An Initiative of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute
Kategoria is grounded in the conviction that the message of Jesus—the gospel—is at the heart of our engagement with culture and that this catalyses profound change in individuals, communities, and societies. We think that wise Christian leaders have both evangelistic calling and social vision. Kategoria exists to train and support these leaders.
Why the name? Kategoria is an ancient Greek word meaning ‘accusation’. It’s the opposite of defence (apologia). In this conference we are seeking to prosecute a case—make an argument—about how Christians should live and what the world should look like when it is impacted by the gospel. Kategoria is about the questions Jesus puts to the culture.
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Best selling author of "Being the Bad Guys": Stephen McAlpine joins us as the Keynote speaker at Kategoria 2024.
Stephen will set the program framework by drawing upon the key themes of his recently published book: "Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing" to analyse our secular western culture, before showing how the gospel equips Christians and churches to Out-purpose, Out-relate, and Out-last the surrounding culture.
Building upon Stephen’s analysis, each day will include presentations from practitioners, academics, and experts in key areas of cultural engagement.
Each presentation is designed to help participants consider how Christians and Churches can Out-purpose, Out-relate and Out-last within a given sphere of influence.
Presentations include areas such as: Politics, Work and Business, the Arts, Media, Education, Technology (AI).
The Kategoria conference will take place onsite at the Lachlan Macquarie Institute's beautiful campus located in Murrumbateman, NSW (30 mins outside Canberra)
The facility is situated upon a 20 acre rural property, surrounded by farmland and within easy distance of some of the best local wineries and vineyards.
Whole program: $980 pp
Day guest: $220 pp (includes meals)
Accommodation and catering is included in the ticket price. All participants will be accommodated offsite at a nearby accommodation provider in twin share rooms.
A morning and evening shuttle service will be provided to ferry participants to the venue each day.
Stephen is the keynote speaker and the author of the book: “Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing”. At the conference Stephen will unpack the key ideas of his book which explores the increasingly secular direction that our western culture is heading and shows how the gospel equips Christians and churches to face the future with confidence.
Stephen is the acclaimed author of the recent best-selling book “Being the Bad Guys: How to Live for Jesus in a World That Says You Shouldn't” and has been reading, writing and reflecting ever since he can remember. His first published piece (the school year book of 1974) was his Grade 2 story about a family of mice being terrorised by a shark on the beaches of Perth. A prescient warning if ever there were one.
He has pastored at several churches in his home state of Western Australia and in his writing dabbles in a number of fields, notably theology and culture, and the rapidly changing face of secularism in the West.
Steve enjoys running. He loves nothing better than hanging out having coffee with his wife in some urban place.
Stephen is the keynote speaker and the author of the book: “Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing”. At the conference Stephen will unpack the key ideas of his book which explores the increasingly secular direction that our western culture is heading and shows how the gospel equips Christians and churches to face the future with confidence.
Stephen is the acclaimed author of the recent best-selling book “Being the Bad Guys: How to Live for Jesus in a World That Says You Shouldn't” and has been reading, writing and reflecting ever since he can remember. His first published piece (the school year book of 1974) was his Grade 2 story about a family of mice being terrorised by a shark on the beaches of Perth. A prescient warning if ever there were one.
He has pastored at several churches in his home state of Western Australia and in his writing dabbles in a number of fields, notably theology and culture, and the rapidly changing face of secularism in the West.
Steve enjoys running. He loves nothing better than hanging out having coffee with his wife in some urban place.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson is the Director (CEO) of The Lachlan Macquarie Institute (LMI) based in Canberra, Australia. LMI’s mission is to raise up an Australian network of wise Christian leaders for politics and culture who are biblically faithful, culturally intelligent, and positively engaged for the common good. Dan holds a PhD from Macquarie University exploring the philosophical ethics of forgiveness. He was a member of the Board of the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) from 2003-2021 and served as its Chair from 2017-2021. Dan holds a B.A. (hons) from the ANU and a B.Div from Moore Theological College. Dan is married to Emma and they have two young children (Nat and Evie). Dan and Emma met while studying at the Australian National University through the Christian Union.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson is the Director (CEO) of The Lachlan Macquarie Institute (LMI) based in Canberra, Australia. LMI’s mission is to raise up an Australian network of wise Christian leaders for politics and culture who are biblically faithful, culturally intelligent, and positively engaged for the common good. Dan holds a PhD from Macquarie University exploring the philosophical ethics of forgiveness. He was a member of the Board of the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) from 2003-2021 and served as its Chair from 2017-2021. Dan holds a B.A. (hons) from the ANU and a B.Div from Moore Theological College. Dan is married to Emma and they have two young children (Nat and Evie). Dan and Emma met while studying at the Australian National University through the Christian Union.
