Friday, 21 December 2007
Full North West Report
For those interested in the full report from the recent "Listening Journey" to the North West communities it can be found and downloaded as a PDF here from the Youth Vision website.
Social influence on faith development
An interesting report, a couple of years old, on social influences on faith development from NCLS research.
http://www.ncls.org.au/download/doc3548/NCLSOccasionalPaper5-SocialInfluencesuponFaithDevelopment.pdf
http://www.ncls.org.au/download/doc3548/NCLSOccasionalPaper5-SocialInfluencesuponFaithDevelopment.pdf
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Prayer for Jamaica
‘Help us tame this brutal monster’: General Secretary pleads for prayer for Jamaica
The Rev Courtney Stewart, General Secretary of the Bible Society of the West Indies, has asked the UBS fellowship to remember Jamaica in prayer because the community is experiencing a dramatic rise in violent crime, especially murder.
In a letter sent on December 5, Mr Stewart said that the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper had reported that 47 people had been killed by gunmen in the past seven days. They apparently included men, women, children, and several policemen including an Assistant Commissioner.
Jamaica has long had a reputation for violence. In 2005 at least five people were murdered every day, making a total for the year of more than 1600.
The report in the Gleaner indicated that in spite of the presence of the military assisting the police in 142 ‘hot spots’ across the island, the murder toll this year has already reached 1,442.
“The situation is frightening and with each passing day, the number of those killed increases,” said Mr Stewart. “The security forces seem impotent to adequately address the situation,” he added, “even though several senior police officers have been recruited from the UK to lend their expertise in taming this brutal monster.
“Pray that the Church will see the situation in Jamaica as an opportunity to demonstrate the unity they have in Christ,” he urged. “May it be a time for joint fellowship and united action as all communions focus on putting aside narrow denominational and personality differences and focus on demonstrating their attributes of ‘light’ and ‘salt’ that Christ has declared to be the true nature and activity of his people.
“Pray that the Bible Society will be able to serve and play its part in galvanizing the witness of the Church as it prepares to engage in this spiritual warfare. The stakes are high but the Church,
through the empowering presence and grace of God, must advance even in the face of this very
serious state of affairs.”
For further information please contact comms@ubs-wsc.org
The Rev Courtney Stewart, General Secretary of the Bible Society of the West Indies, has asked the UBS fellowship to remember Jamaica in prayer because the community is experiencing a dramatic rise in violent crime, especially murder.
In a letter sent on December 5, Mr Stewart said that the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper had reported that 47 people had been killed by gunmen in the past seven days. They apparently included men, women, children, and several policemen including an Assistant Commissioner.
Jamaica has long had a reputation for violence. In 2005 at least five people were murdered every day, making a total for the year of more than 1600.
The report in the Gleaner indicated that in spite of the presence of the military assisting the police in 142 ‘hot spots’ across the island, the murder toll this year has already reached 1,442.
“The situation is frightening and with each passing day, the number of those killed increases,” said Mr Stewart. “The security forces seem impotent to adequately address the situation,” he added, “even though several senior police officers have been recruited from the UK to lend their expertise in taming this brutal monster.
“Pray that the Church will see the situation in Jamaica as an opportunity to demonstrate the unity they have in Christ,” he urged. “May it be a time for joint fellowship and united action as all communions focus on putting aside narrow denominational and personality differences and focus on demonstrating their attributes of ‘light’ and ‘salt’ that Christ has declared to be the true nature and activity of his people.
“Pray that the Bible Society will be able to serve and play its part in galvanizing the witness of the Church as it prepares to engage in this spiritual warfare. The stakes are high but the Church,
through the empowering presence and grace of God, must advance even in the face of this very
serious state of affairs.”
For further information please contact comms@ubs-wsc.org
An Open Letter to the Australian Nation
“No Room at the Inn”
At this time of the year, as we turn our minds to Christmas and reflect on the year that was (and what a year it was) and look forward to the year to come, I cannot help but think of many of my Indigenous brothers and sisters. This season of peace, hope and joy leads me to ask, ‘what peace, hope and joy will be given unto us with the coming of the Christ Child into the world?’ Over the last 237 years since Lt. James Cook arrived, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been denied a proper place within our own country. Just like Jesus’ family on returning to their home country we also have not been able to find a proper place for ourselves in our own land.
Too many other interests seem to distract the country where we once roamed freely. We have been turned away at the door and given scant attention and meagre generosity by the new Innkeepers. It is interesting that we, Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, were not part of Federation, were forgotten about as the new wave of Immigrants came from the Mediterranean during the post war years and were not on the radar until the 1967 referendum. Except, of course, when we were allowed to lose our lives fighting for this country, or when we were seen as strange curiosities of a bygone era. Mostly, we were labelled as a troublesome few dissidents who should not expect the same rights as everyone else.
Children were removed from their families because it was perceived that they were not being cared for to acceptable western standards. Or they were taken away simply so they could be given the ‘western makeover’ to fit better into western society. The only problem was that they still had a different colour than those holding up the bar of mainstream society.
This brings me to the question of an apology. The former Howard Government was against any apology as it was seen that the mainstream should not be held accountable for the past, and such an apology could hold the State open to litigation. It’s an interesting irony that in this corporate world we live in, mainstream Australia will hold accountable corporations for their past organisational failings, and yet the nation cannot live up to its own corporate responsibilities. As for the apology itself, the Nation is either Sorry or it’s not. Putting provisos on it (we regret etc.) is not an apology. If we are going to move forward then it is very important that the Nation says Sorry and accepts any consequences that might result. The present Rudd Government must take the lead on this and soon.
The continual denial of the rights of Indigenous peoples, as Australian Citizens, has gone on for too long. We have a right to education, health and the many opportunities that most Australians take for granted. Governments need to act now to correct these situations, which occur around the country not just the Northern Territory, and close the gap between us and the mainstream. As I’ve often said in other Forums, how can Australia set out to save the world when there is so much to be done at home? What credibility does Australia have if it is not working to correct the situations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?
