Tears, Questions and Hope — When a senior pastor takes their own life
From The Pastor’s Heart, a painful but important discussion:
“In the last few months two senior evangelical leaders have taken their own lives.
The Archbishop’s letter said ‘It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you of the death of a colleague and friend … who took his own life on Tuesday and our hearts are heavy at this time as we come before God with our tears, questions and … hope in the promise of resurrection.’
We react with a range of questions: Should I have known? Could I have done more? What do I say to the church? What do I say to the world, but most importantly where is God?
Keith Condie, from Anglican Deaconess Ministry’s Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute and Trinette Stanley, Mental Health Educator with Anglicare, are our guests.”
Related:
New appointments in the Diocese of Bathurst
Wonderful news from Bishop Mark Calder in Bathurst –
“I am writing with great thanksgiving to God to share several significant developments in ministry across our Diocese. These appointments represent a remarkable time of God’s provision, and I hope you will join me in praising him for the way he is raising up gospel workers for the diocese. …
These appointments represent truly extraordinary answers to prayer. In a short space of time, the Lord has provided gifted women and men for ministry across the Diocese—people eager to serve, care for his people, strengthen local churches and share Jesus for life.”
– Do read the details here – and please continue to uphold the churches of the Diocese of Bathurst in your prayers.
Let the young man come to church with mixed motives
“Has there ever been a cohort more scrutinised for seeking out the message of the gospel and the refuge of the church than The Young Man cohort at this particular point in history?
Has there ever been a level of scepticism levelled towards seekers than towards this particular type of seeker – The Young Man?
I find it strange. Strange and slightly deflating. After years of wringing our hands about the lack of evangelistic fruit in the West, there’s suddenly an uptick – indeed somewhat of a surge – among a cohort that has been viewed as the Holy Grail by evangelists – The Young Man! … But we are suspicious.”
– Steve McAlpine makes a very good point.
Christmas in Bethlehem
“Christmas is unlikely to be much in Bethlehem this year. The city of Jesus’ birth has about 30,000 people, of whom about 9,000 identify as Christan. They live with poverty, restrictions and uncertainty. They are squeezed between their majority Muslim neighbours and the Israeli government and west bank settlers.
Nor was Christmas much in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. A few shepherds cared for some smelly, dirty and bothersome sheep in nearby paddocks. Forget the maternity suite with all mod cons. Instead, the baby arrived in the equivalent of a corrugated iron shed out the back of a country pub. …”
– At AP, David Burke, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, reminds us of the good news of Christmas.
Photo of David Burke: Christ College, Burwood.
Four CofE vicars highlight why their churches are turning to the Ephesian Fund
From The Church of England Evangelical Council:
“The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has released four short films promoting the Ephesian Fund, featuring vicars from churches across the country, which have chosen to channel their financial giving through the initiative.
Launched in November 2023, the Ephesian Fund was created in response to the House of Bishops’ decision to depart from the Church’s historic and biblical teaching on marriage and sexual ethics, and to commend the Prayers of Love and Faith. The fund enables churches and individuals to direct their giving, including parish share, towards ministries that affirm an orthodox evangelical understanding of Christian doctrine. …”
– For examples of Church of England parishes taking steps to direct resources for gospel ministry.
Corinth Archaeological Site with photos
Moore College’s Dr Lionel Windsor is continuing to post fascinating photos –
“In July 2025, I visited ancient Corinth with my wife Bron and daughter Ellie. We went to see archaeological remains associated with the Apostle Paul.
Here are some photos of the site and museum exhibits. They help to provide context for New Testament texts associated with Corinth. Enjoy!”
– See them at Forget the Channel.
Bishop Bradly Billings elected as 11th Archbishop of Adelaide
Here’s a news release from the Diocese of Adelaide:
6 December 2025
Bishop Bradly Billings elected as 11th Archbishop of Adelaide
The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide is pleased to announce the election of The Right Reverend Dr Bradly Billings as its 11th Archbishop.
Dr Billings, currently an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne, brings to Adelaide a wealth of experience in parish ministry, theological education, and senior church governance. He has served as an Assistant Bishop since 2016, most recently as the Bishop for the Oodthenong area, which covers the northern and western growth areas of Greater Melbourne and extends to include Geelong. There he oversees 64 parishes and authorised congregations.
Known for his extensive work in parish ministry, and in church planting and revitalisation, Dr Billings’ qualifications include a doctorate in theology and a Master of Law in Canon Law.
He succeeds The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, who retired in November.
Speaking on his election, Dr Billings expressed his reliance on Christian hope as he prepares to lead the Diocese.
“The hope we have in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ gives me confidence and faith for the future, despite the many challenges we face as Anglicans and as disciples of Christ,” Dr Billings said.
“I firmly believe the Christian faith and tradition continues to be good news for all people, and that making the gospel known in words and in actions is the shared task of all believers.”
Dr Billings has a strong track record of collaborative leadership and intends to bring a unifying approach to the role.
“I am comfortable with, and respectful of, the full diversity of Anglicanism,” he said. “I seek to model ministry that is genuinely shared, and to cultivate quality relationships grounded in mutual trust, respect, and humility. I see myself as a partner in ministry with those with whom I live, work, and share my vocation.”
Welcoming Dr Billings’ election, Diocesan Administrator Bishop Sophie Relf-Christopher said: “I have been keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance at every stage of the nomination and election process.
