It’s easy to take the ministry of Katoomba Christian Convention for granted. It is such a part of the landscape of Christian ministry for many Sydney churches, and has been a blessing to countless people across Australia, and beyond.

But where did it all come from? How, did it start?

A Century Preaching Christ by Stuart Braga answers these questions. Written to coincide with the Convention’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2003, the book traces the beginnings of the Convention, beyond the first meeting in the home of Ernest and Margaret Young in 1903, to the roots of English conventions in the 1800s.

The mistakes and challenges faced by the Convention are not ignored, but show the balance of reality – that all is not smooth sailing in any Christian ministry, even one that today looks to be powering ahead.

Many faithful men and women are named, but A Century Preaching Christ gives a sense that it is God – working through faithful, gospel-focused, Christ-centred preaching – who has brought the growth of the Convention, and it is God who will continue to lead it into its second century.

If the Convention has played any part in your Christian walk, A Century Preaching Christ will make for an encouraging and enlightening read.