforms impacting on religious institutions, charities and schools, including in respect of their teaching, employment and volunteer practices, supply of charitable services and tax endorsements. It will highlight the various identifiable trends to paint a picture of potential future reforms consequent on the Federal election.

Dr Mark Fowler, Fowler Charity Law

Board recruitment –culture and process
Is your board culture one that attracts emerging board talent and fosters board governance growth. Any successful board appointment involves a two-sided negotiation between the board and individuals who seek a meaningful board role. Due diligence by both the board and potential candidates is vital. A checklist of questions for both parties is important in creating a dialogue that explores synthesis of purpose, talent and skill fit. Both parties need to apply discernment so that a mutually fulfilling match can be uncovered. This session will share input from Chairs of Boards and younger profile board candidates to uncover the culture nuances that both attracts and retains talents, and enhances Board performance and outcomes.

Diann Feldman

Raise $1,000 from This Workshop
Many support-raising sessions are full of great ideas—but sometimes what we really need is a practical push to get started. This workshop is all about action. You’ll watch a real fundraising conversation happen live, then craft your own ask, send real text invites, and walk away with booked meetings and a clear, simple plan for what to say. Whether you’re just starting out or need to restart your momentum, this session is designed to help you move from theory to practice—and take your first steps toward full funding, right there in the room. This workshop suits anyone who lives off personal support, or is responsible for staff who live off personal support.

Will Longbottom, Fully Funded Gospel Worker

Human Centred Design
The world needs more than good ideas and well-meaning intentions – it needs leaders who know how to put people at the heart of the mission. Diversity and inclusion go beyond belonging; they are about intentional participation where the right people contribute. Human-centered design focuses on understanding the needs, challenges, and lived experiences of those most affected. Lived experience isn’t a bonus – it’s essential to shaping meaningful outcomes that reflect the communities we serve.

Jenni White, Charitabl.

Avoiding and Resolving Disputes in Churches and Religious Charities
Disputes in churches and religious charities can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on the people and the mission of the organisation. This seminar examines recent Australian cases involving disputes in religious and charitable organisations. This session also explores lessons for churches and religious charities in early management and resolution of disputes with a particular focus on dispute resolution processes.

Simon Mason, Vocare Law

Leading Faithfully in the Age of AI: An Open Dialogue
In this interactive session, we’ll explore the opportunities and dilemmas AI presents for boards and leaders of Christian organisations. Through shared insights, participant questions and shared experiences, we’ll wrestle with real-world challenges around ethics, oversight, safety, and faithful innovation. Come ready to discuss, discern and shape your organisation’s response to this powerful technology.

Louise Mercer, Nova Sight

A Deeper Dive – Congregations and Charities TOGETHER
Congregations and charities often misunderstand each other. What do each need to know about the other? Even when there is a good relationship, it doesn’t often go deeper than an exchange of funds and volunteers. What does synergistic collaboration between congregations and charities look like? We’ll cover some principles – and provide some tools – to deepen this relationship.

Scott Harris, Mission Increase (USA)

When Generosity Becomes a Team Sport
We often think of generosity as a personal virtue, but what if it became a collaborative movement that transformed our cities and beyond? In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how generosity can be catalysed not just in individuals, but across churches, ministries and cities. You’ll experience a sample session from the Journey of Generosity course that leads participants to consider how their passions, gifts and resources can respond to local needs, and the power (and excitement!) of forming Kingdom Giving Collaborations to respond together.
Come and hear stories of the incredible impact this is having across the world and consider how you could use this approach to spark fresh momentum in your ministry context, unlocking funds and servants to resource more Kingdom work.

Martine Wilson – Generosity Path

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Conference Electives

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