An Initiative of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute
At Kategoria 2025, we turn our attention to Christian social vision — seeing our world clearly through the lens of the gospel, building communities that reflect God’s purposes, and leading with wisdom and hope. Across politics, business, technology, education, the arts, and more, we will explore what it means to say and show the gospel in a culture hungry for truth, beauty, and justice. Together, we seek to grow as leaders who carry a living vision for human flourishing, rooted in Christ.
Why the name? Kategoria is an ancient Greek word meaning ‘accusation’. It’s the opposite of defence (apologia). In this conference we are seeking to prosecute a case—make an argument—about how Christians should live and what the world should look like when it is impacted by the gospel. Kategoria is about the questions Jesus puts to the culture.
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Similar to last year, each day will include presentations from practitioners, academics, and experts in key areas of cultural engagement.
Each presentation is designed to help participants consider how Christians and Churches can Out-purpose, Out-relate and Out-last within a given sphere of influence.
Presentations include areas such as: Politics, Work and Business, the Arts, Media, Education, Technology (AI).
The Kategoria conference will take place onsite at the Lachlan Macquarie Institute's beautiful campus located in Murrumbateman, NSW (30 mins outside Canberra)
The facility is situated upon a 20 acre rural property, surrounded by farmland and within easy distance of some of the best local wineries and vineyards.
TBC
Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson is the Director (CEO) of The Lachlan Macquarie Institute (LMI) based in Canberra, Australia. LMI’s mission is to raise up an Australian network of wise Christian leaders for politics and culture who are biblically faithful, culturally intelligent, and positively engaged for the common good. Dan holds a PhD from Macquarie University exploring the philosophical ethics of forgiveness. He was a member of the Board of the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) from 2003-2021 and served as its Chair from 2017-2021. Dan holds a B.A. (hons) from the ANU and a B.Div from Moore Theological College. Dan is married to Emma and they have two young children (Nat and Evie). Dan and Emma met while studying at the Australian National University through the Christian Union.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson is the Director (CEO) of The Lachlan Macquarie Institute (LMI) based in Canberra, Australia. LMI’s mission is to raise up an Australian network of wise Christian leaders for politics and culture who are biblically faithful, culturally intelligent, and positively engaged for the common good. Dan holds a PhD from Macquarie University exploring the philosophical ethics of forgiveness. He was a member of the Board of the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) from 2003-2021 and served as its Chair from 2017-2021. Dan holds a B.A. (hons) from the ANU and a B.Div from Moore Theological College. Dan is married to Emma and they have two young children (Nat and Evie). Dan and Emma met while studying at the Australian National University through the Christian Union.
Example schedule from last year
Arrival and check-in
Welcome and Orientation
A shared meal together to build relationships and continue the learning
Begin the Morning in the Scriptures
This session will define leadership, explore the traits of good leaders, and apply these insights to the distinct task of leading for social change
Building on the previous session, this seminar will explore the value and practice of crafting a personal mission statement for those pursuing Christian cultural leadership.
Two presenters with firsthand experience in politics will share stories of both opportunities and challenge, offering insight into what faithful political engagement can look like—and why it matters.
Three presenters will help participants develop a Christian social vision for engaging with AI, exploring opportunities and reflecting on a God-honouring, human flourishing future in the age of technology.
Three presenters will explore the challenges and opportunities of population trends, including declining birth rates and high migration, offering both data and a Christian vision for ‘good demographics’ in Australia.
A shared meal together to build relationships and continue the learning
Patrick Parkinson will help participants think through the key questions: How do Christians develop a social vision? What are some key elements of a Christian social vision?
Begin the Morning in the Scriptures
Daniel Principe presenter will explore the challenges facing boys and men in Australia today, sharing data, stories, and a Christian vision of healthy masculinity shaped by theological and social insight.
Two Presenters Christian leaders will share their work in building networks and organisations that care for vulnerable children and families, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and what it takes to organise communities around a shared social vision.
This session invites participants to reimagine social engagement beyond welfare and culture wars, highlighting how Christians can foster human flourishing through artistic and creative work, grounded in biblical and theological vision.
This session will help participants think through the process of Christian social entrepreneurship—from spotting opportunities and refining a vision to pitching ideas and rallying support.
Begin the Morning in the Scriptures
This session explores how Christians can share the gospel through their work and social engagement, identifying opportunities and practical approaches for faithful witness
Small groups will gather around key conference themes to explore practical ways to deepen and carry the vision forward, both personally and collectively.
Dan will tie together key themes and send out participants
“I’ve left feeling refreshed and encouraged by new friends, intellectual stimulation, bucolic scenery, incredible food, and the call to live as a wholehearted disciple of Christ. LMI is a unique place”
"I've been to lots of conferences before but no Christian conferences. This was the best conference I have ever attended. So many thanks indeed."
Such an incredible experience and I'm thankful that we heard about it. Please continue doing them, and perhaps consider marketing to Christian schools as a professional learning opportunity.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was stretched and challenged as much as I hoped I would be. Love the work you guys do."