Ministers Desk 21st September 2014

On Monday 15 September the Church Council was led in a discussion about the changing nature of church and society.

The high point of church attendance in Australia was in 1959.  This was a time when Australia’s population was growing and there was a spiritual revival happening.  You might remember what church was like in those days, or have heard people talk about it.  In those days groups for children, youth and adults were large and active.  People tell me that Sunday was consumed by worship, Sunday School, youth events, fellowship teas and more worship.  But this was only to be expected, because the church had no competition on Sunday and for many the church was the social hub of the community.

60 years later we find that things have changed considerably.  Pace of life, technology, transportation, lifestyle choices (such as dual income families, increases in leisure options), increased cultural and ethnic diversity, globalisation and changing attitudes have all contributed to making our society vastly different.  The world around us has changed more in the past 60 years than it has in hundreds of years before that.

The challenge that confronts the church now is to address ourselves to how we change to meet our changing environment.  Many of our church structures, programmes and activities are grounded in a society that no longer exists.  We need to find structures, programmes and activities that people in our society understand and are comfortable with.  It is a question of the method of the church being relevant to our society so that the good news of the gospel can be heard and responded to.  There is one thing that has not changed over 60 years.  People are still in need of hearing the gospel message of Jesus Christ.  God still calls people into a living relationship with him and he still chooses to use us, Christ’s disciples, as his primary vehicle for this invitation.

As a congregation we have entrusted the Church Council with looking toward the future and leading us into God’s plans for the future.  The Church Council will continue to address the question of who we are becoming as we continue to focus on our purpose of Growing Disciples who Exalt, Explore, Embody, Engage.

For all of us though, we need to be willing to adapt to our changing environment.  For Emmanuel to have a long term future and for the people of our neighbourhood to have an eternal future, we need to be culturally relevant.

Grace and peace

David Fender

Ministers Desk 14th September 2014

Being the Body of Christ, all people are welcome at Emmanuel Uniting Church.  In Christ there are no divisions, yet we recognise that as broken people we unintentionally create divisions.  So we make this commitment to including all people into this congregation.  So that this truth may be a reality for all people, we have developed this welcoming commitment.  When you read this, think of the possibilities that you have to welcome someone new into our congregation and give them a fuller experience of life in Christ.

Guests may feel anxious about entering an unfamiliar environment and meeting new people.  To reduce this anxiety we will seek to greet guests before they enter the building.  We will introduce ourselves first and try to know and remember your names.  We will listen to what you say, because you and your story are important.

Not all people will attend our church services as a family group of two parents with children.  All people and family groupings are welcome at Emmanuel.  The demographics of our worship services reflect this and what happens before, during and after the services will ensure that all people will know and feel that they are included.

Individuals will be welcomed for who they are.  Where possible we will introduce ourselves and get to know guests.  However, we will respect a guest’s desire to remain anonymous, if they value that.

We will provide amenities that help people of all generations participate in our Sunday services.  These include a hearing aid loop and an air-conditioned retreat room, if parents require it.

Knowing where to find, information, rooms and amenities helps people feel comfortable and included.  We will ensure that there is good signage to and around our buildings, that relevant information is displayed prominently and that there are people available who can answer any other questions.

We will provide high quality learning programmes for children during our 9:30 am service.  Children aged 3 years to year 12 in High School are welcome to attend.  We respect that this may not suit all families.  Children will always be welcome in our worship services.  Additionally, parents are welcome to attend the children’s groups if this is helpful.

Worship services are a time of gathered community.  We encourage all people to participate in the singing, prayers, sharing, giving and transformation.  Our worship leaders, preachers and musicians will endeavour to help us all participate.  We will not pressure any person to participate more than they are comfortable.

Grace and peace

David Fender

Ministers Desk 7th September 2014

Being the Body of Christ, all people are welcome at Emmanuel Uniting Church.  In Christ there are no divisions, yet we recognise that as broken people we unintentionally create divisions.  So we make this commitment to including all people into this congregation.  So that this truth may be a reality for all people, we have developed this welcoming commitment.  When you read this, think of the possibilities that you have to welcome someone new into our congregation and give them a fuller experience of life in Christ.

