9Marks eJournal — Revitalize

The latest 9Marks eJournal is on the theme of “Revitalize: Why We Must Reclaim Dying Churches – and How”. Editor Jonathan Leeman writes:

“Church planting is a great thing, and there’s no need to take anything away from it. But there should also be a default setting in a Christian’s heart that always longs to see dying churches revitalized.”

See it at the 9Marks website.

New Church Army website

The Church Army in Australia has relaunched its website – here.

Includes a link to the National Director Martin Morgan’s recommendations of good books on Evangelism.

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray is a new book for children by R C Sproul. It tells the story of Martin Luther’s barber and his question about prayer. Beautifully illustrated with an outline of Luther’s advice on prayer.

You can read the entire book at the Crossway website (scroll down to ‘Preview the Book’), and it’s available locally from Reformers bookshop.

Kategoria online at Gospel Coalition

They may not be the very latest thing off the press, but all the issues of Kategoria (published by Matthias Media between 1996 and 2004) are now available at The Gospel Coalition.

There’s a wealth of thought-provoking and Biblically-informed material on topics from Darwin & Evolution to Feminist Theology. Check it out (PDF format).

2012 CMS Summer School promo

Looking to encourage others to attend the CMS Summer School in January?

CMS has a promo video here. (Log in to Vimeo to download it.)

‘Common Prayer’ development version launched at Sydney Synod

At Sydney Synod this week, the ‘development version’ of a new liturgical resource (Common Prayer) was presented for one year’s experimentation, examination and feedback. The anticipated final version of Common Prayer is intended as ‘a resource for gospel-shaped gatherings in the evangelical Anglican tradition’.

Speaking on behalf of the Archbishop of Sydney’s Liturgical Panel, Bishop Robert Forsyth said that the Panel was very keen to receive feedback to make this first draft better. An updated and improved version will be presented to the Synod in 2012. The initiative was very warmly received.

The development version, and supporting information, is available now at commonprayer.org.au.

The Reformation and the men behind it

“The Protestant Reformation stands as the most far-reaching, world-changing display of God’s grace since the birth and early expansion of the church. It was not a single act, nor was it led by one man. This history-altering movement played out on different stages over many decades. Its cumulative impact, however, was enormous…”

– Over at R.C. Sproul’s Ligonier Ministries website, they’re posting excerpts from the book Pillars of Grace by Steven Lawson, in the run up to Reformation Day (usually observed on October 31). h/t Tim Challies.

Some previous posts you might have missed

Here are some posts you may have missed in recent weeks:

• Thanks and prayer requests from North West Australia – Bishop David Mulready completes his episcopal ministry in DNWA this week.
• Hope for Life: Provincial Mission Convention – to be held in Canberra, January 2012.
• Another Attack upon Sydney Anglicanism. – book review by Dr Mark Thompson.
• Peter Adam at the John Stott Memorial Service in Melbourne.
• ACL tribute to John Stott.

Exploring Effective Ministry conference

The upcoming Exploring Effective Ministry Under God conference (at Moore College on Wednesday 23 November), looks to be a very useful time for all who want to better understand our ministry situation in Sydney, and move forward. See the website for details. The videos are particularly helpful.

True Feelings Conference audio

The recent School of Theology at Moore College was about “True Feelings: Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry”.

The audio files of the talks have now been made available. Speakers were Richard Gibson, Andrew Cameron, David Peterson, Gerald Bray, David Hohne, Peter Bolt, Keith Condie, Michael Jensen, Rhys Bezzant and Rob Smith. (h/t Michael Jensen.)

Synod Dinner and Resources for Sydney Synod Members

For Sydney Synod members –

The Synod Survival Guide – by Robert Tong.
Introduction-to-Synod videos.

Connecting, Evangelising, Enfolding — video

Here is the fourth in a series of short introduction-to-Synod videos from the ACL.

Why are Connecting, Evangelising, and Enfolding diocesan mission priorities? Archie Poulos, who lectures in Ministry at Moore College, explains.

Most encouraging.

Some thoughts on ministering to the sick

“I am no expert in ministering to people in suffering. It is a privilege to be with the sick and dying, but it can also be scary, hard work. I have great respect for chaplains, calling pastors, solo pastors, and other believers who spend a lot of their time comforting the sick and suffering with the gospel. …”

– Kevin DeYoung shares some practical advice.

Introduction-to-Synod videos

Here are three brief videos from the ACL aimed at helping understand how local churches relate to the Diocese and the Synod of the Diocese as they serve and worship the Lord Jesus.

1.) Phil Colgan – What is the Standing Committee?
2.) Karin Sowada – How to prepare for Synod.
3.) Rick Smith – The Church and the Diocese.
4.) Archie Poulos – Connecting, Evangelising, Enfolding – Diocesan Mission Priorities.

(Our thanks to Mark Earngey for preparing these.)

Books Christians should read

Michael Horton of The White Horse Inn was asked for the names of five books (other than the Bible) all Christians should read. In 60 seconds, here’s his answer. You likely haven’t read some of these. (h/t Tim Challies.)

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