South Island Gathering 2008

CSNZ had a great turn out for the first South Island Mini Conference/Gathering held in Christchurch. Members came from Dunedin, The West Coast of the South Island, Wellington and strong local support and hospitality from Christchurch. There were also representatives from Hamilton, Raglan, Snowboarders for Christ, and contacts were made with YWAM (skating ministry).

Excellent one day intense leadership training and team building by our Key Note Speaker, Alan Vink, set the tone for the first leadership development programme. There was optimal opportunity for discussion, strategic development and training with intent, to build capacity within CSNZ and potentially Christian Surfers International (CSI).

Material included: CSNZ’s: Vision Statement, Mission Objectives, and Core Values. Alan Vink focused on: A biblical definition of leadership, The Character of a leader, The Leader as a Servant, Philosophy of Leadership and Developing a Leadership Team.

It was integral that there was plenty of time for discussion, processing of information and to challenge what was learnt. Some of this was done up the coast on the beach and out the back in 2-3 foot, fun, semi-clean, pulsing, wedgey surf. There were waves for everyone and it was great to see learners going for it too - an area that CS has huge opportunity with, back in local communities.

CSNZ is excited with how committed South Island groups are to see plans to develop further their contact base and ministry in key areas.

Already we are raising the question – “when can we do it again”?

Team CSNZ