A good roadtrip – or in our case, a flight to Christchurch – has a way of breaking open conversations that wouldn’t happen anywhere else. That’s how Little Revolutions began for Jude, Sage, Greg and me: four mates who care deeply about discipleship. Held at Tūranga Library in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Little Revolutions is a gathering that brings together innovators, ministers, pioneers, planters, and practitioners, all wrestling with how the Church in Aotearoa can partner with Christ in creative ways to share his good news in our communities. This year’s conference saw people from all corners of the motu arrive to share stories, challenge assumptions, and seek God’s vision for the future.

We met up with a wider crew from the Nelson Diocese, including ministers, youth leaders, planters, and pioneers. Bishop Steve and Watiri were there too, alongside Spanky, who is part of the team putting the event together. There was something energising about being part of a group that spanned generations, ministry contexts, and experiences. The speakers and workshops were all amazing, but for me the greatest part of the conference were the conversations and ideas that were sparked in the corners. They happened in the walk between sessions, in the conversations over kai, and in the late night discussions over a beer by those carrying the similar burdens and dreams.

One of the key themes that surfaced across the sessions was the relationship between the centre and the edge of church life – between long-established congregations and those stepping into more experimental spaces. As someone whose ministry lives mostly in the centre, I was challenged to think about how we honour, support, and learn from those working at the edges,  where the fruit may not always look like Sunday attendance, but where renewal is bubbling. That dynamic tension, between stability and risk, tradition and innovation, came through powerfully. What does it mean for us to be part of one body, even when we function in significantly different ways? How do we resist the temptation to judge or ignore each other and instead choose partnership and mutuality?

There’s a limit to what can be captured in a conference programme. But Little Revolutions reminded me that some of the most powerful formation happens not in rows, but in circles. Not in polished presentations, but in honest kōrero among those willing to listen and dream together. That’s what I came away with – not just content, but connection. And I believe the ideas sparked in that space will bear fruit in all sorts of unseen and surprising ways.

For more information on future events and training go to www.catchnetwork.org.nz.

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