14th–15th August 2026
About
In a time of cultural upheaval and post-Covid uncertainty, many Christians feel disoriented—unsettled by shifting government responses, alienated by secular ideologies, and burdened by the sense that their faith is increasingly out of step with public life. From pandemic mandates to political polarisation, the church is grappling with how to live faithfully in a world that often seems indifferent or hostile to its convictions. The questions weigh heavily: How should Christians relate to governing authorities? Can believers participate in public life without compromising their faith? What does it mean to live as citizens of heaven while residing in earthly societies?
The 2026 Canon & Creed Conference takes up these pressing concerns under the theme: Understanding the Kingdoms: Clarifying Christ’s Reign in Church and Culture. In an age of confusion and cultural drift, the conference does not offer simplistic answers or reactionary slogans. Instead, it turns to the deep wells of Reformed and Confessional theology—a tradition richly equipped to speak to questions of authority, citizenship, and faithful presence.
About Canon & Creed
Canon & Creed is a Confessional Reformed Conference in Australia dedicated to cultivating a robust and reverent expression of classical Reformed theology. Rooted in the unchanging authority of Canon (Holy Scripture) and the historic Creeds and Confessions of the Church, our aim is to encourage theological clarity, spiritual vitality, and practical godliness among believers today.
We affirm the unity and diversity of the Reformed tradition of the dissenting stream—welcoming Presbyterian, Particular Baptist, Congregational, and Continental Reformed (Dutch) expressions—under the banner of Reformed Catholicity. Our goal is not merely doctrinal precision, but holistic transformation: head, heart, and hands.
In a time when the Reformed tradition is being challenged both by theological drift and unbalanced innovation, it is the hope that Canon & Creed can serve as a rallying point for churches and believers who long to be rooted in confessional fidelity. We seek to equip the Church not only to think rightly, but to live faithfully.
Join us as we confess the old paths afresh—for our churches, our communities, and for the glory of Christ.
Conference Speakers
David VanDrunen
Dr David VanDrunen is the Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary California, where he has taught since 2001. A minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, he previously pastored Grace OPC in Illinois and has served on the denomination’s Committee on Christian Education since 2005.
Dr VanDrunen has authored or edited thirteen books, including Politics after Christendom (Zondervan Academic, 2020), named Christianity Today’s 2021 Book of the Year in Politics and Public Life. His scholarly work appears in leading theological and ethics journals.
He lives in Escondido with his wife, Katherine, and their son.
Nick Clevely
Nick Clevely is the pastor of Covenant Grace Baptist Church in New Zealand. He has pastored for over twenty years in South Africa; St Helena and New Zealand. Nick is married to Lynn, has two sons and is a Grandpa.
He is also a co-host of the Two-Age Sojourner podcast; and adjunct faculty at Trinity Theological Institute in New Zealand.
Benjamin Saunders
Dr Benjamin Saunders is an associate professor at Deakin University’s law school. He holds a PhD from the University of Queensland and researches in constitutional law, and Christianity and law. His publications include Recovering Natural Law: A Guide for Protestants (Lexham Press, 2025); a critical modern edition of John Ponet’s Short Treatise of Political Power (Davenant Institute, 1556) with Theodora Saunders; The Crisis of Civil Law: What the Bible Teaches about Law and What It Means Today (Lexham Press, 2024) and Responsible Government and the Australian Constitution: A Government for a Sovereign People (Hart, 2023).
Schedule
Click the date below to see that day's program
Opens
Registration, Coffee & Bookstall Open
Welcome
Session 1
The Anatomy and Temptation of Theocracy
David VanDrunen
Morning Tea
Session 2
Theonomy and Mission Drift
Nick Clevely
Lunch
Lunch Provided for All Delegates (Unless, otherwise specified.)
Session 3
An Antidote to Theocracy: The Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms for Today
David VanDrunen
Session 4
Recovering the Christian Tradition of Civil Law
Benjamin Saunders
Afternoon Tea
Panel
Christ’s Reign & the Public Square: A Reformed Conversation
A dynamic Q&A with our key speakers exploring the tensions and implications of Christ’s lordship over all, how to resist false conflations of church and state, and the call to faithful witness in our time.
Close/Dinner
Day One formally concludes.
Dinner is not provided and to be arranged by delegates.