There needs to be a plan, not knee jerk reactions, to address these situations. The Millennium Development Goals help us in this area. These eight time bound and measurable goals discourage empty rhetoric. They encourage us to formulate concrete plans to build a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The first step to any action is recognition of what is currently happening. We have no real voice or say or control in what is happening to us. Outsiders are dictating our future. There is no national representative voice to carry our hopes, dreams and desires forward into the future. Hand picked advisors are not a representative voice. A process needs to be put into place where a representative voice can be heard and acted upon. National conventions need to be held so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can contribute to the process of forming this new voice and eventually own the outcomes.
People say that there is not one voice in Indigenous Australia, but surely that can also be said of mainstream Australia. Our Federal Parliament, with different parties and different factions, continues to exist. The one voice comes when these groups are allowed a forum like Parliament to reach compromise and consensus for the good of all. This forum will help lead us into a better tomorrow for our children and children’s children. The issue of whether we should be included in the preamble to the constitution of Australia can also be debated in these forums and a proposition then put forward to the Australian people in a future referendum. These issues cannot be put off until tomorrow for tomorrow may never come. Many of our great Indigenous leaders are already passing on and we need their valuable input into these forums.
As I reflect this Christmas time, I wonder if Australia will place their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians again in the stable, as Jesus was over 2,000 years ago, or will we be invited in to share fully in the Australia which is so gifted, diverse and forward looking. Will we begin to “Make Indigenous Poverty History” this Christmas?
May the peace, hope and Joy of Christmas fill all Australians with the hope of a new tomorrow!
Graeme Mundine
Executive Secretary
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission
National Council of Churches in Australia
Mb: 0419 238 788
At this time of the year, as we turn our minds to Christmas and reflect on the year that was (and what a year it was) and look forward to the year to come, I cannot help but think of many of my Indigenous brothers and sisters. This season of peace, hope and joy leads me to ask, ‘what peace, hope and joy will be given unto us with the coming of the Christ Child into the world?’ Over the last 237 years since Lt. James Cook arrived, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been denied a proper place within our own country. Just like Jesus’ family on returning to their home country we also have not been able to find a proper place for ourselves in our own land.
Too many other interests seem to distract the country where we once roamed freely. We have been turned away at the door and given scant attention and meagre generosity by the new Innkeepers. It is interesting that we, Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, were not part of Federation, were forgotten about as the new wave of Immigrants came from the Mediterranean during the post war years and were not on the radar until the 1967 referendum. Except, of course, when we were allowed to lose our lives fighting for this country, or when we were seen as strange curiosities of a bygone era. Mostly, we were labelled as a troublesome few dissidents who should not expect the same rights as everyone else.
Children were removed from their families because it was perceived that they were not being cared for to acceptable western standards. Or they were taken away simply so they could be given the ‘western makeover’ to fit better into western society. The only problem was that they still had a different colour than those holding up the bar of mainstream society.
This brings me to the question of an apology. The former Howard Government was against any apology as it was seen that the mainstream should not be held accountable for the past, and such an apology could hold the State open to litigation. It’s an interesting irony that in this corporate world we live in, mainstream Australia will hold accountable corporations for their past organisational failings, and yet the nation cannot live up to its own corporate responsibilities. As for the apology itself, the Nation is either Sorry or it’s not. Putting provisos on it (we regret etc.) is not an apology. If we are going to move forward then it is very important that the Nation says Sorry and accepts any consequences that might result. The present Rudd Government must take the lead on this and soon.
The continual denial of the rights of Indigenous peoples, as Australian Citizens, has gone on for too long. We have a right to education, health and the many opportunities that most Australians take for granted. Governments need to act now to correct these situations, which occur around the country not just the Northern Territory, and close the gap between us and the mainstream. As I’ve often said in other Forums, how can Australia set out to save the world when there is so much to be done at home? What credibility does Australia have if it is not working to correct the situations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?
There needs to be a plan, not knee jerk reactions, to address these situations. The Millennium Development Goals help us in this area. These eight time bound and measurable goals discourage empty rhetoric. They encourage us to formulate concrete plans to build a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The first step to any action is recognition of what is currently happening. We have no real voice or say or control in what is happening to us. Outsiders are dictating our future. There is no national representative voice to carry our hopes, dreams and desires forward into the future. Hand picked advisors are not a representative voice. A process needs to be put into place where a representative voice can be heard and acted upon. National conventions need to be held so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can contribute to the process of forming this new voice and eventually own the outcomes.
People say that there is not one voice in Indigenous Australia, but surely that can also be said of mainstream Australia. Our Federal Parliament, with different parties and different factions, continues to exist. The one voice comes when these groups are allowed a forum like Parliament to reach compromise and consensus for the good of all. This forum will help lead us into a better tomorrow for our children and children’s children. The issue of whether we should be included in the preamble to the constitution of Australia can also be debated in these forums and a proposition then put forward to the Australian people in a future referendum. These issues cannot be put off until tomorrow for tomorrow may never come. Many of our great Indigenous leaders are already passing on and we need their valuable input into these forums.
As I reflect this Christmas time, I wonder if Australia will place their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians again in the stable, as Jesus was over 2,000 years ago, or will we be invited in to share fully in the Australia which is so gifted, diverse and forward looking. Will we begin to “Make Indigenous Poverty History” this Christmas?
May the peace, hope and Joy of Christmas fill all Australians with the hope of a new tomorrow!
Graeme Mundine
Executive Secretary
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission
National Council of Churches in Australia
Mb: 0419 238 788
Council of Churches WA
Chaplain: Palliative Care Kalamunda Hospital (0.2fte)
Applications are invited for this position.
Applications are invited for this position.
The position is available for immediate start or at an agreed date.
The Chaplain will be a member of the Chaplaincy team within the Swan Kalamunda Health Service. The Chaplain will be part of a multidisciplinary team and will liaise with the Silver Chain Chaplain.
The pro rata rate of pay is according to the stipend and allowances recommended by the Anglican Diocese of Perth.
In 2008 there may be an opening for an additional 0.2 FTE Chaplaincy within Swan Districts Hospital.
