New blood transfusion in South

Joseph Smith | 27 February 2007

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Young and dynamic church leaders are trying creative new ways to reach the diverse South Sydney region.

Between 2001 and 2007 there were 42 new rectors in the South Sydney region; a turnover of 80 per cent. While not all 42 are ‘young rookies’, Archdeacon of South Sydney Deryck Howell says the ‘new blood’ has led to many churches trying new things that they once would have left to others or dismissed.

“Some churches have been saddened and confused with the new blood, which is sometimes not only a new minister, but a new congregation as well. But in every instance there has been a gracious and selfless willingness to extend themselves and they have found the younger people keen to hear their story and respect them,” Archdeacon Howell says.

Archdeacon Howell is impressed by the calibre of ministers coming out of college in recent decades.

“I am constantly impressed with the prayerfulness, theological astuteness and strategic-mindedness I see all around me,” he says.

“So many of our new rectors have walked into churches where there is a desire to grow and expand, but not the knowledge or resources to do this. And that’s what they’ve provided.”

This month, Southern Cross spoke to three of these ministers.

Introducing Dominic Steele: Annandale Community Church

Where were you previously?

I was (and still am) heading up the Christians in the Media network ministry. A primary goal of ours remains to reach the incredibly influential media workers and students with the gospel of Jesus.

When did you start at this church?

We ‘repotted’ Annandale Community Church in 2002.

What were the needs when you arrived?

Annandale Church was struggling and financially unviable. I proposed we reach the media and reach the inner west. Our 9:30am church has focused more on the inner west and the 6:30pm church more on the media. God has been amazingly generous and we have moved from struggling to exist to struggling to grow.

What is the next step?

Continue building God’s people and reaching the media and the Inner West. We are building a team to work on all these areas.

Introducing Shane Rogerson: St Peter’s, Cooks River

Where were you previously?

The sea change capital of the south coast – Kiama! The move to St Peter’s was not only from country to city and sea to sludge, but from monocultural to multicultural.

When did you start at this church?

Two months ago - which makes me one of the most inexperienced and clueless rookies in the Diocese!

What were the needs when you arrived?

St Peter’s church is a relatively small yet faithful congregation, who are ethnically and socially diverse and persevering in a tough part of the Inner West. We need to build on solid foundations and creatively engage in mission to culturally diverse people and hip urban dwellers.

What is the next step?

Continue at building relationships and our profile in the local community through ESL classes, playgroup, history tours and schools and youth work. I am keen to train our people well in hospitality and network evangelism with the hope of establishing dozens of home fellowships. We also want to establish a Bible-based fellowship for the many Pacific Islanders in the area.

Introducing Jim Crosweller: St John’s, Maroubra

Where were you previously?

St Mary’s, Guildford for just over five years.

When did you start at this church?

Eleven months ago. St John’s had been some 14 months without a rector so they breathed a sigh of relief when I arrived. Then they got to know me and now sigh for other reasons.

What were the needs when you arrived?

St John’s had a lean two years between rectors and is longing to return to being a force in the community as it was under Stephen Gabbott and Nick Foord. The church has a long, proud history, but it can’t rely on it. The area of Maroubra also needs turning around. It is work-saturated and leisure-addicted.

What is the next step?

We have talked for 10 months and developed a coherent five-year ministry plan. We must reset the foundation of a strong evening congregation which prepares people for a life of ministry and work out whether our morning congregations are on a mission-footing or just coasting.

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