Ministry Booster: Developing Young Leaders

Join us in our series of mini professional development classes for busy ministers and leaders of churches.

Session Purpose:

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."
This Chinese proverb reminds us that while we can't change the past, we can choose to invest in the future today. Developing young leaders starts now—with intentional steps that will grow lasting impact in the church and beyond. Start where you are, with who you have.

This Ministry Booster will explore how to effectively identify, disciple, and develop young leaders within the church, with a focus on understanding the unique traits of Gen Z and emerging differences with Gen Alpha. We'll examine how these generations are wired—how they think, interact, and engage with faith—and how this shapes leadership development. The session will also outline a whole-church approach to discipleship, explore practical strategies for leadership formation, and offer tools for partnering with parents in nurturing faith and leadership in the next generation.

Date: Thursday, August 21 (Zoom)
Time: 10am – 12pm
Cost: $30 

Guest Speaker: Kimberly Smith and Nathan Freind

Kimberly Smith – BUV

Kimberly is currently the Generations and Emerging Leaders Pastor for the Baptist Churches of Victoria, Australia. Drawing on 15 years experience as a Generations pastor, her role is to support kids, families, youth and young adult pastors and leaders in their roles with mentoring, training and connection to the broader network of churches. She also seeks to help churches and their senior leadership think, act and grow generationally.

Kimberly is passionate about leadership and team development. She is a State Coordinator within the Arrow Leadership Emerging Leaders program – encouraging leaders in church and para church organisations to explore and develop their leadership potential.

Nathan Freind – Kardinia Church Warrnambool (Campus Pastor)

Nathan Freind is the Lead Pastor at Kardinia Church Warrnambool, with 18 years of ministry experience. He began as a Youth Pastor, overseeing Kardinia’s youth ministry across Ballarat, Geelong, and Warrnambool, leading a team of 60 leaders. He was later appointed as the Generations Pastor, providing oversight across multiple age-based ministries. Now as Lead Pastor, Nathan continues to build on his passion for raising leaders and helping people encounter Jesus. With a background in teaching, chaplaincy, and youth work, he’s also launched leadership initiatives like the Geelong Academy for Youth Alive and a statewide youth leadership conference. Nathan is a fifth-generation Christian, married to Jen for 11 years, and together they have two children, Lewis and Ailey. Nathan brings energy and commitment to ministry, leadership, and the next generation.