I think the abolition of definitions like clergy and laity would be a great move, reflecting the shape of New Testament ministry. But with this correction comes the need to reform our structures as much as the names we use to describe them.

As the Sydney Diocese prepares for the second week of 2006 synod meetings, Bruce Ballantine-Jones reflects on that particular congregation's past and the lessons for current representatives.

Dr Clive Hamilton thinks so. Speaking at the National Civil Society Dialogue he delivered a powerful critique of why ‘hope’ for the future of Australia would not be found anywhere else.

We all know what Steve Irwin was passionate about; it would have undoubtedly filled every family story he told. Have we ever shared with our children or those closest to us, how we came to be rescued by Jesus?

The 'emerging church' is not here to stay - it may last a year or stretch out for decades, but its vision is going to alter from year to year. The important thing is to learn how to think through phenomena like this.

It’s hard these days to work out who are the ministers in a church. Gone are the days when the minister was the guy with the clerical collar. It’s pretty obvious how we should train “ordained” and “full time” gospel workers. But how should we train “lay” and “voluntary” ministers?

Evangelistically minded Christians need to make sure they don't lose sight of the big picture. Children can point the way.

In a few decades when the retiree population reaches 20 percent, evangelism among older adults will be a priority. How will such huge numbers of older adults reshape our churches?

We need to recognize that talking about the emerging church is like talking about global Anglicanism, for just like global Anglicanism, there are many different theologies and ecclesiologies that lay claim to its title.

The bad news is that Gen Y Christians are moving away from involvement in church; the question is, how will we develop the sort of intergenerational bible fellowships that might appeal?

In many churches the men are fewer, older and quieter. If our churches are producing congregations, or denominations, that are predominately female then maybe it's time to examine the production line.

Grief affects every church community but we could be better prepared. KYM FUHRMANN speaks to Sydney Anglicans whose lives have been touched by loss.

I suspect that one of the main reasons for guarding our emotions in church is that we wish to distance ourselves from Pentecostal theology. The fear is that if we resemble the excitement of a Pentecostal church then we naturally have subscribed to every aspect of their theology.