Jason Mendis, together with his wife Katie, serve as the Lead Pastors of Revive Church in Sydney, Australia. They are passionate about reaching the lost and discipling people into purpose. They are leaders that are full of vision and devoted to building a church that leaves a mark on the earth. They both love their 3 young children, and as a family are committed to building the kingdom together.
Jason is a powerful preacher who is passionate about moving in the Spirit, speaking into leaders and stirring faith for the impossible. He believes that a moment with God can change everything, and that desire for encounter drives his ministry.
Steve Graham is the Principal of Equippers College in the UK.
Steve is from New Zealand, married to Christine and they have three adult children and five grandchildren
He has been in ministry for over 40 years. He started in youth ministry, had around seven years in the Philippines working with the urban poor in Manila and then an unreached people group in the Southern Philippines.
Steve and Christine pastored an ACTS Church in Christchurch New Zealand for nine years..
However for most of the last 28 years Steve has been involved in ministry training: setting up an ACTS College in New Zealand, Dean of the Christchurch campus of Laidlaw College - an interdenominational Bible College in New Zealand, then for 12 years Principal of Equippers College Auckland and now based in the UK setting up a College there.
Steve has been a member of the National Leadership Team of ACTS Churches New Zealand. He travels frequently around Europe ministering in churches, teaching in training Colleges and speaking in Conferences. People would often describe him as a "teacher with a prophetic edge”.
We are so excited to welcome Chris Van der Wielen back for the second year in a row!
Chris Van Der Wielen is a pastor, singer-songwriter, producer and musician based in Canberra, Australia. Chris holds a Bachelor of Music from the ANU School Of Music. In 2014 he spent time under the tutelage of six-time Grammy-nominated American fusion guitarist Mike Stern. As one of Canberra’s most in-demand musicians, Chris has worked alongside acts like Dami Im, John Foreman, Timomatic, Chris Sebastian and Sneaky Sound System.
Chris’ production work has led to credits on “Love is on The Way” from Eternity Worship and “Side by Side” - an ecumenical album from Canberra Worship Collective. In 2024 he released his first single to streaming - “The Order of the Mustard Seed.”
From 2020-2024, Chris worked as regional leader of Youth Alive ACT and now serves as Associate Pastor at Awaken Church Canberra South. He continues to minister to students and leaders across the region through his speaking and music. Chris and his wife Bec are the founding members of Gravity Worship – a music ministry that equips local churches to go deeper in worship. They have two young children, Theo and Eliza.
At this year’s Kids Conference, we’re calling every child to become one of Jesus’s super followers as they discover the extraordinary power God has placed inside them. Through worship, stories, hands‑on activities, and unforgettable moments, kids will learn how faith isn’t just something they have, it’s something they use.
They’ll explore what it means to stand strong like Bible heroes, shine God’s love in their world, and step boldly into the unique mission He’s given them. By the end, they won’t just feel inspired, they’ll know they are superheroes of faith, equipped with courage, kindness, and the unstoppable power of God’s Spirit in their generation.
If you’re in Grades 7–12, the Youth Big Weekend Out is the place to be! It’s a weekend full of fun, new friendships, and powerful moments that will strengthen your faith. You’ll enjoy inspiring sessions with our guest speakers, great small group discussions, exciting games and team challenges, a fully stocked lolly bar, snacks, dinner together, heaps of laughs, and plenty of surprises along the way!
We’ll be joining the New Day Conference sessions together, then after lunch on Saturday we’ll head into our own Youth Sessions before rejoining everyone for Session 4 at 5:00pm.
Most importantly, this weekend is an opportunity to grow closer to God, discover more about who He’s created you to be, and build a faith you can live out with confidence every day. So come ready to have fun, make great friends, and leave encouraged, challenged, and excited for all God has in store, trust us you don’t want to miss this one!