The fifth Australian Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), called CRE 2005, with the theme "An exhibition with purpose" was held at The Dome, Sydney Showground, Olympic Park, July 6-8. It was attended by a record 9,000 visitors who were able to visit 166 exhibitors' display stands.

The purpose was to share information and knowledge of what resources are available today for ministries to young and old, people of all denominations and ministries, from all nationalities and cultures. The smorgasbord provided a feast of good things, ideas and instruction to meet physical and spiritual needs.

The Official Launch took place on Wednesday morning at 9.00am, with Denise Potter Coates, the Exhibition Organiser and Manager, introducing the various personalities taking part. Nathan Tasker presented a variety of numbers as the guest singer, prior to the guest speaker, the Rev. Tim Costello AO making a grand entrance, seated in a rickshaw, courtesy of a regular exhibitor, Rickshaws for India.

The increased diversity of exhibitors was most notable – with items ranging from tubular furniture to food storage containers as well as the latest literature for all ages available from Scripture Union, the Bible Society, Christian Resources, Word and many more.

The seminars, running two at a time every day, were addressed by 21 speakers, providing information about a wide range of subjects.

Some speakers addressed more than one seminar theme.  Stuart Duncan, the Chief Executive Officer of Church Resource Specialties, presented two different subjects, ""Intentional Discipleship" and the "Purpose Driven Church". Ken Legg of Set Free Ministries, addressed "Shutting the Back Door - Making the Most of Small Groups" and "Counselling God's Way". Tammy Tolman who has been involved in Children's Ministry for 17 years, shared her experience and knowledge on "Tweeners Love Music", "Life Changing Bible Stories" and "Discipling Children".

Fundraising guru, Craig Gravestein spoke on "Fund Raising - Biblical Models for a Major Change" and "How to Ask for Big Gifts from Donors".  John Blacket, Director of Khesed Ministries and Aboriginal leader Tim Edwards, addressed the cultural differences between indigenous people and others with the subject "Black feet, White Hands", acknowledging the different gifts available through different cultures.

Other speakers and their subjects were:

* David Coltheart MA, editor of Archaeological Diggings - "Archaeology and the Bible".
* Ken Dewhurst - "Israel's Place in God's Prophetic Plan".
* Rob Harley - TV documentary producer - "Great Journeys" - using news items as an outreach resource which is underused.
* Ann Hornshaw - Church of the Good Shepherd - "Raising Spiritual Giants".
* Wesley Leake - Crown Financial Ministries - "Good Stewardship".
* Janine Max - worship leader with maxiPraise Team - "Message in Your Music".
* Mike Perini B.Ed. (UTS) - Sydney Missionary & Bible College lecturer - "Some Tips for Teaching and Talking to Children".
* Denis Plant - Vision Christian College national director - "Christian Education".
* Paul Roe - "From Resources to Results", examining the strategy of missing the mark.
* Eldon Stevenson - Cedarvale - "The Physical/Scriptural Connection".
* Tom Teale-Sinclair - Missionary Aviation Fellowship - "MAF: More Than Just Flying".
* Jonathan Thorpe and Michael Hyman - Youth Advisers with Anglican Youthworks - "Making Disciples Through Effective Youth Ministry".
* Tony Willis - Director of Training for Anglican Youthworks - "Teaching the Bible to Children".
* David Yates - National Chief of Staff with Australian Christian Lobby - "How to Undisciple a Nation".

Stage presentations, of 20 minutes duration - took place every hour. For example, the children of "maxiPraise" entertained with their choir presentations, with actions; and Adrian Ross, a leader in the Aboriginal community, known for his didgeridoo prowess, played a variety of pieces using modern-day taped backing music.

Director Kevin Engel commented how wonderful it was to see exhibitors from many new denominational groups and theological colleges, displaying for the first time, alongside those who have attended previously.

Display areas varied from a whole block of display stalls to simple, one table-one divider screens. Larger, well-established organisations attracted just as many interested visitors as the smaller, equally efficient book distributor or publisher.

Radio station FM103.2 indicated their availability to reach out over the airwaves, while camping centres and sound systems provided different avenues of outreach.

The fifth Christian Resources Exhibition held in Sydney, was of the highest professional quality presentation with a much more diverse range of resources.

For further information contact Christian Resources Exhibition,
a division of CMC Australasia Pty Ltd, PO Box 519, Belmont, Vic 3216;
phone: (03)-5241-3288;
fax: (03)-5241-3290;
E-mail: denise@cmca.com.au
Website: www.creonline.com.au

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