'One Day in Melbourne—Evangelicals Online' (conference) on Saturday 16 April 2016 is a one-day gathering for editors, writers, designers, social media mavens, authors, bloggers, self-publishers—anyone in Christian media whose aim is to maximise the Gospel.
The day has a triple co-host: (1) New Life - Australia's Evangelical fortnightly online newspaper; (2) Well-Being Australia's - Press Service International (85 young writers writing for Christian Today Australia) and (3) the venue donation—the Salvation Army headquarters in Blackburn.
Moreover—it's free—there is no charge. Every one of the five professional speakers is giving their time to aid Christian outreach and mission. And the lunch has been donated. The program is industrial with an evangelical philosophy. The date 16 April sits neatly between Easter and Anzac.
Plus "C.A.R.D. - Christian Article Registry Depository" is giving every attendee a free 12 month entry and the Whitsundays "Laguna Quays Respite" cottage for missionaries and pastors is giving every attendee a free 6 day visit without the need for any donation.
Forgotten Christian media
The philosophy is to provide a top of-the-line presentation to the forgotten Christian media:
- Missionary/mission publication editors
- Bloggers
- The host of Christian media which have been priced out of the Australian Religious Press Association (ARPA) annual conferences.
New Life Editor Reverend Bob Thomas met with Chairman of Well-Being Australia Dr Mark Tronson last August over dinner in Brisbane during the ARPA conference. The two mission-minded evangelicals realised each needed to fork out over $1000 for the ARPA conference: air fares, accommodation, conference costs, and membership fees.
The question was put –
Could an evangelical media conference take place without the price tag? "One Day in Melbourne—Evangelicals Online" (conf.) is the result. Melbourne is a central hub for discount air fares, the contributors are "donating their time and expertise", and even the lunch is being donated.
Delegates might fly into Melbourne for the 11.00am start, and with a 4.30pm finish they can meet family or friends before flying home on the last flight—some may even stay over. It's a fresh paradigm. "Only" one day in Melbourne!
Top line-up
Sophia Sinclair is the editor of Press Service International's Young Writers' Program and is leading the morning session on social media. The session will unpack how to harness social media to improve views and reach.
After a 12.30pm light lunch, a two hour panel session will feature four panellists discussing topics—Platforms, Blogging, Editors, Design—followed by concentrated group sessions where delegates can choose to hear from the panellist / topic of their choice.
Dr Bruce Redman—Platforms
Head of Salvation Army Media
Dr Rowland Croucher—Blogging
John Mark Ministries
Ms Sheelagh Wegman—Editing
Tasmanian Anglican Editor
Mr David Goodwin—Design
Former Editor of On-Fire 'Salvation Army'
4.30pm finish
Following afternoon tea, Bob Thomas will give a vision send-off and Dr Mark Tronson a final word on upcoming events.
To register: Email info@markt.id.au
Phone 0419 917 713
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
