Proclaim '26
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Proclaim Conference 2026

Don't keep the gospel to yourself

One weekend to help ordinary Christians speak about Christ in everyday life — for churches and Christians from across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Fri 6 – Sat 7 November Donvale Presbyterian Church $65 · Bookings close 2 October
Register your place Watch the video

Why Proclaim?

The gospel isn't ours to keep

We chose the name Proclaim because it reflects our desire not to keep the gospel to ourselves. Christians and churches gathering to grow a culture of everyday evangelism — because making Jesus known is the work of the whole church, not just a gifted few.

Registrations close 2 October Standard registration $65 Friday check‑in opens 5:30 pm

Registrations close 2 October

Secure your place at Proclaim before bookings close.

Register now →

Who is Proclaim for?

This weekend is for you

Whatever your church, personality, gifts, or experience — find yourself below.

The Timid

You love Jesus and want others to know him, but the thought of starting a spiritual conversation makes you nervous. Proclaim will help you grow in confidence without pretending to be someone you're not.

The Unsure

You want to share your faith, but you're not sure what to say, how to begin, or how to answer difficult questions. Proclaim will give you practical help for everyday conversations.

The "I'm Not an Evangelist"

You've assumed evangelism is mainly for bold, outgoing, gifted Christians. Proclaim will help you see that every Christian has a part to play in making Jesus known.

The Team Player

You'd rather not do evangelism alone. Proclaim will help you think about how Christians can work together — inviting, praying, welcoming, hosting, serving and speaking about Jesus as a team.

The Encourager

You're comfortable talking about Jesus and want to help others take their next step. Proclaim will help you bring less-confident Christians alongside you and make evangelism something you do together.

The Small Group

Your Connect Group, Bible study, ministry team or group of friends wants to become more outward-looking. Proclaim will give you ideas for reaching people together rather than leaving evangelism to individuals.

The Ministry Leader

You want evangelism to become part of the culture of your ministry — not simply another program or annual event. Proclaim will help you think about how to equip and encourage others to make Jesus known.

The Pastor or Elder

You want to see evangelism become normal across the whole church. Proclaim will help you consider how leaders can cultivate a church-wide culture of prayer, invitation and gospel witness.

The Weary

You've tried evangelism before, but discouragement, rejection or busyness has taken some of the enthusiasm away. Proclaim will offer fresh encouragement and remind you why sharing Jesus is worth it.

The Experienced

You already love talking about Jesus and regularly look for opportunities to do so. Proclaim will sharpen, encourage and equip you — and help you bring others along with you.

The Whole Church

Proclaim isn't just for the confident or the gifted. It's for churches that want different people, with different personalities and gifts, working together to make Jesus known. Bring your church family with you.

What the weekend is about

Pray. Speak. Live.

PRAY

Evangelism begins on our knees — praying that friends, family, and colleagues would come to embrace Christ as he is freely offered in the gospel.

SPEAK

Practical training for speaking about Jesus naturally — at work, at home, next door.

LIVE

Make evangelism part of ordinary discipleship — something the whole church can do, helping ordinary people share an extraordinary message.

Mack Stiles

Featured speaker

Mack Stiles

Mack Stiles is widely recognised for his experience in evangelism and in developing a culture of evangelism in the local church. He has pastored and planted churches from Dubai to Erbil, Iraq, and is the author of eight books, including Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus. He and his wife, Leeann, now serve with Messenger Ministries in the US.

More about Mack

Mack most recently pastored Erbil Baptist Church in Iraq from 2017 to 2020. From 2001–2016 he lived in Dubai, UAE, pioneering student ministry and helping to reform and plant churches across the country. With Messenger Ministries, Mack and Leeann encourage missionaries, churches and sending agencies to work together to fulfil the Great Commission. Crossway is publishing Global Missions: A Field Guide for the Church, which they edited. The Stiles have three grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren.

Watch

Hear from Mack before the weekend

Watch the video

Also speaking

Andy May

Workshop + Panel

Andy May

Senior Assistant, Bundoora Presbyterian Church

Andy preaches and provides pastoral care across Bundoora's congregations, facilitates the music ministry, supports cross-cultural mission, and leads the Hope Explored and Christianity Explored courses.

Watch Andy's video
Helen Bell

Workshop + Panel

Helen Bell

Director of Training, Bundoora Presbyterian Church

Helen leads ministry training at Bundoora — equipping growth group, women's ministry and congregation leaders, and training members to evangelise and disciple others.

Everyone hears both workshops — they run one after the other, not at the same time. John Diacos and Paul Pearce will also give short introductions to their work and join the panel Q&A, hosted by Jordan Born.

Register your place

The program

Two days of teaching, practical training and encouragement

FRI 6 NOV Opening night
5:30 pm  Check‑in opens (Church Hall) 6:30 pm  Auditorium opens 7:00–9:30 pm  Main program

Mack Stiles

10 Critical Components of Evangelism

Worship · Opening session · Supper. Stay afterwards to visit the Mission Expo, browse the conference bookshop and enjoy free barista‑made coffee and snacks.

