Blogs

Prioritise young people (and families) everywhere: instead of giving lip service to how much young people matter, look for creative ways to tangibly support, resource, and involve them in all facets of your congregation. 

You might be surprised to learn that there is no single variety of the famous Arnotts’ Ginger Nut biscuits. As the Arnotts Company makes its Ginger Nut biscuits considering each ‘regional culture’ of Australia, so too, we people of the Church of Jesus Christ, are sent to bear the Gospel to others.

I encourage the local delegates of our District to consider joining me in the journey of stepping aside in two years, and raising up younger delegates to represent the people.

Fuel a warm community: instead of focussing on cool worship or programs, aim for warm peer and intergenerational friendships. 

I have notified the District Church Board chair Shiron Dixon, Bishop Paul Smith and also the principal of Redeemer Lutheran College, Tanya Crooks that God has led me to accept the call issued by Convention of Synod.

Luther was strong on the gospel. When he discovered that God was for him, no matter what, that what Jesus had done on the cross was enough – and that he was made right with God through what Jesus did, it turned his life around.

At the District Synod in Ipswich this year, the delegates learned about the connection between my Dad and the way in which I sometimes casually say the words, “Praise the Lord”.

“I’ve learnt that there are many areas of the LCAQD that are doing really great work in spreading the love of God. This has been very encouraging to hear.”

Young people face three key questions. Who am I? Where do I fit? What difference do I make? Healthy churches respond to these questions through journeying with, listening to, and making time for.

‘Synod’ is a not a common word in our culture, but as a word to describe our life as God’s people in the mission of God we call ‘the Church’, the word ‘synod’ has deep meaning and profound opportunity.