The Building the Future Conference began its final day being led in prayer by the young people who were part of the Future Leaders program.

The young people took the stage to lead the session and then broke the adults into groups, each around a ‘future leader’.

"It's been really encouraging just working with the young people of all ages from kindergarten up to year 12 here at GAFCON, meeting kids from all over Australia" said Youthworks' Andy Stevenson, who led the seminars on leadership development. "I had a chat with a kid from remote South Australia who is the only senior high kid in his whole church, but he's involved in leading children's ministry and he's been encouraged to go back and disciple some other younger kids in his group and then someone up here in Queensland in a church that's quite small as well. He's keen to be involved in leadership development. He's already school captain, but he's like, how do I live for Jesus in my school?"

"We've been doing a lot this week, especially with the younger kids, said Abby from Stockton Anglican Church. "We've been doing little Bible study groups every day, and basketball and sport (with them). I think my favourite part is definitely the discussion groups of the kids."

Going out in prayer

Rather than a communique, the conference decided to jointly compose a prayer, split into three collects. "We wanted the Brisbane prayer to go out and be used to equip your congregations to go forth and pray a meaningful prayer before God," said Prayer group chair Bishop Glenn Davies. "The ideas from the conference have been split into three shorter collects on thanksgiving, unity and building the church."    

(above: Delegates read the collects composed by the conference)

The General Secretary of GAFCON, Bishop Paul Donison from the Anglican Church of North America addressed the final communion service, presided over by Bishops from Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand.

"The early disciples began to be called Christians, which means little Christs," Bishop Donison said. "We're forgiven and we are being formed like Jesus - but thanks be to God its not dependant on our ability to figure this out. You know, to walk away from this conference with six new todos on our todo list. No the work is finished and complete in christ."

"Our confidence comes as we know we are a forgiven people. It is the foundation of our faith."

(Bishop Donison preaches at the Communion Service which closed the conference)

THE BRISBANE COLLECTS

THANKSGIVING
Almighty God, Creator of all things, we thank you for making us in your image and giving us life. Though we have sinned, you loved us and sent your Son, Jesus, who lived the life we could not live and died the death that we deserve. We come to you in humble dependence, thankful for the glorious gospel of the risen Lord Jesus, through whom we are forgiven, saved and called to serve you forever.
To you be all glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

UNITY
Gracious God, we thank you for all faithful Anglicans. Enable us to stand firm for we are not ashamed of the gospel. Help us to encourage one another and support those facing opposition and exclusion for the sake of Christ. We grieve that there are false shepherds in your church who are teaching another gospel and pray that they would repent. We long for Jesus to be at the heart of every Anglican Church, and for all to trust the authority of the Bible. Raise up godly shepherds to lead your people in truth and love. We thank you for Gafcon and the unity we have in Christ. Strengthen our gospel partnership. Protect us from Satan, sin, self-centredness and secularism. By your Spirit, help us maintain our unity in the bond of peace.
Hear our prayer for the sake of your holy name, Amen.

BUILDING THE CHURCH
Our heavenly Father, we thank you for the promise of your Son to build his church.  Empower us by your Holy Spirit so we may boldly proclaim and live out the gospel with courage, clarity and compassion. Raise up future leaders in our churches to equip your people to be disciples of Christ in our families, workplaces and communities. In your mercy, use us to draw people of all ages to respond to the good news in faith and obedience, so that future generations will know and trust you.
We pray this in the name of our Saviour Jesus, Amen.

see the GAFCON website for the Brisbane Prayer and more news