Free barista coffee Supper & snacks Bookshop Mission Expo
SAT 7 NOV Training day
8:30 am  Check‑in opens (Church Hall) 9:30 am  Auditorium opens 10:00 am–5:30 pm  Main program

Mack Stiles

The Coward's Guide to Evangelism

Mack Stiles

Hope for the Weary Witness

Andy May · Helen Bell

Two practical workshops

Hear both practical workshops from Andy May and Helen Bell, followed by a panel Q&A with all five speakers.

John Diacos · Paul Pearce

Short introductions

Paul Pearce introduces his work and why it matters. John Diacos introduces his work in evangelism among Eastern Orthodox communities.

Hosted by Jordan Born

Panel Q&A

Featuring Mack Stiles, Andy May, Helen Bell, John Diacos and Paul Pearce.

Plus prayer, worship, and practical training — with the bookshop and Mission Expo open all day and a Kids Program running so parents can take part.

Free barista coffee Lunch + snacks Kids Program Mission Expo
SUN 8 NOV Closing Sunday — a sermon on 2 Corinthians 5
8:30 + 10:30 am · Free entry · No ticket required
Register for Proclaim

All included

Your weekend at Proclaim

Barista coffee

Free throughout the conference, in the Church Hall coffee and gathering area.

Food included

Friday supper, Saturday lunch, and morning + afternoon snacks.

Bookshop

Recommended books on evangelism and discipleship, open both days in the Church Hall.

Kids Program

Free on Saturday in the Ministry Centre for registered preschool (3–5) and primary (5–12) children. Morning and afternoon tea provided.

Parents & Carers Room

A quiet space with a live feed on Saturday for babies and toddlers (0–36 months) with their parent or carer.

Teaching + training

Three talks from Mack Stiles, two practical workshops, a five-speaker panel Q&A, prayer and worship.

New · In the Church Hall

Mission Expo

Meet mission organisations and experienced evangelists, learn about gospel work locally and overseas, and discover practical ways to participate.

Confirmed exhibitors currently include

OM Wycliffe John Diacos — evangelism among Eastern Orthodox communities

Tickets

Secure your place

Bookings close Fri 2 October

Standard registration

$65

Per person · Bookings close Friday 2 October.

✓ Friday + Saturday conference ✓ Three Mack Stiles sessions ✓ Both practical workshops + panel Q&A ✓ Prayer + worship ✓ Friday supper + Saturday lunch ✓ Free barista coffee + snacks ✓ Mission Expo + bookshop ✓ Kids Program (registered children)
Register for Proclaim →

Registrations close 2 October

Secure your place at Proclaim before bookings close.

Preschool (3–5) and primary-aged children (5–12) attend free with the Saturday Kids Program (registration required). Babies and toddlers (0–36 months) also free. High‑school students purchase a ticket and attend the main conference.

If the ticket price would prevent you from attending, financial assistance may be available — ask us confidentially via the questions form.

A $0.50 TryBooking participant booking fee applies per ticket. Spaces are limited — book now.

Ask a question

Good to know

Questions, answered

How much does it cost, and when do bookings close?

Standard registration is $65 per person. All bookings close on Friday 2 October.

Is Proclaim only for Donvale Presbyterian Church?

No. Churches and Christians from across Melbourne and regional Victoria are warmly invited. Come on your own, or bring a group from your church.

What do I need for conference check-in?

Please enter through the Church Hall entrance for conference check-in, and bring an electronic or printed copy of your ticket. You will receive your lanyard and printed program at check-in. The Information Table will operate throughout the conference.

  • Friday check-in: 5:30–7:00 pm (auditorium opens 6:30 pm)
  • Saturday check-in: 8:30–10:00 am (auditorium opens 9:30 am)
Do I have to choose between the workshops?

No. The workshops don't run at the same time — everyone will hear both Andy May's and Helen Bell's workshops, followed by a panel Q&A with all five speakers.

Can I attend on Saturday only?

You are welcome to attend on Saturday only, although full ticket pricing still applies. Please secure your spot online before bookings close on Friday 2 October.

How does the Kids Program work?
  • Friday: children attend with their parents in the auditorium.
  • Saturday Kids Program: for registered preschool (3–5 years) and primary-aged children (5–12 years). It runs in the Ministry Centre and is free.
  • Registration is required so we can record numbers and dietary requirements. After their own check-in, parents take their children to the Ministry Centre for kids' check-in.
  • Food: morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Parents collect their children for lunch.
  • Babies and toddlers (0–36 months): free — welcome in the auditorium or in the Parents and Carers Room with their parent or carer. The room is a quiet space with a live feed, not a supervised childcare room.
  • High-school students: must purchase a ticket and attend the main conference.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. Please specify your requirements when booking. While we will do our best to accommodate all requests, we cannot guarantee that every dietary requirement can be met.

Is accessible seating available?