Guests may feel anxious about entering an unfamiliar environment and meeting new people.  To reduce this anxiety we will seek to greet guests before they enter the building.  We will introduce ourselves first and try to know and remember your names.  We will listen to what you say, because you and your story are important.

Not all people will attend our church services as a family group of two parents with children.  All people and family groupings are welcome at Emmanuel.  The demographics of our worship services reflect this and what happens before, during and after the services will ensure that all people will know and feel that they are included.

Individuals will be welcomed for who they are.  Where possible we will introduce ourselves and get to know guests.  However, we will respect a guest’s desire to remain anonymous, if they value that.

We will provide amenities that help people of all generations participate in our Sunday services.  These include a hearing aid loop and an air-conditioned retreat room, if parents require it.

Knowing where to find, information, rooms and amenities helps people feel comfortable and included.  We will ensure that there is good signage to and around our buildings, that relevant information is displayed prominently and that there are people available who can answer any other questions.

We will provide high quality learning programmes for children during our 9:30 am service.  Children aged 3 years to year 12 in High School are welcome to attend.  We respect that this may not suit all families.  Children will always be welcome in our worship services.  Additionally, parents are welcome to attend the children’s groups if this is helpful.

Worship services are a time of gathered community.  We encourage all people to participate in the singing, prayers, sharing, giving and transformation.  Our worship leaders, preachers and musicians will endeavour to help us all participate.  We will not pressure any person to participate more than they are comfortable.

Grace and peace

David Fender

Ministers Desk 31st August 2014

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).  The biblical basis for forming a Ministry Team in a church is that the people of God may be equipped for the work and ministry that God has called them to. 

The vacancies caused by Harlee leaving and Matt finishing at the end of the year have created the opportunity for us to think creatively about the shape of the Ministry Team.  The Church Council started to think about this in June.  Our recent consultation also provided input into options regarding the ministry team.  The Church Council then gave further consideration to the shape of the ministry team at its July meeting.  A structure has been arrived at that considers the following:

· the Consultation’s recommendation and our own Church Council thinking that we proceed with part-time specialist pastor roles, rather than a full-time Minister of the Word;

· the need to effectively resource each area of our Purpose (worship, small groups, service and evangelism) to maintain momentum and facilitate growth;

· the critical next step for our congregation of moving into the mission quadrant to meet and serve the people of our neighbourhoods;

· responding to emerging understandings of faith development in the home;

· maintaining the existing church organisations and meeting realistic and agreed expectations.

Having considered these, the Church Council has approved a Ministry Team that consists of one full time Minister of the Word, three part time Pastors and one part time office administrator.  Each role described below has elements of the following:

· equipping and training of lay workers for ministry

· development of ministry possibilities to enhance what we are currently doing

· outreach beyond the congregation

· hands on ministry

Lead Minister (full time) currently David

· Leadership and overall responsibility for developing ongoing missional and practical operations of the church (taken from existing position description)

· Add to this responsibility for embody and engage, particularly:

· Oversight/mentoring/development of existing outreach activities eg, Playgroup, RE and KHA, Friendship Group

· Interface with mission partners eg Solomons, Chaplains, Frontier Services, Samaritan’s Purse

· Community Helping Hand

· Moving into mission

· Research of needs

· Connecting to community

· Implementation of plans

· Mobilising congregation

· Promoting and supporting individuals in their current mission

Families Pastor (25 hours per week)

· Discipleship pathway for children from birth to young adults, including transitions and connections between existing groups

· Leadership and development of Kidzone

· Oversight of Brigades and youth groups, including leadership development and mentoring

· Faith in the Family

· Youth mentoring

Community Life Pastor (19 hours per week)

· Oversight of Explore Groups, including resourcing of groups and creation of new ones

· Small group leadership training

· Integration of new members

· Development of congregational pastoral care

· Pastoral Visitation

· Adult Discipleship

Worship Pastor (15 hours per week)

· Coordination of worship teams and worship leaders

· Coordination of rehearsals

· Leadership and participation in worship

· Conducting and/or arranging training for those involved in worship services

· Preparation of special invitational services

· Ongoing development of our worship services

It has also decided that these will be fixed term appointments for a maximum of three years.  At that time we will have the opportunity to again review our needs and priorities and determine an appropriate structure for our next phase of ministry and growth.