For more information or to discuss this position contact John Hewitson, Field Officer CCWA: Mob: 0437 803 738; email fieldofficer@churcheswa.com.au AND john.hewitson@perth.anglican.org
Restoring Lives in Need
The Esther Foundation is now keeping you up-to-date with current information by sharing moving stories about how young women’s lives are being changed within their community. Each month they will give you an insight into what they are doing and where they’re heading.
If you would like a copy of their newsletter to hear some phenomenal stories of transformation or would like to know how you can become more actively involved with Esther, then please send an e-mail to info@estherfoundation.org.au.
If you would like a copy of their newsletter to hear some phenomenal stories of transformation or would like to know how you can become more actively involved with Esther, then please send an e-mail to info@estherfoundation.org.au.
Christ, Comparison and Seeing His Glory
A brief reflection that may be useful for congregations ... for inclusion in Church communiqués.
"To correlate Jesus Christ with other religious or political figures by identifying similarities in their words and deeds is merely to make comparisons within human possibilities. What any comparison cannot account for is the glory of God—that which is only recognised by faith or not seen at all.
It is possible to analyse Jesus of Nazareth as one among similar examples and make religious or ideological comparisons. Yet to recognise him as the grace and truth of God whom no one has seen is to see his glory. God is given to our recognition in grace and truth through Jesus Christ. This cannot be perceived and therefore received within a comparison between assumedly similar figures, religious or ideological. To see his glory is to recognise a reality that exceeds any comparison among others.
It may seem plausible, even clever, to construe comparisons while avoiding the New Testament’s superlative testimony to Jesus Christ, yet this is merely to become an adjudicator of comparisons among selected exemplars of human ideals. The claim of Jesus Christ on human life is thereby obscured. Alternatively, grace and truth are disclosed definitively to faith within the recognition of his glory."
Also for your interest and use, a website article: An economy otherwise than economy
Other articles for your interest and use.
Dr Stephen Curkpatrick
Churches of Christ Theological College
www.cctc.edu.au
"To correlate Jesus Christ with other religious or political figures by identifying similarities in their words and deeds is merely to make comparisons within human possibilities. What any comparison cannot account for is the glory of God—that which is only recognised by faith or not seen at all.
It is possible to analyse Jesus of Nazareth as one among similar examples and make religious or ideological comparisons. Yet to recognise him as the grace and truth of God whom no one has seen is to see his glory. God is given to our recognition in grace and truth through Jesus Christ. This cannot be perceived and therefore received within a comparison between assumedly similar figures, religious or ideological. To see his glory is to recognise a reality that exceeds any comparison among others.
It may seem plausible, even clever, to construe comparisons while avoiding the New Testament’s superlative testimony to Jesus Christ, yet this is merely to become an adjudicator of comparisons among selected exemplars of human ideals. The claim of Jesus Christ on human life is thereby obscured. Alternatively, grace and truth are disclosed definitively to faith within the recognition of his glory."
Also for your interest and use, a website article: An economy otherwise than economy
Other articles for your interest and use.
Dr Stephen Curkpatrick
Churches of Christ Theological College
www.cctc.edu.au
MINISTRY POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Children's Ministry Director Needed (3 days per wk)
We are seeking a creative person who has a passion for ministry to children and an ability to lead ministry teams. Our vision for children’s ministry here at North Beach Baptist Church is “Inspiring children to become passionate followers of Jesus”. Our children’s ministry has many opportunities for the gospel and is key to raising up a new generation who follow Jesus.
We are therefore seeking a Children’s Ministry Director to pursue this vision together with others providing leadership, vision and empowering others in Children’s ministry.
Corporate Worship & Events Director Needed (3 days per wk)
We a seeking a creative person with a clear passion for the church, for music ministry, and an ability to lead ministry teams. The person we are seeking will be responsible, together with the pastoral team, for the
Corporate Worship and Special Events at North Beach Baptist Church. This will involve training and equipping others, empowering them to use their gifts to strengthen God’s people. Together with that will be planning key events that have potential to impact others in our community.
For more information please contact Pastor Tony Spencer 9448 7018 or email nbbc@ozemail.com.au
We are seeking a creative person who has a passion for ministry to children and an ability to lead ministry teams. Our vision for children’s ministry here at North Beach Baptist Church is “Inspiring children to become passionate followers of Jesus”. Our children’s ministry has many opportunities for the gospel and is key to raising up a new generation who follow Jesus.
We are therefore seeking a Children’s Ministry Director to pursue this vision together with others providing leadership, vision and empowering others in Children’s ministry.
Corporate Worship & Events Director Needed (3 days per wk)
We a seeking a creative person with a clear passion for the church, for music ministry, and an ability to lead ministry teams. The person we are seeking will be responsible, together with the pastoral team, for the
Corporate Worship and Special Events at North Beach Baptist Church. This will involve training and equipping others, empowering them to use their gifts to strengthen God’s people. Together with that will be planning key events that have potential to impact others in our community.
For more information please contact Pastor Tony Spencer 9448 7018 or email nbbc@ozemail.com.au
Monday, 17 December 2007
Listening Journey - The Return
You may remember on this Chat2gether blog some weeks ago I posted about a listening journey we were undertaking as Churches of Christ WA to the Kimberley Region.
Well, all 5 travellers have returned just over a week ago and I thought a few comments regarding the trip may well be appropriate here. A full, formal report is almost finished and will be available for download from the Churches of Christ Web site.
The 4 guys who went with me (Scott Vawser) all have a significant connection with the areas in which we traveled;
1) Andrew Johnston
2) Phil Porter
3) Matt Bartlett
4) Graham Faulkner
We arrived in Broome with a small sign of what would become normative for the next 6 days - unexpected 'God appointed' encounters with key people. As I walked through the airport doors, there, sitting in the lounge was an old aboriginal friend of mine from school days. He now works for an Aboriginal research institute based in Canberra and was visiting the Kimberly for research.
We visited the Kimberly Christian Fellowship for Church on Sunday as well as catching up with some people working in different spheres of life amongst our indigenous people.