“I am delighted that Adelaide Anglicans have elected Bishop Billings, and know that he will passionately encourage the ministry of this Diocese, to the Glory of God. We have every indication that Bishop Billings will serve with compassion, wisdom, and integrity, and herald God’s extraordinary love for the world.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the many faithful Adelaide Anglicans who have been praying and preparing for this day, and to the nomination committee.”
Before consecration as bishop, Dr Billings served as Archdeacon of Stonington and Glen Eira and as the vicar of parishes in Toorak and Gisborne, and Curate in Frankston. He has also served as the Director of Theological Education for the Diocese of Melbourne and is a published author in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and church history.
Dr Billings is married to Karen, and they have five adult children and three grandchildren. He is also a devoted owner of a Hungarian Vizsla named Ruby and enjoys Premier League football and history.
Arrangements for Dr Billings’ installation at St Peter’s Cathedral will be announced in due course.
Here’s some more background on Bishop Billings from the Diocese of Melbourne.
South Africa: Joy and hope in a pair of shoes!
“Jesslyn, a Grade 5 student at Kuyga Primary School, would begin each day with quiet determination. Leaving the small metal home where she lives with her mother and brother, she would start the 30-minute walk to school along a dusty, dirt path.
But very quickly, she would grow weary. Her shoes were worn out …”
– Here’s some encouragement to not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9) from The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid.
The Idols of the Eyes
Phillip Jensen’s website is featuring two talks from the Queen’s Birthday Conference 2019.
The topic? The Idols of the Eyes.
Challenging.
A Prayer for Australia
“You may have heard around the place talk of ‘doubling the number’ of gospel-centred Christians in Australia, or the idea of praying for and working toward an annual ‘five percent conversion growth’ goal. It’s showing up all over the place.
In June of 2025 TGCA gathered a group of Christian leaders to pray and work on what we might do together. We prayed, heard a bunch of papers, discussed and debated various proposals.
Following on from that day, a small group worked on refining the statement, and the Council returned to it for a final endorsement. Here’s what we came up with:
We acknowledge God works out all things according to the counsel of his will and in his mercy saves his people through the faithful preaching of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God, as a movement of Reformed evangelicals in Australia, we commit to pray for and work toward a doubling (at least) of the number of gospel-centred Christians in our country over the next fifteen years.
We will pray for and work toward:
- seeing 5% conversions (as a percentage of annual attendance in our churches and ministries);
- the gospel going to every socioeconomic, ethnic, and community group within our nation—especially those currently under-reached;
- a doubling of the number of men and women with the necessary conviction, character, and competency in full-time Christian ministry and missionary service.
I find it in turn exciting, daunting, galvanising, and inspiring. I hope you do too. I trust a little commentary will be helpful. …”
– Rory Shiner, Chair of the TGC Australia Council, writes to encourage us to to fall to prayer.
Latest ministry opportunities in the Diocese of Bathurst
From the Diocese of Bathurst:
“Precious opportunities await! Please pray for the 12/28 of our parishes without clergy (down from 14!!)
1. Condobolin
2. Trundle
3. Warren
4. Bourke-Brewarrina
5. Coonamble
6. West Wyalong (locum here until Easter)
7. Wellington (locum here)
8. Coonabarabran
9. Cumnock
10. Blayney (from April 2026)Currently we have amazing lay people in the following parishes, but would also welcome enquiries for clergy to serve part time in:
11. Coolah-Dunedoo
12. Nyngan.”
– Via the diocesan Facebook page.
Adelaide Election Synod this weekend
The members of the Synod of the Diocese of Adelaide meet this weekend to elect a new Archbishop.
Doubtless, they would crave your prayers for godly wisdom. Pray that they will elect someone who loves the Lord Jesus, holds to the authority of God’s Word, and who can help and encourage members of the churches of Adelaide to live for Christ and to reach out to their city.
The gathering begins with a Synod Service on Friday evening, with the business sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon and (if required) Sunday afternoon. (Summons here.)
MOCLAM: Mission to the world
For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised. (2 Cor 5:14-15)
“Today, 20 per cent of Latin Americans identify as evangelical, compared to only 3 per cent in the 1960s. Growth has been fast, and leaders have emerged with admirable enthusiasm, a sincere desire to reach the lost and a deep love for God’s people.
However, while this statistic sounds impressive, only a very small percentage of pastors have been given the opportunity to undergo formal theological training. …”
– At the Moore College website, Adrian and Anita Lovell, CMS Missionaries in Bolivia, share something of the impact and potential of MOCLAM.
Ethics with AI and Preaching
From The Pastor’s Heart:
“What are the dangers when pastors let AI assist… or sometimes author? …
Stephen Driscoll works in Campus Ministry in Canberra. He’s the author of Made in Our Image: God, artificial intelligence and you.
Stephen argues that writing is thinking, and when we automate the writing we risk automating away the deep thinking and wrestling with God’s word that forms the preacher’s heart. …”
– Watch here.
Related:
John Piper asks ChatGPT to write a Prayer.
The Man of Promise — In whom do you trust?
From Phillip Jensen:
“Dear friends,
We come to the last of our series in the opening chapters of Genesis. We have certainly enjoyed rethinking the great themes that these chapters contain and hope that you have similarly enjoyed our discussions.
As we’re coming towards the end of the year, we are thinking about next year’s programmes. We would love to hear of any part of the Bible you would want us to work through, or any particular issues you would like us to address. …”
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…