For the last year or so, my Mission Area has had the privilege of being part of a research project. This has been no ordinary project.
We have long eschewed the value of lay people using their gifts to serve the Lord Jesus and further his kingdom. This project has been driven by lay people with the aim, prayerfully and under God, of understanding Australian church and community dynamics with a view to providing some insights as to how God’s Kingdom may be most effectively built right here in Sydney. It is not an American or any other import. It has been anchored, tested and developed using our churches and our people,
very much grounded in Reformed Evangelical theology and a philosophy of ministry where the preaching of the Word is foundational.
Spearheaded by successful businessman and corporate strategist, Tim Sims, clergy have been watching his conclusions on a DVD produced by Anglican Media and a taste of some of the background has just been published in The Briefing. Colleagues have called this article essential reading for Sydney Anglicans. I would add that those from other denominations would also benefit, as well as those from other parts of Australia.
But this is only some of the background. Over the years, many have suggested ‘silver bullets’ (a key strategy or approach that is held out to deliver, if implemented). Add to these the endless list of ideas we have picked from a variety of places. And to that add the great administrative burden we all face, compounded by higher expectations all round, and it can feel overwhelming just to maintain church life, let alone have the time and energy to expand the kingdom, or even know where to begin.
This is where I, and others in my Mission Area, have felt liberated. It is certainly not the latest silver bullet, but it has helped refine and develop our thinking – within a rigorous theological framework and an incredibly researched cultural context. In the midst of all of the pressures one faces in ministry, there are some emerging priorities. In macro terms, these include the welcoming and integration of new people; the growing spiritual maturity and confidence of Christians; and life transitions.
I very much hope that those involved will roll out their initial conclusions so that many others will benefit. It is often said that one can focus effectively on only a couple of priorities at one time. Next to the teaching of the Word of God and prayer, what would be your top priorities for the leading of your church?
