G8 Conference 2026
Gather. Teach. Train. Entrust.
12-15 January 2026
The Tops Conference Centre
12 - 15 January 2026
Welcome to G8 National Conference.
The G8 National Conference exists under Christ, to gather MTS Apprentices and Trainers from the 8 states and territories of Australia to teach them how God’s Word must form their character and practice, to instill in them the MTS DNA and to prepare them for the training and ministry year ahead.
The G8 National Conference is a residential Conference for Australian Apprentices and Trainers. It will be held at The Tops Conference Centre in NSW on 12 – 15 January 2026.
Travel subsidies are available to help get all Australian Apprentices and Trainers to the G8 Conference. To apply for a Travel Subsidy, please register for the Conference first and then complete the Travel Subsidy Form.
Conference video recordings will be made publicly available after the Conference on the MTS website.
Main Sessions
Be encouraged as we hear God’s Word faithfully proclaimed, delving into scripture to understand how we can serve Jesus with our whole lives.
Ministry Principles Sessions
Be taught to understand the big ideas that sit behind all the ministry we do – what drives it, motivates it and guides how we do it.
Seminars
Be prepared for the training and ministry year ahead as we explore the various challenges and lessons we’ll face as trainers and apprentices.
Ben Pfahlert
Ben worked as a Civil Engineer in Melbourne for three years, before beginning an MTS Apprenticeship alongside his wife in university ministry from 1992-1993. Ben studied at Moore Theological College before returning to Melbourne in 2001 to serve in university and congregational ministry. He was appointed MTS National Director in 2007 and is thoroughly committed to MTS’ Vision ‘to win the world for Christ by multiplying Gospel workers through ministry apprenticeships.’
Ben and Emma have 4 adult children, 2 of which are married. He loves ordinary family dinners chatting with the kids, triathlons and history adventures with Emma on any given Saturday afternoon.
MIKE DOYLE
Mike is the Senior Minister of St James Anglican Church, Berala.
Mike serves by preaching, teaching and equipping others to follow Jesus, to see God’s Kingdom grow, and his Son glorified.
Mike loves fishing, running, enjoying the outdoors and seeing people decide to follow Jesus.
He is married to Linda and they have 5 children between 5 and 17 years old.
MIKE wong
Mike began as a high-school teacher but has been a pastor in Albury for the last 13 years. He was converted in a Uniting church, trained at an Anglican College, and now serves in the Presbyterian denomination. Mike loves regional and rural life but is a city-slicker at heart.
He is married to Kara and they have four kids – Ethan (17), Toby (15), Liam (13), Gabi (10). Mike fulfils all the stereotypes by enjoying good coffee, baking sourdough, running half-marathons and watching sport.
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is G8?
G8 National Conference is a 3-day annual conference that exists under Christ, to gather MTS Apprentices and Trainers to teach them how God’s Word must form their character and practice, to instil in them the MTS DNA and to prepare them for the training and ministry year ahead.
Our goals with our MTS Apprentices and Trainers are to:
- Teach them God’s Word faithfully
- Instil in them the MTS DNA
- Equip them for Gospel Work
- Network the MTS movement
Where will G8 be held in 2026?
In 2026, G8 will gather Australian Apprentices and Trainers across all 8 States and Territories in-person at The Tops Conference Centre, NSW.
Who runs G8?
G8 is run by the Ministry Training Strategy (MTS).
MTS seeks to multiply gospel workers through ministry apprenticeships. We aim to help local churches and ministries identify and train gifted individuals before helping them to decide on the next step in their ministry.
We want every Christian to:
- Be trained to be the best servants of Christ they can be through ministry apprenticeship
- Continually grow in the knowledge and service of God
- Train other ministry apprentices
To read more about MTS, check out our website at www.mts.com.au
Who can attend G8?
G8 National Conference is for current MTS Apprentices and their Trainers from across all 8 States and Territories of Australia.
If you are a Ministry Apprentice or Trainer from a country outside of Australia and would like to attend G8, please contact Russ Smidt, MTS Director of Training (rsmidt@mts.com.au).
An MTS Apprentice is someone who is learning to do ministry in a Church, University Campus or other ministry setting, full-time over 2-3 years, guided by an MTS Trainer.
An MTS Trainer is a full-time Ministry Worker who is currently meeting with a Ministry Apprentice to minister to and with them.
When does registration open?
Registrations for G8 2026 open 23 Sep 2025.
When does registration close?
Registrations for G8 2026 will close 11:59pm AEDT January 4th 2026.
How do I become an MTS Trainer or Apprentice?
To become an MTS Trainer or Apprentice, talk to a Ministry Worker in your church or Chrisian University group, or contact MTS directly. You can also read more about what is involved in MTS Apprenticeships by going to our website.