SMBC 2026 Children's Ministry Conference
Saturday 2 May
SMBC Children’s Ministry Conference exists to serve children’s ministry leaders. In 2026 we’ll be exploring the theme of Creativity. Come and grow your skills and be refreshed in your ministry! We’ve got something for everyone:
New team members starting in children’s ministry,
Veterans looking for deeper learning on complex issues,
Senior leaders looking for strategy and big picture thinking.
Note: On-campus tickets have now sold out. A waitlist is available through the booking system. Individual Livestream and Livestream Party tickets are still available.
Speakers
Colin Buchanan
Colin Buchanan is Australia’s most successful solo Christian artist. From kid’s music to ABC Play School, to country music and Golden Guitar Awards, his faith and creativity have combined wonderfully for over 30 years. Colin will be giving us insight into his creative process.
Mark Stephens
Mark Stephens lectures in New Testament at SMBC. Before joining SMBC, Mark spent over a decade lecturing in theology at Excelsia College, as well as being a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity. Mark will be giving a Bible talk on the theme of creativity.
Program
- 8:15 am - 9:00 am
Arrive and check in (with tea and coffee)
- 9:00 am - 10:10 am
Session 1
- 10:10 am - 10:45 am
Morning Tea
- 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Session 2
- 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm
Lunch
- 12:50 pm - 2:00 pm
Seminars (choose one)
- 2:00 pm - 2:25 pm
Afternoon Tea
- 2:25 pm - 3:30 pm
Seminars (choose one)
FAQs
- How do I decide which campus to attend?
The conference is held simultaenously on two campuses. The content at each campus identical. If you are going with a larger group, please discuss together which campus you will select so that you can attend at the same site. Both campuses will have an exciting and welcoming atmosphere and will be an excellent sample of SMBC’s great facilities.
- Can I make changes to my order after registration?
Refunds are available up to 3 days prior to the event. You can do this by selecting the “Manage Order” button on your order confirmation email. For any further changes contact events@smbc.edu.au and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that some seminars sell out very quickly.
- Are children allowed to attend the conference?
This is a conference for children’s ministry workers and volunteers, not for children themselves. There will be no childcare facilities available, so please make sure to make other arrangements. There will be some dedicated spaces for nursing parents and infants. Children’s ministry volunteers that are under 18 are welcome to attend the conference under the supervision of a parent, pastor, or equivalent.
- Will a recording of the conference be made available after the event?
Please allow up to two months for our team to process and edit the recording of the event. Then all registered attendees (on-campus and livestream) will receive a link to the event recording package.
- Which seminars will be livestreamed?
The livestream program will provide the morning sessions plus Seminars 1 and 4 only.
- I am not available during the time of the livestream. Can I watch it another time?
The livestream video link will remain active for one month following the event. If you would like to watch the event after that time, you will have to wait until the recording is released.
- Can I share my livestream link with others?
We kindly request that you do not share your livestream link with others outside of your household. If you have a group of over 10 people gathering to watch the livestream, we ask that you purchase a Livestream Party ticket.
Privacy Policy
SMBC is committed to ensuring personal information is managed in an open and transparent way in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. Our Privacy Policy, including further details of our information handling practices is available at www.smbc.edu.au/policies/privacy-policy
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