Over 200 of our youth had the opportunity to focus full-on on discipleship at their annual ministry conference, The Abbey. 

The gathering was described on the opening night as a place to dwell, to rest, and to renew. And it delivered in spades.

My initial feeling, sitting in the large lounge at El Rancho in Waikanae, was: “Gosh, I‘m feeling old here.”

But as the momentum of preparation turned into physical reality, it became clear this gathering was really about church building, where age hardly matters.

I didn’t realise on the opening night what a range of taonga would be offered, to young and old Anglicans alike, as stories were spoken and heard.

There were key addresses, workshops, a rhythm of prayer, and of course the highly contested inter-diocesan football – won by home side Wellington.

One workshop allowed young leaders to meet the bishops attending The Abbey and discuss what being an Anglican disciple of Jesus meant.

Archbishop Philip Richardson and Bishops Victoria Matthews, Helen-Ann Hartley, Ross Bay and Justin Duckworth each spoke candidly of their early engagement with the Anglican Church and their personal questions about God, confirmation, and what attracted them to the Anglican tradition in the first place. 

As each bishop told their story there was a quiet attentiveness in the room.

This was definitely a place to dwell, rest and renew. Moreover, here were stories few of us had heard before.

I left The Abbey thinking we all need such an open gathering to reflect on the sacred task of being disciples. 

One key address talked about relational youth ministry – sharing a place with someone, rather than fixing things.

The bishops’ stories reflected this as they spoke feelingly about who had guided them to the place where they now lead others. 

Earlier, in his welcome, Bishop Justin referred to youth leaders' sacred task and call. And National Youth Advisor Phil Trotter emphasized that the weekend offered time for the youth leaders to be loved, as well as a space where they could learn to disciple others. 

Friday evening's key speaker, the Rev Don Tamihere, used his guitar to sing about the essence of discipleship: putting God first, following Christ, being in real relationship, being humble, and telling of God’s unconditional love.