Dunedin Leaders Day

Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership exists to love and serve the Church of Aotearoa New Zealand by providing her leaders with the tools, support, and guidance they need to flourish. 

Join us for a one day conference as we gather with leaders from across the region to connect, be inspired and encouraged, and discuss issues relevant to the Church in Aotearoa. The event runs from 9am to 2:30pm. Morning tea and lunch is included.

Theme: Stewarding Renewal

Our 2025 Leaders Days explore emerging reports across New Zealand and the globe of increasing openness to faith in Christ, and in some cases significant growth in church attendance and baptisms, led by younger generations; and how church leaders might respond.

"In churches across society something amazing is happening, challenging long held predictions about the future of Christianity in the twenty-first century. Where we once saw ageing congregations and a steady decline in attendance, we now see dramatic growth, led by the young. Where we once saw apathy or even hostility to Christianity and the Bible we see increased openness." - Bible Society UK

In the United States a similar trend is emerging:

"Undeniably there is renewed interest in Jesus," says David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna. "This is the clearest trend we've seen in more than a decade pointing to spiritual renewal — and it's the first time Barna has recorded such spiritual interest being led by younger generations." - Barna Group, USA

On Easter Sunday in New Zealand, St Patricks Cathedral in Auckland baptized 350 people. Testimonies are emerging from churches across Aotearoa of an openness to faith, responses from people previously not interested in church, and a curiosity about Christ and Christianity among non-believers, particularly young people.

As church and Christian leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand, how might we respond in our contexts?

How could we participate in what the Spirit is doing? What does this mean for sustainability of people and programmes, and for our discipleship teams? How can we discern the best response to the opportunities presented by this context? How can we stir hunger for renewal in our time and place, without unhealthy comparison?

We are gathering leaders from across Aotearoa in four locations for a one day conference to discuss these questions. There will be opportunity to hear testimonies of renewal happening in churches in Aotearoa, and share your thoughts with other leaders as we gather — we pray you will walk away encouraged, inspired, and with fresh vision for the days ahead.

We hope to see you there!