When asked earlier in the year whether I could write a reflection piece on the NextSteps Conference, I started to think – how could I capture the energy, challenge and wisdom from a day where students and graduates consider how they might serve the Lord in big ways? I didn’t even consider the possibility that I would have to write a reflection on an event that was cancelled because of Covid-19!

Certainly a more challenging task!

But what was the point of holding a conference called NextSteps?
NextSteps is the EU’s annual conference for students – to challenge them about the nature and needs of Christian service at home and abroad. Amidst the disappointment of not being able to gather to think through our ‘Next Steps’ in where we might go, and what we might do to serve God’s church at home or abroad, I have been encouraged that the EU continues to challenge students to consider how the ministry skills they are developing can be used to serve God’s global church. Though the NextSteps conference was cancelled, students are still encouraged to consider the next steps they can be taking as they grow in Christian maturity!

Perhaps, God is preparing a new generation of students and EU graduates to think innovatively and globally about ministry – by being forced to adapt to ministry online. Maybe doors have opened up for people to consider how they can adapt in other ways to continue to serve God. Some examples that spring to mind:

• An Evangelism Training Summit that was held online via zoom where we heard from university ministry workers across Australia and the world, on how they are continuing in evangelism in a Covid-19 climate

• Students from the conservatorium of music praying over zoom for the global church

• Our new EU faculty gatherings: an online time of community-building, bible content and prayer. Because these are online, they have gone global! It is possible for students overseas or on exchange to still be able to join in the EU community!

• Opportunities for equip training courses – such as ‘Working in God’s World’ or ‘Crossing Cultures in Ministry’ – to reach a wider audience in a new online format

Or perhaps, the loss of a busy commute and the cancellation of plans, will actually allow for moments in quiet reflection with God. How might God be challenging us to reflect on the ways we can serve Him? In dreaming up a future of serving God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength?

My prayer for myself, other staff and students, is that God uses this time to inspire us to consider radical NextSteps for serving His kingdom.

Alice Tricks
Howie