Seventeen church planting couples have attended The Geneva Push’ first REFRESH conference, an event aimed at building up those building new congregations.

Co-founder of The Geneva Push network, Al Stewart says the REFRESH conference is part of the support it plans to offer assessed and approved church planters.

Husbands and wives who plan to plant together are a team, he says.

As well as coaching, regular training events and Australian resources, we think it’ vital to help them take time out together to work on the relationship that is going to be at the heart of the churches they plant.

The two-day stay at the Vibe Hotel at Milsons Point, overlooking the Sydney Harbour was a gift The Geneva Push was happy to give says general manager Scott Sanders.

Seeing a growing network of church planters supporting one another is one of the most exciting things about my role in the Geneva network,” he says.

“I’ve been really encouraged by hearing how Geneva planters have benefited from our experienced guest speakers.

The REFRESH program included Bible talks from church planter and Anglican minister Ray Galea on ‘How to avoid committing adultery’ and ‘Knowing what to pass on’.

Participants were also provided with talks from Dr. John Best, the former Wallabies doctor, on the links between physical and spiritual fitness.

Successful businessman Scott Parry-Jones provided input on money-matters for ministry couples, and Keith and Sarah Condies talked about techniques for building a strong marriage.

Christians considering church planting and keen to get support from The Geneva Push are encouraged to apply for assessment through the web site.

Talks from the 2010 REFRESH conference will be made available through the site over the coming week.