Upon arrival into Looma Sunday night we discovered an exciting conference called "Heal The Land" was about to begin. This is connected to the popular "Transformations" video series. Great teaching for and by indigenous people with real promise for a great move of God amongst the people of this small (400) community and beyond.
After a swim in the Fitzroy we headed on to Fitzroy Crossing, we caught up with a key pastor in town and then moved on out to a small (80) family community called Joy Springs at Eight Mile Creek. These are wonderful people who welcomed us with open arms, even to the point of inviting us out to dinner with the whole community to celebrate someones 18th Birthday!
Whilst in this region we spent an evening at Bayalu community in worship and some teaching and general friendship making (and remaking for some).
These dry communities seem a happy and healthy places to be - and they are, although we did hear of deep undercurrents and sad stories of depression, sickness and suicides that made us weep.
Contrary to news reports, the Fitzroy town we saw and heard about was looking better than we expected.
We moved on to Halls Creek on Wednesday to be greeted by a swag of people who knew most of the occupants of our vehicle. (Some had not connected since the late 50's when they went to school in Fitzroy together!)
We visited the high school at which David Faulkner (Graham's nephew) is doing fantastic things as Principal with some new staff and some great new and creative ideas. The school is really turning around despite obvious challenges.
Just a year ago the churches in Halls Creek were praying for God to bring more 'missionaries' (Tent-maker style - teachers, health staff, etc) into town. Now there are many! Many answers to prayer!
Halls Creek still has its fair share of challenges, particularly connected to alcohol and the many social and health issues it brings to these communities. Having said that there is something almost infectious about the place and I saw why many of our team keep wanting to return, in fact the North West of our state can be like that in general!
After a hot night camping outside of Kununurra we arrived early for a big breakfast and fresh coffee in a great little cafe owned by former Whitford Church of Christ members.
We met up with numerous people ministering in many ways in Kununurra, including one guy who has set up an alcohol rehab hostel for long term care and ministry.
Even as we flew out from Kununurra on Saturday, God was still leading people across our paths, a girl from my youth group from over a decade ago boarded the plane with us. She has many years experience in the police department in the Kimberly and was able to shine more light on issues for us.
The week away was brilliant, everything we had hoped for and more, much more. But I hesitate to call it a success for some years to come.
My dream is to see (not unlike our Thai WA Project) Churches in the City/South West of our state connecting and serving churches and communities in remote North West communities of our state.
This is already happening in some pockets (A number of our churches connect with Port Hedland for example).
There are many needs in the North West and we found the Aboriginal people very open to receive people willing to help them fulfill some of these needs.
Permission and communication turn out to be major issues for any church wanting to connect, as does getting alongside men in communities and working with them, empowering and encouraging them.
In some communities there are physical needs (Buildings, basketball courts, painting) in some they desire scripture teaching for kids, some would like sports or music carnivals, elderly folk need encouraging and so on.
All the communities asked us to pray for tent-maker style missionaries to come to the north west. "Come and be a teacher in our school" they pleaded. "Come and be a health professional in our centre" they cried. Teachers, youth workers, life guards, aged carers, pastors, administrators, managers - the list could go on! They desire long termers!
How will you as a church leader respond to the needs and the opportunities in our North West?
Will your church partner with a particular community?
It's not about giving money, although it may cost.
It's about giving time and investing into relationships in another culture, another way of life, will you dare?
These wonderful people on whose land we live have opened their doors for us to come and partner with in appropriate ways that honor them and join them in seeing the Kingdom life of God come here on earth.
Please contact me for information on how you might specifically connect and minister in the North West.
Scott Vawser
scvawser@gmail.com
Thanks to ACCIM; Youth Vision/Churches of Christ WA and GMP
Age Differences Increasing
Ruth Powell, director of National Church Life Survey, has written an insightful article about the increasing gap between the age of people in the Australian population and the age of people in churches. A brief summary. . ..
In 1966 there was no discernable difference in the church-going habits of different age groups in the Australian population.
Since then, younger people have been less and less likely to attend church. In the chart above, the darker line shows the shift from the 2001 NCLS data. The curve representing the Australian population is on the left.
Basically, the church in Australia is growing older. Young people are less likely to be involved in Church life. And this is not a trend that is reversing but increasing.
While some denominations (notably the Pentecostals and "Other Protestant" - smaller groups and independent churches) are bucking the trend, this is a worrying sign for the future of church life in Australia and one that every church board and ministry team needs to consider.
View the entire article at http://www.ncls.org.au/default.aspx?sitemapid=6249
DESERT SPIRITUALITY
The Second national conference of the
Australian Research Institute for Desert Spirituality (ARIDS)
will take place April28-May 2 2008,
at Honeymoon Gap,
situated in the West Macdonnell Ranges, out from Alice Springs.
Like the first conference, there will be two days with lots of walking and silence until after dinner
followed by two days of papers and discussion.
The first surprise - You are the guest speaker, and your paper on your research or practice is hereby called for (send to me your synopsis for consideration , or phone). Last year, several contributors surprised themselves with how much the conference gained from their experience. The requirements are not academic but something that shows reflection upon the spirituality based on the desert. Persons accepted to give a paper will receive $50 discount on registration.
The guest singer is Trisha Watts, well known throughout Australia for her extraordinary grace and leadership skills and her responsive to people and place.
Earlybird Costs are $260 for the four nights at Honeymoon Gap, payable by cheque in advance to ARIDS, 21 Jackson Rd, Karawara, WA 6152. Earlybird Closing Date is April 1st. Thereafter $300.
Extra nights at Honeymoon Gap are $40.
Cancellation policy. Before April 1st full refund. April 1-15 50%. After April 15 nil.
NOTE: You should look at flight times from your own city to determine the best time to arrive. Flights are limited. If in doubt come the day earlier, so that we can have the full day on 28th.
NOTE: There are plans for a desert journey out into the Simpson Desert May 3-13. Please indicate your interest to me.
