- Dates
- 15–17 Feb 2027
- Where
- Coolangatta / Tweed Heads
- Format
- Facilitated round tables
- Tickets
- From $990 incl. GST
The summit
A forum for leaders of larger churches
Coolabah Summit is for leaders of churches with more than 500 attendees. We are creating an environment for free-flowing, facilitated conversation about the things that are specifically relevant to leading a larger church.
Coolabah Summit is a forum — leaders gathered around tables, with skilled facilitation, working through the real opportunities and challenges of large-church ministry together.
For some time, Partners in Ministry has been asked to convene this kind of gathering: bringing leaders of larger churches together from across the denominations, to think out loud with peers who understand the weight and the privilege of the role.
What to expect
Four things the forum is built to do
Connect
With other pastors who face the same ministry opportunities and challenges that you do.
Share wisdom
On a range of topics unique to large churches — from multisite to staffing to succession.
Build friendships
Form new relationships and renew old ones with colleagues across denominations.
Support each other
Practically and prayerfully — because leading a large church can be a lonely place.
Your facilitators
Who you’ll be talking with
Coolabah Summit is designed and led by Partners in Ministry. Our facilitators are experienced practitioners who keep the conversation honest, generous and moving.
Peter Mayrick
Executive Director
Peter has been walking beside church leaders since 2012 and leads the team at Partners in Ministry. He has a background in organisational leadership, people management, marketing and training, having spent over two decades in the pharmaceutical industry in Australia, New Zealand and across Southeast Asia.
Peter is a trained church consultant, leadership coach, pastoral supervisor and expert trainer, and serves on the boards of Partners in Ministry, Sustainable Development Group and Magnify Research (National Church Life Survey). He has a huge desire to see the church of Jesus Christ flourish, and the leaders God has appointed to be healthy and effective.
John Jeffries
Partners in Ministry, VIC Team
John brings a unique and fascinating blend of Christian leadership experience through serving in a variety of contexts for several decades. As the long-term CEO of CBM Australia, he grew a small mission agency into one of Australia’s largest and most respected international Christian NGOs.
Based in Hawthorn, Victoria, John is a qualified Pastoral Supervisor and supports pastors and leaders throughout Australia. His experience gives him sharp insight into the pressures leaders face as they seek to grow their church, and he works closely with them to minimise the risk of burnout while leading in complexity. In 2014 he was awarded an OAM for his services to the community, particularly people with a disability.
The conversation
Topics on the table
We will facilitate discussion across a wide range of topics. These are the themes that come up most often — and we would love your suggestions as well.
- Multisite
- Developing future leaders
- Succession planning
- Discipleship
- Staffing & team culture
- Burnout & sustainability
- Friendships in ministry
- Evangelism
Have a topic you would like on the agenda? Tell us when you register, or email info@partnersinministry.com — the program is shaped around what the room actually needs.
Program
Three days, two nights
Arrive for lunch on the Monday and finish after lunch on the Wednesday — two full days of seminar and round-table time in between.
Monday 15 February
- Arrival and lunch from 12.00pm
- Welcome and opening session
- First round-table conversations
- Dinner together — included in your ticket
Tuesday 16 February
- Full day of facilitated sessions
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
- Facilitated round tables
- Evening free — we encourage you to have dinner with fellow attendees
Wednesday 17 February
- Morning seminar sessions
- Morning tea
- Closing reflections
- Lunch and farewells
Session times are indicative and will be confirmed closer to the summit.
Venue
Twin Towns Conference & Event Centre
Coolangatta / Tweed Heads — on the border, about seven minutes from Gold Coast Airport, with the beach, cafés and accommodation all within walking distance.
10% off the flexible rate at The Sebel & Mantra Twin Towns
The Sebel Twin Towns and Mantra Twin Towns are pleased to extend a discounted rate to all guests of Partners in Ministry for stays from 15 to 19 February 2027 — so you are welcome to arrive a day early or stay on afterwards and make a break of it.
Rooms and apartments are beautifully appointed and right on site, with a pool and Greenmount Beach a short walk away.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability at the time of booking and subject to change. Discount does not apply to sale rates. Minimum length of stay applies over the weekend.
Your registration
What’s included
Included in every ticket
- Two days of seminar and facilitated round-table sessions
- Dinner together on Monday evening
- Lunches, morning tea and afternoon tea
Not included
- Travel to and from Coolangatta / Tweed Heads
- Accommodation — summit guests get 10% off the flexible rate at The Sebel & Mantra Twin Towns
All ticket prices are inclusive of GST.
Registrations
Tickets
Every ticket covers the full three-day summit program. Prices are per person and include GST.
Single Ticket
One delegate
$990
Inclusive of GST
- Two days of seminar sessions
- Dinner together on Monday evening
- Lunches, morning tea and afternoon tea
- All facilitated round-table sessions
Secure checkout through our store
Couples Ticket
Two delegates, registering together
$1,760
Inclusive of GST · saves $220
- Everything in the Single Ticket, for two people
- Two days of seminar sessions
- Dinner together on Monday evening
- Lunches, morning tea and afternoon tea
Secure checkout through our store
Need an invoice, or registering several leaders from the same church? Email info@partnersinministry.com and we’ll sort it out.
Questions
Frequently asked
Who is Coolabah Summit for?
Leaders of churches with more than 500 attendees — lead pastors, senior and executive pastors, and their spouses. It is deliberately cross-denominational, and deliberately senior.
How is the summit structured?
Coolabah Summit is built around facilitated conversation: a room of peers around tables, working through the topics that matter most in large-church leadership. Facilitators guide the discussion so everyone in the room gets to contribute.
Can I bring my spouse?
Yes — and the Couples Ticket is designed for exactly that. You register together and attend the full program together.
Is accommodation included?
No — your ticket covers the seminar program and the meals listed. Accommodation is booked separately, and Coolabah Summit guests receive 10% off the flexible rate at The Sebel Twin Towns and Mantra Twin Towns for stays from 15 to 19 February 2027 — so you can arrive early or stay on for a few extra days. Book directly on 1800 19 20 20 or twintowns.res@mantra.com.au.
What if I have dietary requirements?
Tell us when you register and we will pass your requirements to the venue. The conference centre caters for most dietary needs.
What happens on the Tuesday evening?
Nothing is programmed — the evening is yours. We’d encourage you to head out and have dinner with fellow attendees; there are plenty of options within walking distance of the conference centre. The Monday evening dinner is the one included in your ticket.
What is your refund policy?
Please contact info@partnersinministry.com and one of our team will be in touch.
Join us
Coolabah Summit 2027
Monday 15 – Wednesday 17 February 2027
Twin Towns Conference & Event Centre, Coolangatta / Tweed Heads
Questions? Email info@partnersinministry.com or contact any of our team — we’re glad to help.