The Ministry Conference focusses on expository preaching and the training and development of preachers and church leaders, and is suitable to be used for Professional Development or Study Leave by Pastors and Elders of the Presbyterian Church, or other ministries. Please see the bottom of this page (‘Student' Information’) for ACT-accredited study options. Online registration is now CLOSED Speakers SIMON MANCHESTER Rev Simon Manchester has served in pastoral ministry for over 40 years and has recently retired from pastoral ministry. Simon has spoken at many conferences across Australia and overseas, specifically with a burden to teach and mentor pastors. Simon is currently working at Moore College in Sydney, mentoring students and teaching them how to study and explain God’s Word. Simon and his wife Kathy have three adult children and one grandchild. KARL HOOD After a decade of medical practice, Karl trained in counselling and theology at Westminster Theological Seminary and CCEF in Philadelphia, then completed ordination studies at PTC. He served on the pastoral staff of the Drouin congregation for a decade, is Executive Director of Biblical Counselling Australia, and is lead counsellor at the Melbourne East Christian Counselling Centre. He is working on a DPhil in the Psalms and Trauma at the University of Oxford. Karl is married to Louise and they have four children. PETER HASTIE Peter has spent over 30 years in pastoral ministry, as well as 14 years in Christian publishing as the editor of Australian Presbyterian. For over two decades he has been involved in Christian education, serving on the Councils of the Scots College, Bellevue Hill and PLC Sydney and Armidale, where he has been chairman. He is a frequent conference speaker, and is undertaking PhD studies on the historical Adam. Peter and his wife Sue have four adult children and thirteen grandchildren. BEN NELSON Ben was a high school teacher for many years and also served for many years as an inducted elder at South Yarra Presbyterian Church. He continues as an assessor elder at South Yarra. Following on from his MDiv research work, Ben is well advanced in PhD studies, focusing on the translation and analysis of the works of Oecolampadius, an early Reformer. He recently presented a paper at a European conference on Reformation studies. He represents PTC on the Coursework Committee of the ACT, and is the editor of Catechesis. Ben is married to Jen, who is homeschooling their four children. DARREN MIDDLETON Darren has been a Presbyterian minister for over 25 years, having served in country Victoria and Sydney NSW before returning to Victoria in 2010, where he has served as the teaching elder of North Geelong Presbyterian Church for the last 13 years. He is married to Ruth, and they have seven children, with just two still at home. STUART WITHERS Stuart is an ex-farm manager who hails from Tasmania and once upon a time bred sheep. He graduated from the PTC in 2012 and served the gospel in Rochester for 9 years before taking up the leadership of a revitalisation work at Grace Presbyterian Church in Wodonga in 2022. His theme for 2022: What can be done to serve the advance of the gospel to my children's children. He and Adele parent 5 children with only 2 remaining in the coup. Cricket, deer hunting, and woodwork are hobbies for days off. Catering CATERING Those who select the catered option when registering will enjoy individually boxed gourmet lunches including: a baguette or savoury lunch item, a sweet treat, and fresh fruit, with a cold drink supplied by the PTC. Morning Tea (inc. tea & coffee) will be generously provided for all onsite, regardless of Catering option selected. Please nominate your Dietary Requirements when registering so that we can best cater for you. Barista made coffee and other hot beverages will also be available for purchase every day of the Conference, provided by our friends at ALT + T Coffee! Image supplied by Taylor Made Gourmet Student information The Conference is available to attend as a stand-alone event but also functions as part of the content of our semi-intensive unit, Preaching I (PC047-612/712/812). Students enrolled in this subject and other full-time PTC students may attend the Conference free of charge. Catering is also available at a small cost if desired. Please contact the Office to confirm the correct registration option & discount code for eligible students. For questions regarding Unit Enrolment, please contact registrar@ptc.edu.au