More details on the desert journey on www.desertjourneys.org
Please pass this on to your networks so that the net can spread widely. In the great desert tradition, this is all being done on the grapevine and no budget. Blessings.
Rev Dr Ian Robinson
08 9450 4441
Australian Research Institute for Desert Spirituality (ARIDS)
will take place April28-May 2 2008,
at Honeymoon Gap,
situated in the West Macdonnell Ranges, out from Alice Springs.
Like the first conference, there will be two days with lots of walking and silence until after dinner
followed by two days of papers and discussion.
The first surprise - You are the guest speaker, and your paper on your research or practice is hereby called for (send to me your synopsis for consideration , or phone). Last year, several contributors surprised themselves with how much the conference gained from their experience. The requirements are not academic but something that shows reflection upon the spirituality based on the desert. Persons accepted to give a paper will receive $50 discount on registration.
The guest singer is Trisha Watts, well known throughout Australia for her extraordinary grace and leadership skills and her responsive to people and place.
Earlybird Costs are $260 for the four nights at Honeymoon Gap, payable by cheque in advance to ARIDS, 21 Jackson Rd, Karawara, WA 6152. Earlybird Closing Date is April 1st. Thereafter $300.
Extra nights at Honeymoon Gap are $40.
Cancellation policy. Before April 1st full refund. April 1-15 50%. After April 15 nil.
NOTE: You should look at flight times from your own city to determine the best time to arrive. Flights are limited. If in doubt come the day earlier, so that we can have the full day on 28th.
NOTE: There are plans for a desert journey out into the Simpson Desert May 3-13. Please indicate your interest to me.
More details on the desert journey on www.desertjourneys.org
Please pass this on to your networks so that the net can spread widely. In the great desert tradition, this is all being done on the grapevine and no budget. Blessings.
Rev Dr Ian Robinson
08 9450 4441
Friday, 14 December 2007
NO MORE EXCUSES
A mindset change from offering excuses to proposing solutions is a key shift in the culture of any organisation. This article emphasis the need for such a shift.
http://www.leadertoleader.org/knowledgecenter/journal.aspx?ArticleID=664
http://www.leadertoleader.org/knowledgecenter/journal.aspx?ArticleID=664
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Did You Know 'You' Signed This -
As a member of the Churches of Christ movement I thought it was important that you know you are represented by Richard Menteith (President of COC Aust) on the Australian National Heads of Churches group. At the end of last month this group pleaded with the Australian Government with the following petition to recoginize the growing humanitarian crisis in Iraq as a result of the US invasion.
The statement reads as follows -
28 November 2007
a statement from Australian national heads of Churches
CHURCHES URGE AUSTRALIA’S LEADERS TO RECOGNISE IRAQ’S HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
We, the undersigned heads of Australia’s Churches, wish to draw attention to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the surrounding region.
Australia has a moral responsibility to help protect Iraqi civilians and those displaced by the violence. The current debate, however, has focussed almost exclusively on whether Australian troops should be in Iraq. Scant recognition has been given to the scale of the humanitarian crisis that now confronts the Middle East.
Australia’s leaders must recognise that Iraq is haemorrhaging. Since the bombing of the Askariya Shrine in Samarra in February last year, the violence has increased exponentially. 4.2 million Iraqis have now fled their homes – 2 million internally and 2.2 million in neighbouring countries, mainly Syria and Jordan. There are now more displaced people than the region has seen since the 1948 Palestinian exodus. Each month, another 50,000 Iraqis flee Iraq and it is estimated that up to another 3 million people may be displaced.
With the closure of the Syrian border to Iraqis – the last to have remained open – and with 11 out of Iraq’s 18 provinces now denying entry to displaced Iraqis fleeing violence internally, Iraqi civilians have virtually nowhere to escape. Conditions inside Iraq are also deteriorating as humanitarian access declines. 23% of children in Southern Iraq now have ‘chronic’ malnutrition.
While the international community has pledged billions of dollars for recovery and development programs, these pledges are of little use until the situation has stabilized.
In this context, we ask that the Australian Government:
1. significantly increase aid to Iraq’s internally displaced people and Iraqi refugees in Jordan and Syria to alleviate the burden of support placed on these host countries and encourage them to continue to provide protection to Iraqis fleeing their homeland, and;
2. ensure that adequate funds are available for later repatriation, reintegration, reconstruction and development to support Iraq’s internally displaced people and Iraqi refugees in the region that will eventually wish to return home.
Signed by:
The Most Reverend Phillip Aspinall (Primate, Anglican Church)
His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian (Primate, Armenian Apostolic Church)
The Revd Robert Benn (Moderator General, Presbyterian Church)
Bishop Albert Chiew (Bishop, Chinese Methodist Church)
The Revd Dr Ross Clifford (President, Baptist Union)
His Grace Bishop Daniel (Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church)
Lyndsay Farrall (Presiding Clerk, Religious Society of Friends)
The Revd Allan Filipaina (Moderator, Congregational Federation)
The Revd Gregor Henderson (President, Uniting Church)
His Grace Bishop Irinej (Bishop, Serbian Orthodox Church)
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Malatius Malki (Archbishop, Syrian Orthodox Church)
Mr Richard Menteith (President, Churches of Christ)
The Revd Dr Mike Semmler (President, Lutheran Church)
His Grace Bishop Suriel (Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church)
The Most Revd Philip Wilson (President, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)
His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia (Bishop, Assyrian Church of the East)
For further information contact:
Archbishop Philip Wilson (08) 8210 8117
Archbishop Aghan Baliozian (02) 9419 8056
Archbishop Phillip Aspinall (07) 3835 2210 or 0420 970 605
The statement reads as follows -
28 November 2007
a statement from Australian national heads of Churches
CHURCHES URGE AUSTRALIA’S LEADERS TO RECOGNISE IRAQ’S HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
We, the undersigned heads of Australia’s Churches, wish to draw attention to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the surrounding region.
Australia has a moral responsibility to help protect Iraqi civilians and those displaced by the violence. The current debate, however, has focussed almost exclusively on whether Australian troops should be in Iraq. Scant recognition has been given to the scale of the humanitarian crisis that now confronts the Middle East.
