Church as we haven't known it for a society as we haven't known it
The general subject of this booklet is the Missional Malaise that now infects the whole Australian church landscape. The specific subject is the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, arguably still the strongest part of the Australian non- Catholic Church and thus of broader relevance to the wider church. While the specific focus is Sydney, it can … Continue reading The Missional Malaise – Time for Something Completely Different
Once again we have stepped through the gate of the new year. The blank canvas of 2019 lies before us. What will we paint on it? What tapestry will we weave as we journey through that space of time? Every year at this time, I am reminded of the poem written by British poet Minnie … Continue reading The Gate of the Year–A Reflective Re-Post
A few days ago I was privileged to visit the Colosseum in Rome. Standing and looking at those ancient but still magnificent ruins, the architecture of towering and imposing walls brought many thoughts to mind. “I am – a Christian. I suffer what I’m suffering now, but then there will be another in me, who … Continue reading Down the Ages Distant Voices Still Speak
Recently the Senior Minister of a local church outlined his strategy for mission as one of seeking the “Low hanging fruit”. By this he meant that the ‘target’ for the church’s missional activity would be those members of society who for some reason are relatively church-friendly. For the most part this means those who come … Continue reading Has Anyone Got A Longer Ladder?
One of the many damaging aspects of the ‘Prosperity Gospel’ that is preached in some churches is that it does not prepare or enable Christians for adversity. The ‘Prosperity Gospel’ promotes the idea that if you have enough faith, pray enough, give enough money, etc, then God will bless you. These ideas are neither supported … Continue reading Fair Weather Christianity – Not!
Evangelicals have an emphasis on learning the bible, and quite rightly so. However, this can also be accompanied by an amnesia as to why we should learn the bible-which is to do it! Great bible learning, sermon listening and Christian conference attending is not a measure of spiritual maturity, That is measured by obedience to … Continue reading Maturity is Not About Knowledge but About Obedience
Leaders with Over the Horizon Radar Leadership in the Australian church is strongly shaped by the Christendom paradigm which is primarily suited to maintenance not mission. This is not the Leadership desperately and urgently required for Unbounded Church which is missional leadership. Essential qualities for leaders of ‘Unbounded Church’ are that they will be ‘Entrepreneurial’, … Continue reading Leadership with Over the Horizon Radar
