Investing in the next generation of Christian leaders
Solve key challenges facing Christian ministry in Australia
Make a valuable contribution to the growth of the Kingdom of God and expand your professional network by connecting with Christian leaders to solve key issues facing Christian ministries in Australia
Our next Emergence cohort will start early 2027. Applications are open now.
Kingdom-Building
Work on a real challenge facing Christian ministry in Australia and deliver recommendations that can make a tangible difference to how ministries operate and grow.
Networking & Mentoring
Be paired one-on-one with a senior Christian leader who will invest in your professional and spiritual development. Build lasting connections with peers and established leaders across the sector.
Professional Growth
Sharpen your research, analytical and presentation skills by working on a real brief with genuine stakeholders and a defined deliverable.
We are looking for Christians aged 18-32 who are passionate about seeing the local church and Christian organisations move to greater levels of effectiveness, including the essential “back room” that provides support to frontline ministry.
You want to invest your energy, faith, training and experience in tackling big issues that are roadblocks to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom of God in Australia. You believe in learning by doing. You value the input of a diverse mix of fellow believers and trust that God will be at work by His Spirit as you solve problems together.
Be mentored by an experienced Christian leader
Every Emergence participant is paired with an experienced Christian leader who will meet with you regularly throughout the program. Your mentor will challenge your thinking, open doors to their network, and help you grow as both a professional and a person of faith. Past mentors have included church leaders, Christian executives and experienced board members.
About Christian Finance
Emergence Think Tank is operated by Christian Finance, a leading Christian Financial Services Provider and National Affiliated Ministry of Australian Baptist Ministries. We’ve been supporting Christian Ministry for over 40 years.
We created Emergence because investing in the next generation of Christian leaders is central to our purpose of enabling Christian ministry to thrive.
Recap from 2025
In 2025, the Research Associates explored how technology can accelerate Kingdom impact, specifically addressing the identified issue of pastoral burnout.
They were mentored by senior Christian leaders, guided by a steering committee of experienced professionals, and learned from innovators in a “Battlescars and Blessings” session before presenting their findings and recommendations in December 2025.
Your questions answered
We are particularly interested in individuals are 18-32 years old Christians who are passionate about Christian ministry and have an ability to develop and communicate compelling solutions to complex problems.
Each year, the Emergence cohort tackles a different challenge facing Christian ministry in Australia. In 2025, the cohort explored technology and ministry efficiency and how to leverage it to address pastoral burnout. For 2026, participants will play an active role in defining the research focus. You will conduct research, interview Christian leaders, develop solutions and present your recommendations.
Emergence is due to kick off at the end of July 2026, and run for 6 months.
You should expect to commit approximately 10-12 hours per month, including:
- Monthly mentoring sessions
- Regular team meetings
- Research and analysis work
- Stakeholder interviews
- Final presentation preparation
Yes, the Think Tank is able to work alongside work or study commitments.
Each participant will be paired with a mentor who is a senior Christian leader. You’ll have one-on-one sessions with your mentor, who will guide your professional and spiritual development.
You’ll have access to:
- A steering committee of experienced Christian leaders
- Your Think Tank peer group
- A network of Christian business leaders
- Regular check-ins with the Christian Finance team
No, there is no cost to participate in Emergence.
Apply
Please submit a current CV and cover letter.
In your cover letter, please tell us about: your faith journey and involvement in Christian ministry; why you are interested in Emergence; a challenge or opportunity you see facing Christian ministry in Australia; and what perspective you would bring to the cohort.
Know someone who would be a good fit? Nominate them and we will get in touch with them.
Please tell us in your nomination about why you are nominating this person, and any information such as their involvement in Christian ministry.
Before submitting a nomination, please ensure you have discussed and received consent from the person to be nominated by you.