Mark Bilton is an international award winning, “Leadership Advisor” with 20 years Managing Director and CEO experience, leading 6 companies. This included a transformational role as Group Managing Director of Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ global business, leading 40 countries.
Mark has a passion for enabling Christians to be effective in the marketplace. He is the Founder of the Monday Movement and the author of Monday Matters.
His mission is to ‘reframe leadership’ and ‘humanize the workplace’. He fulfills this now as a Leaders Advocate, Independent Chairman, Strategist and Managing Director of Lead Well Live Well.
Mark Bilton is an international award winning, “Leadership Advisor” with 20 years Managing Director and CEO experience, leading 6 companies. This included a transformational role as Group Managing Director of Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ global business, leading 40 countries.
Mark has a passion for enabling Christians to be effective in the marketplace. He is the Founder of the Monday Movement and the author of Monday Matters.
His mission is to ‘reframe leadership’ and ‘humanize the workplace’. He fulfills this now as a Leaders Advocate, Independent Chairman, Strategist and Managing Director of Lead Well Live Well.
Chris lives in the Inner North of Melbourne with his wife Natalie and two school-age kids, where they are part of a local Anglican church. He loves working with leaders who serve Christ, his people and his world. He's passionate about helping them do this in ways that express a personal experience of God's grace, a humble confidence that all of life belongs to Christ, and a longing for spiritual fruitfulness and kingdom impact. He currently gets to do that as the Director of Church Planting with City to City Australia, helping women and men from all different backgrounds lead teams to start new churches all across Australia and New Zealand.
Chris lives in the Inner North of Melbourne with his wife Natalie and two school-age kids, where they are part of a local Anglican church. He loves working with leaders who serve Christ, his people and his world. He's passionate about helping them do this in ways that express a personal experience of God's grace, a humble confidence that all of life belongs to Christ, and a longing for spiritual fruitfulness and kingdom impact. He currently gets to do that as the Director of Church Planting with City to City Australia, helping women and men from all different backgrounds lead teams to start new churches all across Australia and New Zealand.
Michael is a partner in Oilstone (equipping for ministry leaders) and works as a ministry advisor and ministry leadership coach. He is also executive director of Leadership Resources Consulting Group working as a company director, business advisor for start-ups and corporate executive coach (leadership development, strategy execution and culture change).
He is a director of Reach Australia for Christ and was a long-standing board member of both the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students and Katoomba Christian Convention Ltd. He has served in church leadership roles for more than 35 years (including starting new congregations and leading a church plant), and currently attends an Anglican Church in Sydney.
Michael’s professional career includes senior executive positions with Macquarie Bank and Lend Lease Group, running family companies and working with start-ups. He has also been an Associate Program Director and Executive Coach with Mt Eliza Business School (now Melbourne Business School) and senior leadership development consultant for the Australian Institute of Management.
Michael is a partner in Oilstone (equipping for ministry leaders) and works as a ministry advisor and ministry leadership coach. He is also executive director of Leadership Resources Consulting Group working as a company director, business advisor for start-ups and corporate executive coach (leadership development, strategy execution and culture change).
He is a director of Reach Australia for Christ and was a long-standing board member of both the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students and Katoomba Christian Convention Ltd. He has served in church leadership roles for more than 35 years (including starting new congregations and leading a church plant), and currently attends an Anglican Church in Sydney.
Michael’s professional career includes senior executive positions with Macquarie Bank and Lend Lease Group, running family companies and working with start-ups. He has also been an Associate Program Director and Executive Coach with Mt Eliza Business School (now Melbourne Business School) and senior leadership development consultant for the Australian Institute of Management.
Emma Wood is a philosopher who has published work for both academic and general audiences on the abortion debate, sexual ethics, and feminism. Emma lectures in political philosophy at Campion College, Australia’s first liberal Arts college, is a research fellow with Women’s Forum Australia, and has been involved in the teaching of philosophy and theology at both secondary and tertiary levels. She is also a mother to three young girls, and a passionate advocate for pro-life feminism.
Emma Wood is a philosopher who has published work for both academic and general audiences on the abortion debate, sexual ethics, and feminism. Emma lectures in political philosophy at Campion College, Australia’s first liberal Arts college, is a research fellow with Women’s Forum Australia, and has been involved in the teaching of philosophy and theology at both secondary and tertiary levels. She is also a mother to three young girls, and a passionate advocate for pro-life feminism.