Yes. Accessible seating and wheelchair spaces are available. Please contact the event organiser through TryBooking so we can arrange for your individual requirements.

What if I arrive late?

If you arrive late, please enter through the Church Hall entrance by following the signs and go to the Information Table. A team member will assist you with check-in and seating.

Can I invite friends?

Yes. We encourage you to invite friends and other churches who would benefit from the conference. Spaces are limited, so please book before Friday 2 October.

I have another question — who do I ask?

All questions and inquiries, including bursary and financial-assistance requests, can be sent via our questions form.

Ask a question

Venue & parking

Getting there

Donvale Presbyterian Church · 5 McGowans Road, Donvale VIC 3111. Four parking areas sit within a few minutes' walk of the auditorium.

Arriving + check-in

Please enter through the Church Hall entrance for conference check-in. You will receive your lanyard and printed program at check-in. The Information Table will operate throughout the conference.

In the Church Hall

  • Information Table
  • Mission Expo
  • Conference bookshop
  • Coffee and gathering area
View detailed parking information + map
Proclaim Conference 2026
Developing a culture of evangelism

Where
to park

Four places to leave the car, all within a few minutes' walk of the auditorium. The church car park fills first — if you arrive after the doors open, head straight for McGowans Road.

Fri 6 – Sat 7 November 2026 Donvale Presbyterian Church 5 McGowans Road, Donvale

Tap a numbered area on the map — or a card below — to highlight it. Tap again to show all.

RESIDENCES SHOPS 7-Eleven SPRINGVALE ROAD McGOWANS RD SPRINGVALE RD MITCHAM RD to Templestowe & Warrandyte to Eastern Freeway NO PARKING THIS SIDE DONVALE PRES. MAIN ENTRY NIDO EARLY SCHOOL VERVE MEDICAL CENTRE 4 MIN WALK 3 MIN WALK 1 2 3 4 N
Park here Way in No parking Walking route Crossing Schematic — not to scale  ·  North at top
1

Church car park

5 McGowans Road

Turn in from McGowans Road. The car park sits right beside the building, with accessible bays closest to the main entry.

Fills first — please share a car if you can.

2

McGowans Road

North side only

Park along the north kerb, on the church side of the road. More room the further east you go.

Keep driveways clear and leave the south side free.

3

Nido Early School

318–320 Springvale Rd

North of the church, across Springvale Road. Use the marked crossing rather than stepping out mid-block.

About a four minute walk.

4

Verve Medical Centre

90 Mitcham Road

In the fork where Springvale Road splits from Mitcham Road. Turn in from Mitcham Road.

Cross Mitcham Road first, then cross McGowans Road on the far side. About three minutes.

When you can use each one

WhereFriday 6 NovSaturday 7 Nov
1  Church car parkAll dayAll day
2  McGowans Rd, north sideAll dayAll day
3  Nido Early SchoolFrom 6:30pmAll day
4  Verve Medical CentreFrom 6:30pmFrom 12:30pm

Please don't park here

The south side of McGowans Road stays clear for through traffic and our neighbours.

Please also keep every driveway free, and leave the Nido drop-off zone and Verve's accessible bays clear at all times.

Need a hand on the day? Look for a volunteer in a Proclaim lanyard, visit the Information Table in the Church Hall, or call the office on (03) 9841 7020. donvale.org

Will you join us?

Spend a weekend with Christians from across Melbourne and regional Victoria, being equipped and encouraged to speak about Jesus with the people God has already placed around you.

6–7 November 2026 · $65 · Bookings close Friday 2 October

Register for Proclaim →

Get in touch

Questions or inquiries, including bursaries? Please use our questions form.

Ask a question

Venue

Donvale Presbyterian Church
5 McGowans Road, Donvale VIC 3111
Check-in via the Church Hall entrance

Pray with us

Please pray that God uses this conference to grow churches across Melbourne and Victoria in bold, joyful witness.

Proclaim Conference 2026 · Developing a Culture of Evangelism DPC Evangelism Committee
$65 · Bookings close 2 Oct Register
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Donvale Presbyterian Church
Welcome
Beliefs
Christianity Explored
Ministry Team
Membership
Privacy Policy
Services
Teaching
English Livestreams
Chinese Sermons
Chinese Livestreams
Sermon Archive
Connect Groups
Growing Families
Ministries
What's On
Giving
Future Facilities
Contact
中文堂(CHINESE CONGREGATION)
(0)
Cart (0)
Welcome
Folder: About
Back
Beliefs
Christianity Explored
Ministry Team
Membership
Privacy Policy
Services
Folder: Sermons
Back
Teaching
English Livestreams
Chinese Sermons
Chinese Livestreams
Sermon Archive
Folder: Ministries
Back
Connect Groups
Growing Families
Ministries
What's On
Giving
Future Facilities
Contact
中文堂(CHINESE CONGREGATION)

Donvale Presbyterian Church

Address: 5 McGowans Rd, Donvale VIC 3111, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9841 7020

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