This Saturday, 18 men received their final instructions before signing up to the most audacious Mission Sydney has seen.

These new Anglican presbyters are already on the frontline of Sydney Diocese’s plan to see 10 per cent of the population in Bible-believing churches by 2012.

All 18 have already proved themselves in ministry and were ordained at one of four different regional locations closest to their home churches.

The fruit of faithful preaching and active involvement in mission was evident as the young men stepped forward, answered the examining questions and committed themselves to ministry.

In St Andrew's Cathedral, seven men, accompanied by their families, responded to the call to be ordained, by the Archbishop of Sydney Dr Peter Jensen.

At St Andrew's Cathedral, Archdeacon of North Sydney, Terry Dein and Deryck Howell, the Archdeacon of South Sydney, presented those to be ordained. 

Bishop of North Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, assisted the Archbishop in the Ordinations and Canon Jim Ramsay, Director of Evangelism Ministries presented the sermon, based on the Bible Reading, John 11:28-44.

The sermon referred to the Scripture passage printed in the Order of Service, requiring those present to constantly read the words for themselves, speaking of the Lord's concern for Lazarus " an indication of his power in all things.

His concluding words were an encouragement to those taking the next step in their ministries: "We preach a greater power. We preach Christ!"

Archbishop Jensen took the opportunity to voice appreciation for the contribution of the wives and the parents which had led to this special occasion for the newly ordained men and the ministry of the Anglican Church in Sydney.

At St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney

Sam Hwang " St Andrew's, Strathfield

Nathan Walter " St Ives

At St David's Anglican Church, Arncliffe

Carl Matthei " Christ Church St George

Chris Thanopoulos " Arncliffe

At St John's Cathedral, Parramatta

Christopher Allan " Rooty Hill

Craig Schafer " Springwood/Winmalee

At St Michael's Cathedral, Wollongong:

Peter Hutchinson " Dapto

James Macbeth " Gymea

Story and photos: Ramon Williams with additional reporting by Anglican Media Sydney