Australia’s leaders must recognise that Iraq is haemorrhaging. Since the bombing of the Askariya Shrine in Samarra in February last year, the violence has increased exponentially. 4.2 million Iraqis have now fled their homes – 2 million internally and 2.2 million in neighbouring countries, mainly Syria and Jordan. There are now more displaced people than the region has seen since the 1948 Palestinian exodus. Each month, another 50,000 Iraqis flee Iraq and it is estimated that up to another 3 million people may be displaced.
With the closure of the Syrian border to Iraqis – the last to have remained open – and with 11 out of Iraq’s 18 provinces now denying entry to displaced Iraqis fleeing violence internally, Iraqi civilians have virtually nowhere to escape. Conditions inside Iraq are also deteriorating as humanitarian access declines. 23% of children in Southern Iraq now have ‘chronic’ malnutrition.
While the international community has pledged billions of dollars for recovery and development programs, these pledges are of little use until the situation has stabilized.
In this context, we ask that the Australian Government:
1. significantly increase aid to Iraq’s internally displaced people and Iraqi refugees in Jordan and Syria to alleviate the burden of support placed on these host countries and encourage them to continue to provide protection to Iraqis fleeing their homeland, and;
2. ensure that adequate funds are available for later repatriation, reintegration, reconstruction and development to support Iraq’s internally displaced people and Iraqi refugees in the region that will eventually wish to return home.
Signed by:
The Most Reverend Phillip Aspinall (Primate, Anglican Church)
His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian (Primate, Armenian Apostolic Church)
The Revd Robert Benn (Moderator General, Presbyterian Church)
Bishop Albert Chiew (Bishop, Chinese Methodist Church)
The Revd Dr Ross Clifford (President, Baptist Union)
His Grace Bishop Daniel (Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church)
Lyndsay Farrall (Presiding Clerk, Religious Society of Friends)
The Revd Allan Filipaina (Moderator, Congregational Federation)
The Revd Gregor Henderson (President, Uniting Church)
His Grace Bishop Irinej (Bishop, Serbian Orthodox Church)
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Malatius Malki (Archbishop, Syrian Orthodox Church)
Mr Richard Menteith (President, Churches of Christ)
The Revd Dr Mike Semmler (President, Lutheran Church)
His Grace Bishop Suriel (Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church)
The Most Revd Philip Wilson (President, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)
His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia (Bishop, Assyrian Church of the East)
For further information contact:
Archbishop Philip Wilson (08) 8210 8117
Archbishop Aghan Baliozian (02) 9419 8056
Archbishop Phillip Aspinall (07) 3835 2210 or 0420 970 605
Leading on a Higher Plane
Well worth a read
http://www.leadertoleader.org/knowledgecenter/journal.aspx?ArticleID=665
http://www.leadertoleader.org/knowledgecenter/journal.aspx?ArticleID=665
WE HAVE MOVED!
As of December 1 2007, ACOM's WA office has relocated to:
Warnbro Church of Christ
85 Warnbro Sound Ave
Warnbro WA 6169
(08) 9593 2133
Warnbro Church of Christ
85 Warnbro Sound Ave
Warnbro WA 6169
(08) 9593 2133
Gareth Williams
Regional Administrator WA
Australian College of Ministries
P: 0438 927 317
www.acom.edu.au <http://www.acom.edu.au/>
Regional Administrator WA
Australian College of Ministries
P: 0438 927 317
www.acom.edu.au <http://www.acom.edu.au/>
Early Bird Discount
Just a reminder that time is running out to get your Early Bird Discount for the Churches of Christ World Convention to be held in Nashville, Tennessee, July 30 - August 3, 2008
For enquiries or further details phone Graham Carslake on 9447 7425.
For enquiries or further details phone Graham Carslake on 9447 7425.
Letter from Jesus about Christmas
Dear Children ...
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were.
If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8. If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a 'Merry Christmas' that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no 'Christmas' tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember : I LOVE YOU, JESUS
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were.
If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8. If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a 'Merry Christmas' that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no 'Christmas' tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember : I LOVE YOU, JESUS
Latest Australia Wide News
Sydney churches say Yes to 2009 Campaign. After approval from key denominational and church leaders and the support of the NSW Council of Churches, we're delighted to announce that we will be running the Jesus. All About Life campaign in Sydney in Spring, 2009. You may have seen this news in the Sydney Morning Herald this morning also. Support has come from Archbishop Peter Jensen, Sydney Anglican Diocese; Brian Houston, Hillsong; Alan Soden, NSW Baptist Churches; Andrew Ball, Churches of Christ; Commissioner Les Strong, Salvation Army; Rev Fred Nile. Congregational Churches and Rev Keith Garner, Wesley Mission, Sydney. This has been endorsed by the NSW Council of Churches. We're also holding discussions with other leaders and hope to add to this list over the next few months. To read the release and for more information, click here. We have started advertising for a Project Manager to start early next year to start the planning process. More news in future newsletters - but we would appreciate your prayers.Tasmanian campaign to continue at Christmas. The Tasmanian JAAL Committee will run another series of the JAAL ads in both the Domain Carols and Carols by Candlelight (Seven and Nine Networks) telecasts across Tasmania just prior to Christmas. This opportunity is being supported by the Tasmanian TV Networks - which is wonderful news. Pray that people might be open to responding to Jesus at Christmas.
Andrew wins 'Rookie of the Year', PLUS - JAAL V8 Ute now into schools in 2008. Andrew Fisher, driver of the V8 Ute won the 'Rookie of the Year' award at Philip Island last weekend.
Following the success of a number of school visits by Andrew and the V8 Ute this year, we're expanding this ministry in 2008 and making it an official Bible Society NSW project. The opportunity to engage with schools with the V8 Ute and the message of 'Jesus. All about life' is remarkable. If you would like to specifically support Andrew and Bible Society NSW in this new ministry, please contact us. For more information, click here.
The V8 Ute also has a new web site name: www.jesusracing.com.au. It's the same site as www.jaalv8ute.com.au (which still works) it's just a whole lot easier to remember.