The Church Council has prayed and sought God’s leading on the best way.  Action is now being taken to advertise and appoint people to these roles so that they can get on with helping us shape God’s mission at Emmanuel.  Please speak to me or a member of the Church Council if you’d like any further information.

Grace and peace

David Fender

Ministers Desk 24th August 2014

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).  The biblical basis for forming a Ministry Team in a church is that the people of God may be equipped for the work and ministry that God has called them to. 

The vacancies caused by Harlee leaving and Matt finishing at the end of the year have created the opportunity for us to think creatively about the shape of the Ministry Team.  The Church Council started to think about this in June.  Our recent consultation also provided input into options regarding the ministry team.  The Church Council then gave further consideration to the shape of the ministry team at its July meeting.  A structure has been arrived at that considers the following:

· the Consultation’s recommendation and our own Church Council thinking that we proceed with part-time specialist pastor roles, rather than a full-time Minister of the Word;

· the need to effectively resource each area of our Purpose (worship, small groups, service and evangelism) to maintain momentum and facilitate growth;

· the critical next step for our congregation of moving into the mission quadrant to meet and serve the people of our neighbourhoods;

· responding to emerging understandings of faith development in the home;

· maintaining the existing church organisations and meeting realistic and agreed expectations.

Having considered these, the Church Council has approved a Ministry Team that consists of one full time Minister of the Word, three part time Pastors and one part time office administrator.  Each role described below has elements of the following:

· equipping and training of lay workers for ministry

· development of ministry possibilities to enhance what we are currently doing

· outreach beyond the congregation

· hands on ministry

Lead Minister (full time) currently David

· Leadership and overall responsibility for developing ongoing missional and practical operations of the church (taken from existing position description)

· Add to this responsibility for embody and engage, particularly:

· Oversight/mentoring/development of existing outreach activities eg, Playgroup, RE and KHA, Friendship Group

· Interface with mission partners eg Solomons, Chaplains, Frontier Services, Samaritan’s Purse

· Community Helping Hand

· Moving into mission

· Research of needs

· Connecting to community

· Implementation of plans

· Mobilising congregation

· Promoting and supporting individuals in their current mission

Families Pastor (25 hours per week)

· Discipleship pathway for children from birth to young adults, including transitions and connections between existing groups

· Leadership and development of Kidzone

· Oversight of Brigades and youth groups, including leadership development and mentoring

· Faith in the Family

· Youth mentoring

Community Life Pastor (19 hours per week)

· Oversight of Explore Groups, including resourcing of groups and creation of new ones

· Small group leadership training

· Integration of new members

· Development of congregational pastoral care

· Pastoral Visitation

· Adult Discipleship

Worship Pastor (15 hours per week)

· Coordination of worship teams and worship leaders

· Coordination of rehearsals

· Leadership and participation in worship

· Conducting and/or arranging training for those involved in worship services

· Preparation of special invitational services

· Ongoing development of our worship services

It has also decided that these will be fixed term appointments for a maximum of three years.  At that time we will have the opportunity to again review our needs and priorities and determine an appropriate structure for our next phase of ministry and growth.

The Church Council has prayed and sought God’s leading on the best way.  Action is now being taken to advertise and appoint people to these roles so that they can get on with helping us shape God’s mission at Emmanuel.  Please speak to me or a member of the Church Council if you’d like any further information.

Grace and peace

David Fender