Investing in the next generation of Christian leaders is central to the purpose of Christian Finance, which has spent over 40 years helping ministries thrive. Out of this passion came the understanding that investing in the next generation of church leaders was crucial to growing and enabling churches to thrive. Beyond pastors, Christian Finance wanted to invest in the next generation of elders, treasurers, worship leaders and faithful disciples who carry their faith with strength and courage as they go to work each day. So, in 2025 they launched EMERGENCE, a Think Tank program designed to invest in young Christian leaders.
Participants receive experience working on real-world briefs to deliver recommendations that make a tangible difference to how ministries operate. They build their professional skills, including sharpening research, analysis, and presentation skills alongside a diverse peer group of passionate believers. They’re also paired with senior Christian executives and church leaders, who invest in your professional and spiritual growth.
Craig Corkill, Associate Director for Discipleship and Leadership Development at the NSW & ACT Baptist Association and a 2025 EMERGENCE mentor, echoes the value of this investment. “The development of Christian leaders both for church ministries and in the marketplace is of vital importance,” explains Craig, “we want churches to be led by wise and Godly people, from first-time volunteers to senior leaders. Equally, we want Christian leaders who embody Kingdom values to be the ‘gold standard’ in the marketplace. I was delighted to be an EMERGENCE mentor, as this program champions this vision as it invests strategically into emerging leaders.”
In 2025, the first EMERGENCE cohort explored how technology can accelerate Kingdom impact, focusing on the critical issue of pastoral burnout. Over six months, they conducted research, interviewed Christian leaders and organisations, worked through real challenges facing Christian ministry and developed practical recommendations.
“We have the greatest respect, honour and appreciation for those that bring decades worth of experience and faithful commitment to decision making roles in our church community,” explains Dale Hawkins, Head of Strategy at Christian Finance, “but we are always going to be better off when that experienced is coupled with the passion, the innovation and the understanding of emerging trends that young Christians with a deep love for the local church can bring.”
The program concluded with a comprehensive white paper and a presentation to Christian leaders and ministry stakeholders in December 2025. Consistently, members of the Steering Committee and Christian leaders involved in the program have said that they’ve learnt as much from the EMERGENCE Research Associates as the Research Associates have learnt from them.
Participants say they emerged from the program better equipped to serve God’s Kingdom in their careers and communities.
“One of the most valuable aspects of EMERGENCE was the opportunity to connect with like-minded young adults who share a passion for Christ and a desire to see His Kingdom grow,” says Kiera, an EMERGENCE Research Associate, “the chance to build new relationships, learn from Christian business leaders through mentorship and one-on-one conversations, and be encouraged by leaders who genuinely believe in the potential of young people was incredibly meaningful, particularly as we navigate the early stages of our careers.”
Now, Christian Finance is looking for the next cohort of young changemakers for the 2027 EMERGENCE Think Tank, in which participants will play an active role in defining the research focus.
They’ve introduced the ability for pastors to formally nominate high-potential individuals from their congregations. While young adults are still encouraged to self-nominate, this move recognises the impact of a leader identifying and encouraging a young person’s gifts. “EMERGENCE was recommended to me by a respected Christian mentor, and having learned more about the program,” says Keira, “I felt incredibly honoured to have been considered.”
EMERGENCE is a worthwhile and powerful investment in the next generation of Christian leaders, for which we will be seeing the fruit for generations to come.
“I believe the next generation has so much to offer,” says Keira, “we bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences and new ideas that can challenge conventional thinking and help us approach longstanding problems in new ways. EMERGENCE created a unique opportunity to bring these perspectives together through a multidisciplinary team, working towards a common goal while being guided by the wisdom and experience of established Christian leaders. It was a deeply rewarding experience that left me encouraged by both the potential of our generation and the impact we can have when given the opportunity, support and trust to contribute.”
“Our reason for doing EMERGENCE is to better equip and encourage young Christian professionals to represent Jesus as well as possible,” explains Dale, “using their full gifting and passions – whether that be in the workplace, or by taking greater responsibility in their local church.”
The next EMERGENCE cohort will start in early 2027 and applications are open now. EMERGENCE is a fully funded, 6-month program for Christians aged 18–32 who want to tackle big roadblocks to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom of God in Australia. The program fits flexibly around work or study commitments, requiring just 10–12 hours a month.
Whether you are a young professional ready to invest your faith and skills, or a pastor ready to champion an emerging leader in your community, you can learn more here: emergence.org.au.