Public Lecture
Free
Free
The Christian Life as Sojourners and Exiles
David VanDrunen
–
Open to all: Explores the biblical-theological and practical importance of 1 Peter’s metaphors for the Christian life in the present world
Opens
Registration, Coffee & Bookstall Open
Session 5
Cultural Engagement as Heavenly Citizens
David VanDrunen
Session 6
The Pastoral Implications of a Politicised Theology
Nick Clevely
Morning Tea
Session 7
The Two Kingdoms in Australia: Lessons from a Cultural Crisis
Benjamin Saunders
Lunch
Lunch Provided for All Delegates (Unless, otherwise specified.)
Session 8
Avoiding Radicalisation in a Media-Driven Age
Nick Clevely
Afternoon Tea
Partner Presentations
A short segment introducing the ministry partnerships behind Canon & Creed
Panel
Christ’s Lordship, Liberty & Law: Discerning Faithful Witness Today
Engaging audience questions across the conference’s key themes.
Close
Conference formally concludes.
Register
Registrants will receive:
- Two packed days of teaching! (8 x Talks; 2 x Panels)
- Morning and afternoon teas and lunches.
- A book and resource pack, containing several books**, worth over $150.00, including:
- David VanDrunen’s Living in God’s Two Kingdoms
- David Clarkson’s Prizing Public Worship
** Limited to the first 120 attendees; Additional titles will be announced closer to the conference.
Ministry Partners
Exhibitors
Location
Questions
How Do I Get to the Venue?
The 2026 Canon and Creed Conference will be held at GracePoint Presbyterian Church in Lidcombe, Sydney.
This venue was chosen due to its central location in Sydney, as well as its proximity to both public transport and street parking.
Public Transport:
For those catching public transport, Lidcombe is a major train hub on all western lines (T1/T2/T3). GracePoint Presbyterian is located at 38 James St, a 10-12 minute walk from Lidcombe Train Station.
Parking:
There will be limited onsite parking, which will be reserved for those with accessibility requirements, parents with prams, and conference logistics. An abundance of street parking can be found on James St, and particularly on East St.
Do You Offer Discounts for Interstate/International Attendees?
Yes! All attendees located outside of NSW are eligible for a 25% discount on all tickets, except day passes. Please use the contact form below to contact us, so we can provide the discount code to use prior to purchase.
Is There Planned Accomodation?
The 2026 Canon and Creed Conference will be held at GracePoint Presbyterian Church in Lidcombe, Sydney.
We have arranged discounted accommodation for delegates at several hotels nearby:
Olympic Park:
3.5 KM from GracePoint Presbyterian – 18 Minute Trip (6 Minute Train Trip + 12 Minute Walk)
Ibis Sydney Olympic Park
ibis Sydney Olympic Park offers 3.5 star accommodation with 150 stylish guest rooms. Guests staying at the ibis hotel can enjoy a range of in-room amenities, including air-conditioning, WIFI, TV with Foxtel channels, in-room iron and hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities, and a modern private ensuite. As well as two restaurants, two bars, and conferencing spaces shared with the adjacent Novotel Sydney Olympic Park hotel.
Novotel Sydney Olympic Park
Novotel Sydney Olympic Park offers 4.5 star accommodation with 177 contemporary rooms, including Superior, Balcony Rooms and Superior Spa Suites. Guests can enjoy wired and WIFI Internet access, and a TV with Foxtel channels. Each room is tastefully appointed, featuring modern décor, a spacious ensuite and a large work desk. Many rooms feature striking parkland or city views.
Accor (Owner of Ibis and Novotel) have offered delegates 15% off accommodation when booking via this site: https://accorevents.com/offers/custom-offer-canon-and-creed
Can I Volunteer?
Absolutely! We are looking for individuals who can assist with audiovisual setup and pack-up, as well as overall logistics. All volunteers will be able to attend the conference at no cost. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out on the contact form below.
Will There Be Any Related Events?
Yes! There’ll be several Pre-Conference Events leading up to the Conference, including specific Presbyterian and Reformed Baptist streams. Further details to come.
Can my Ministry/Organisation Sponsor the Event?
Yes! We welcome partnering with other like-minded ministries and organisations. This allows us to not only showcase other fruitful ministries, but also also allows us to offset costs, which we would look to pass on to attendees. If you’re interested in partnering, please reach out to us on the contact form below, and we’ll provide the details.