Martin Johnson
Manager Communications
Director - All About Life project
Bible Society NSW
p: 02 9888 6588 m: 0417 028 438 d: 02 9870 5624
www.biblesocietynsw.com.au
www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au
www.jaalv8ute.com.au
Martin Johnson
Manager Communications
Director - All About Life project
Bible Society NSW
p: 02 9888 6588 m: 0417 028 438 d: 02 9870 5624
www.biblesocietynsw.com.au
www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au
www.jaalv8ute.com.au
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Our Perception of Time
"We have a general impression that each year is getting shorter. We say as much in our exclamations about the brevity of a passing year—“We don’t know where the year has gone!” We do not assume that the year has actually changed in its 12 months, 52 weeks and 365 days. Yet time is relative to our perception of its duration.
How long is a year? It depends on our experience of a year as a proportion of our lives. Our perception is always changing as a proportion of our changing life-span (Arendt). Similarly, memory recapitulates time that is generally spoken of in quantitative proportions, long or short, yet as the past, these no longer exist in any measure at all (Augustine). In memory and hope, we relive the past or anticipate the future in compressed images. Our perception of time is relative to our experience of life or the many things we feel compelled to do.
God is before and beyond our time, making our time relative in a definitive sense. Long or short, our time is already wasted without this recognition. In grace, the advent of God in Christ intersects our meagre time with the communion of eternal love. Our response is the true end of all our times."
Also for your interest and use, an article on time: Christ and the crisis of time "We lose time and we find it again, we make time and we waste it, we fill time in order to kill it, we steal time then give it away and we race time only to be fugitives from it. Yet we do none of these things. We live in an illusion that time is at our disposal, only vaguely aware that it is we who are at the disposal of time."
Other articles for your interest and use.
Dr Stephen Curkpatrick
Churches of Christ Theological College
www.cctc.edu.au
How long is a year? It depends on our experience of a year as a proportion of our lives. Our perception is always changing as a proportion of our changing life-span (Arendt). Similarly, memory recapitulates time that is generally spoken of in quantitative proportions, long or short, yet as the past, these no longer exist in any measure at all (Augustine). In memory and hope, we relive the past or anticipate the future in compressed images. Our perception of time is relative to our experience of life or the many things we feel compelled to do.
God is before and beyond our time, making our time relative in a definitive sense. Long or short, our time is already wasted without this recognition. In grace, the advent of God in Christ intersects our meagre time with the communion of eternal love. Our response is the true end of all our times."
Also for your interest and use, an article on time: Christ and the crisis of time "We lose time and we find it again, we make time and we waste it, we fill time in order to kill it, we steal time then give it away and we race time only to be fugitives from it. Yet we do none of these things. We live in an illusion that time is at our disposal, only vaguely aware that it is we who are at the disposal of time."
Other articles for your interest and use.
Dr Stephen Curkpatrick
Churches of Christ Theological College
www.cctc.edu.au
Media Release - 4 December 2007
New Leadership Centre for Christian Leaders
The Vose Leadership Centre will open on 7 February 2008 to provide training and resources for Christian leaders, their churches, and associated organisations. The centre will be located within the Vose Seminary (currently the Baptist Theological College) in Bentley. Vose Leadership will offer a range of courses, seminars, and on-site services. There will also be post-graduate courses that will compliment previous study at a tertiary level.
In 2007, a working group from the leadership of the Baptist Churches of WA and Churches of Christ in WA agreed to form the new centre. One of the motivating factors was the high drop-out rate of professional and lay leaders, with many ministers leaving after just five years of service.
The centre will provide learning opportunities in the following areas:
• Ministry life skills — a multi faceted course designed to increase emotional and leadership intelligence with an emphasis on spiritual well being
• Training and coaching for mentors, supervisors, coaches and peer group facilitators
• Whole team development
• Governance — growing and working with healthy missional boards
• Leadership and management
• Pastoral care — ground level trainings to increase the skill and confidence of church volunteers and leaders
• Working within Christian organisations — maintaining a visionary, missional edge
• Retreats aimed at helping leaders recalibrate, revive and receive
The Vose Leadership Centre’s purpose is to better develop ministers and leaders to ensure greater health, effectiveness and longevity of Western Australian leaders.
For more information on the Vose Leadership Centre, please contact Director - Monica O’Neil, on 08 9361 9962 or at monica@btc.wa.edu.au.
Monday, 10 December 2007
Friday, 7 December 2007
Kids Vision Scholarships 2008
Just a reminder that we have 6 Kids Vision Scholarships to award in 2008.
Scholarship funding is available to any person working in Kids Ministry in a Church of Christ in WA - in a volunteer or paid role.
Application forms and information were sent to all churches in October. Please check with your church administrator or contact one of the Kids Vision Team if you would like a Scholarship Prospectus pack.
Scholarship funding is available to any person working in Kids Ministry in a Church of Christ in WA - in a volunteer or paid role.
Application forms and information were sent to all churches in October. Please check with your church administrator or contact one of the Kids Vision Team if you would like a Scholarship Prospectus pack.
Wanted: Kids Pastor
WANTED:
Children’s Pastor
Warnbro Community Church, located in the City of Rockingham, Western Australia is seeking someone who is able to lead our growing Kids Connection team.
Our vision for this established full-time position is to continue to build the most creative and life-changing children’s ministry in the region so that we lead children (and their families) to Jesus through relevant and exciting programs. Warnbro Church has invested heavily in our kids’ area, and we continue to see this as one of the most strategic areas of our ministry.
We’re seeking a highly motivated, visionary, fun, and innovative person to lead our team of paid staff and volunteers. This role is exclusively focused on children from 0 to 12 years of age, and oversees a wide range of mid-week programs (including our work in 5 primary schools), as well as our Sunday morning programs in our two worship services.
Remuneration will be addressed directly with suitable applicants and may include flexible working hours, study leave and a motor vehicle.
