FIRST Training | CCCNZ

What is FIRST Training?

FIRST Training is an annual two day retreat for young people from CCCNZ/Open Brethren Heritage churches in the 16-18 age bracket.

Too often we lose young people at this time, yet all have leadership potential that needs nurturing.

First Training is designed to fit in with your wider leadership development programmes, and partner with youth leaders and churches as they disciple and develop these young leaders.

Young people are personally invited by their youth pastor or key leader. Then young people attend the retreat alongside their youth pastor or leader.

What Happens at FIRST Training?
FIRST Training includes a mix of teaching and worship times together, time in small groups for discussion, and solo times for prayer and reflection.

There is also time set aside in the evenings for young people to gather in their youth groups with their leader(s) for further discussion and prayer.

Sessions focus on a range of topics related to leadership development.

Dates and venues for 2025 are as follows:

Canterbury: 30 May - 1 June, Blue Skies Kaiapoi
Lower North Island: 18 - 20 July, Highland Home Christian Camp
Nelson: 29 - 31 August, Teapot Valley
Waikato and Auckland: 5 - 7 September, Willow Park

Cost

Cost is $199 per person. It is our recommendation that churches assist in raising money so that no individuals are left behind for financial reasons. Churches and young people can fundraise or ask church members to sponsor individuals. If you still have a shortfall, talk to us about applying for funding.

Registration

To register for First Training you'll need to be personally invited by your Youth Leader.

If you're a Key Youth Leader or Youth Pastor, we recommend you approach the young people you'd like to invite. We've got invitations you can use, so make sure you get in touch with Craig to find out more.

For safety reasons, it's important each young person's rego is accompanied by a signed form.