Schedule may be subject to change.
Arrival and check-in
Welcome and Orientation
Dan Anderson dives into the Bible
Begin the Morning in worship and singing together
An overview of cultural trends and developments. Stephen McAlpine will unpack key ideas from his book: Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing to identify and understand key cultural trends and developments
Daniel Anderson will identify the four characteristic responses of Christians to culture, along with their opportunities and pitfalls
An opportunity to engage with both speakers from the Morning Sessions: Stephen McAlpine and Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson.
A presentation on the importance of Moral leadership.
A presentation on the importance of character and how Christians develop it.
Michael Lin will help participants to develop a full-orbed Christian mission.
Stephen McAlpine will unpack key ideas from his book: Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing to identify and understand key cultural trends and developments and how the Church can respond
Begin the Morning in worship and singing together
Stephen McAlpine will unpack key ideas from his book: Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing to identify and understand key cultural trends and developments and how the Church can respond.
We are raising generations where the core question is not “does the church have a future but does the future have a church?” Church feels like it takes up less ‘space’ in our imaginations and lives, how can Christians respond?
How do we out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres (Politics, Work, Sports)? Each presenter gives a sketch of the reality of life in this sphere of our social/community life. Then delegates work in small groups to consider how to out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in each area.
How do we out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres (Politics, Work, Sport)? Each presenter gives a sketch of the reality of life in this sphere of our social/community life. Then delegates work in small groups to consider how to out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in each area.
How do we out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres (Politics, Work, and Sports)? Each presenter gives a sketch of the reality of life in this sphere of our social/community life. Then delegates work in small groups to consider how to out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in each area.
Morning Tea in discussion groups. How can Christians out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres?Delegates will discuss pre-set questions in groups of 5-6 while the out-purpose, out-relate, out-last presenters (Politics, Business and Sport) circulate and interact with each group. How can Christians out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres?
An opportunity to engage with the presenters from the Morning Sessions:
How do we out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres (Media and Technology/AI) ? Each presenter gives a sketch of the reality of life in this sphere of our social/community life. Then delegates work in small groups to consider how to out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in each area.
How do we out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres (Media and Technology/AI) ? Each presenter gives a sketch of the reality of life in this sphere of our social/community life. Then delegates work in small groups to consider how to out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in each area.
Afternoon Tea in discussion groups. How can Christians out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres? Delegates will discuss pre-set questions in groups of 5-6 while the out-purpose, out-relate, out-last presenters (Media and Technology/AI) circulate and interact with each group. How can Christians out-purpose, out-relate, out-last in these spheres?
An opportunity to engage with the presenters from the Afternoon Sessions:
Stephen McAlpine will unpack key ideas from his book: Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing to identify and understand key cultural trends and developments and how the Church can respond.
Stephen engages with the question: Does the future have a body? He then considers the implications for the body of Christ.
Begin the Morning in worship and singing together
Stephen McAlpine will unpack key ideas from his book: Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing to identify and understand key cultural trends and developments and how the Church can respond.
Learning from the Crowded House: what went right and wrong and what can we learn about doing church for the future?
What happens when someone becomes a Christian and we disciple them into a new vision?
What does a thick Christian community look like that can out-purpose, out-relate, out-last?
Emma will unpack the impacts of Feminism and the sexual revolution upon women, and society in general.
This presentation will unpack the Transgender question and consider ways Christians can respond faithfully and in love.
This presentation will help delegates consider the current impact of Porn culture on the Church and wider culture along with ways Christians can respond
How does housing impact society, how could this be improved and how can Christians play a part in this area
How does design impact people? How can Christians impact ways in which architecture promotes a flourishing society.
How does population demographics shape Australian culture. How can Christians respond to a changing population and demographics?
A relaxed evening together with guests enjoying Dinner, fellowship and fun.
Begin the Morning in worship and singing together
Practical help and strategies for sharing the gospel in the modern Australian context.
A facilitator will help Delegates to practically apply learning from Kategoria by drawing upon earlier small-group session insights.
Stephen McAlpine will unpack key ideas from his book: Futureproof, How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing to identify and understand key cultural trends and developments and how the Church can respond.
Steve will close Kategoria with this final session revealing ways in which the gospel can out-purpose, out-relate, and out-last the culture
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"I've been to lots of conferences before but no Christian conferences. This was the best conference I have ever attended. So many thanks indeed."
"I personally loved this event and it exceeded my expectations. I will certainly be recommending it to those in my network."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was stretched and challenged as much as I hoped I would be. Love the work you guys do."