If you feel called to this position, then please contact Mark Jones, Team Leader for Ministry Support on (08) 9593 2133 / 0410 844 880 or mark.jones@warnbro.org.au for an Application Pack. All applications should be made in writing on or before 29 January, 2008, and will be handled in the strictest confidence.
Children’s Pastor
Warnbro Community Church, located in the City of Rockingham, Western Australia is seeking someone who is able to lead our growing Kids Connection team.
Our vision for this established full-time position is to continue to build the most creative and life-changing children’s ministry in the region so that we lead children (and their families) to Jesus through relevant and exciting programs. Warnbro Church has invested heavily in our kids’ area, and we continue to see this as one of the most strategic areas of our ministry.
We’re seeking a highly motivated, visionary, fun, and innovative person to lead our team of paid staff and volunteers. This role is exclusively focused on children from 0 to 12 years of age, and oversees a wide range of mid-week programs (including our work in 5 primary schools), as well as our Sunday morning programs in our two worship services.
Remuneration will be addressed directly with suitable applicants and may include flexible working hours, study leave and a motor vehicle.
If you feel called to this position, then please contact Mark Jones, Team Leader for Ministry Support on (08) 9593 2133 / 0410 844 880 or mark.jones@warnbro.org.au for an Application Pack. All applications should be made in writing on or before 29 January, 2008, and will be handled in the strictest confidence.
Monday, 3 December 2007
Guidelines for Governing
Some helpful principals to consider as a board in the upcoming year.
Guidelines for Church Government
As churches mobilize for mission in the twenty-first century, many congregations discover that bylaws written several decades ago do not fit their new reality. When the discussion turns toward rewriting bylaws, church leaders often wonder where to begin. Here are six principles that can help.
Principle 1: Structure serves mission. While Christ commanded His followers to disciple all nations, He did not tell us how to organize ourselves to accomplish this task. Mission is mandated. Structure is optional. Structure's role is to streamline people into mission. Structure that does not empower mission should be discarded.
Principle 2: Structures are temporary. Church constitutions and Robert's Rules of Order are not equal in authority in the church with the Bible. Bylaws and rules of order are tools (like shovels and hammers) to get a job done. The job is to accomplish Christ's mission. If the present tools cannot get the job done, get some new ones.
Principle 3: Boards, Committees and Teams need mission statements. A new chairman of the Board of Trustees (which controlled the finances) in one church I served announced at the board's first meeting, "The mission of the Board of Trustees is to ensure that every ministry team in the church has everything it needs to do everything the Lord wants it to do. Any time we tell a ministry team that we cannot give them what they need to do what God wants done, we have failed in our mission." On that day the Trustees stopped operating as an "approval agency" and began functioning as a "supply team." Their new mission actually took them less time and brought them (and everyone else) a lot more joy!
Principle 4: The priesthood of all believers. The Holy Spirit lives in all Christians. There is no elite group who monopolizes the phone line to heaven so they can give orders to everyone else. The purpose of congregational government is to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to the body through any member. Unfortunately, in some churches congregational government is misused to micromanage the pastor!
Principle 5: Assignment by spiritual gift. The requirements for boards, committees or ministry teams in the church are both simple and imperative: commitment to Christ; growing in discipleship; active in worship and at least one other growth opportunity; demonstrating spiritual gifts appropriate for the role. It is better to leave positions on boards vacant than to fill spots with the wrong people.
Principle 6: More on ministry teams than in supporting structure. If your structure requires so many people on boards and committees that you lack people for ministry teams, your church is upside down. We are called for mission, not for "boardsmanship."
- Dale V. Salico, November, 2002 From http://www.transmin.org/governance.html
Guidelines for Church Government
As churches mobilize for mission in the twenty-first century, many congregations discover that bylaws written several decades ago do not fit their new reality. When the discussion turns toward rewriting bylaws, church leaders often wonder where to begin. Here are six principles that can help.
Principle 1: Structure serves mission. While Christ commanded His followers to disciple all nations, He did not tell us how to organize ourselves to accomplish this task. Mission is mandated. Structure is optional. Structure's role is to streamline people into mission. Structure that does not empower mission should be discarded.
Principle 2: Structures are temporary. Church constitutions and Robert's Rules of Order are not equal in authority in the church with the Bible. Bylaws and rules of order are tools (like shovels and hammers) to get a job done. The job is to accomplish Christ's mission. If the present tools cannot get the job done, get some new ones.
Principle 3: Boards, Committees and Teams need mission statements. A new chairman of the Board of Trustees (which controlled the finances) in one church I served announced at the board's first meeting, "The mission of the Board of Trustees is to ensure that every ministry team in the church has everything it needs to do everything the Lord wants it to do. Any time we tell a ministry team that we cannot give them what they need to do what God wants done, we have failed in our mission." On that day the Trustees stopped operating as an "approval agency" and began functioning as a "supply team." Their new mission actually took them less time and brought them (and everyone else) a lot more joy!
Principle 4: The priesthood of all believers. The Holy Spirit lives in all Christians. There is no elite group who monopolizes the phone line to heaven so they can give orders to everyone else. The purpose of congregational government is to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to the body through any member. Unfortunately, in some churches congregational government is misused to micromanage the pastor!
Principle 5: Assignment by spiritual gift. The requirements for boards, committees or ministry teams in the church are both simple and imperative: commitment to Christ; growing in discipleship; active in worship and at least one other growth opportunity; demonstrating spiritual gifts appropriate for the role. It is better to leave positions on boards vacant than to fill spots with the wrong people.
Principle 6: More on ministry teams than in supporting structure. If your structure requires so many people on boards and committees that you lack people for ministry teams, your church is upside down. We are called for mission, not for "boardsmanship."
- Dale V. Salico, November, 2002 From http://www.transmin.org/governance.html
ARCH HART TALKS FOR DOWNLOAD
Arch Hart has had a highly significant ministry in the lives of pastors over many years and is considered as a guru on all things related to ministry health and sustainability. Download the talks from a recent conference in NSW (for free) from this address.
http://www.stmarkstalks.org/2007/archhart.php
http://www.stmarkstalks.org/2007/archhart.php
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