How did we start to reach the 80 per cent of new migrants? Here is the ABC way...

I wanted to title this blog: “How NOT to reach out in multi-cultural ministry” with the subtitle: “Whatever you do, don’t run classes teaching English!”

I have been surprised to discover that many Sydney Anglicans are not aware of the basic rules when relating to people of other languages and cultures.

Over the years, I have encountered this view: “It’s OK to set up a culturally distinctive ministry for evangelistic purposes, but once they become Christians, they should assimilate into the local church (ie become like “us”).”

I've been specifically thinking just how multi-cultural our city of Sydney has truly become. If you happen to work in the CBD like myself, that multiculturalism here has an unmistakably Asian flavour – Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, Nepali, Sri Lankan, Thai, Malaysian – and I’m not even starting to talk about the food…

When a nearby car accident drew everyone out of their houses, an ordinary mum had a great insight on how to “Pray. Expect. Connect.” with her neighbours – typically average middle-class families and retirees.

Mark Driscoll is using the Internet to attack a problem that the Internet is responsible for seriously aggravating - pornography. He has begun by making his new book on the subject as free online as the x-rated material at the centre of the problem.

It would seem hypocritical to be writing about this with one minute to go till my deadline for submission. But at least, you are hearing from an expert and a master at this.

I had the opportunity to talk to two missionary families ministering (secretly) in Beijing - Brad and Helen, Gavin and Janet - and they spoke of the almost complete shutdown of Christian activity over the Olympic period.

Michael Phelps' record-making 8 gold medal haul in the pool. Usain Bolt's blistering two world records in the 100m and 200m. I was there. To see the glory of man.

We are being inundated with a glut of Christian conferences and conventions.

Did you know that you can earn the equivalent of a university degree over a few years just by listening to quality audiobooks and/or lectures on your daily commute?

There is a movement afoot among Christians (unlikely to be those reading this column, I'll grant you) who want to take us back to simpler times.

Every church is cultural to some extent. Unwittingly, unknowingly perhaps, all churches run the danger of baptising their particular cultural values in the font of Christianity.

We all know we should be reading more Christian books, but often time is either the enemy or the excuse. But what if you could use technology to turn wasted time into reading time?

Many people have wondered if they have a book inside of them somewhere - the question is, is it one of John Bunyan's? Now is your chance to take part in an on-line project to re-write a Christian classic for 21st century readers.

In elevators, at parties, on the sidelines of soccer ovals strangers often ask you what you 'do'. How can you turn this 30 second opening into a window on eternity?

Not the drug. Not the latest Impreza WRX. Just pure unadulterated speed in getting things done.

Since my last article on Facebook, there’s been psycho cyber-stalkers, privacy issues, identity fraud. But the verdict’s in: Facebook works - if you work it.

Facebook, the social networking phenomenon that is taking the Internet by storm, is ripe for use by anyone interested in Christian ministry. Andrew Lim tells you why.

Oil. Earth. Water. What is our most valuable asset? Time, the non-renewable resource # 1 for the Christian minister. But how can technology conserve a Christian's finite share?

Has PowerPoint overstayed its welcome at your church? ANDREW LIM and MARCUS LIM from St Andrew’s Cathedral trialled four of the most popular worship software packages to look for a better option.

How hard do you have to work getting documents around to everyone who has to see them - and then getting them back again with all their contributions. Andrew Lim thinks Google might have the solution for you!

Whatever happened to the cornucopia of weapons that used to be available in the preacher's armoury? Flattened, by one piece of software into a deadening monotone monochrome sameness... PowerPoint!

Where do good illustrations come from? Really good joke books, realistic preachers, real life? Andrew Lim sifts the web for the best resources it has to offer to creativity-strapped speakers.