A Season of Readiness

Why the Church Must Prepare for Renewal

QB Conference 2026 | 14 April 2026

Moments of genuine spiritual renewal rarely arrive with noise or spectacle. More often, they begin quietly — with a growing sense that something is stirring beneath the surface. That sense of urgency was palpable in a recent conversation at the QB Awaken Conference, where Jason Elsmore, Director of the QB Movement, spoke with Jody Destry, Executive Officer of Churches of Christ Victoria and Tasmania.

Rather than focusing on trends or tactics, the conversation centred on what Jody is seeing firsthand across 137 churches in two states. Despite being only just over eight weeks into her role, she is already receiving story after story of people who are completely unchurched walking into churches on Sundays — not responding to programs, but searching for meaning and truth.

Across Melbourne especially, Jody describes a growing spiritual hunger. People are looking — and finding themselves drawn toward faith communities. Yet just as significant as who is arriving is what’s happening among church leaders themselves. She speaks of a renewed stirring toward prayer and unity across denominations, an encouraging sign that the Church may be laying aside its individual lanes in favour of shared dependence on God. This emerging unity feels less like an organised initiative and more like a collective posture shift — pastors and leaders choosing to pray together, seeking renewal not through innovation alone, but through humility and surrender.

Watch the interview here (watch time 34min16sec)

Still, Jody is candid about the reality facing the Church. Some congregations are thriving, others are holding steady, and some are deeply struggling. And it’s here that her sense of urgency becomes clear. Renewal, she believes, calls for preparation.

“There’s a real urgency,” she notes, “to see our churches healthy and thriving — ready to receive the people the Lord wants to bring.”

Readiness, in this sense, is not about perfection. It’s about spiritual health, leadership resilience, and congregations postured to love, disciple, and sustain those who come seeking hope.

The conversation concludes with prayer — a simple yet telling moment. Jason invites viewers to pause and pray blessing over Jody as she steps into this new season of leadership. It reflects the heart of the discussion: that renewal begins not with control, but with prayer.

The question is not whether God is moving. The signs suggest He is.

The deeper question is whether the Church is ready to receive what comes next.