Are we sending Missionaries where they’re needed most? — Tim Silberman

From The Pastor’s Heart this week –

“Where is the need for the gospel greatest – and should that change where we send missionaries?

We often make mission decisions around personal connections, available opportunities, language skills or where churches already have established partnerships. But Tim Silberman says we need to take a harder, more objective look at gospel need.

Tim Silberman, Lecturer in Missions at Sydney Missionary & Bible College, says there are several important questions: How many people are non-Christian? How many have meaningful access to the gospel? Where are the least-reached people groups? And how strong is the local church?

The numbers are confronting. Around 2.2 billion people remain unevangelised.”

– Watch or listen here.

Funeral Service for Bruce Baird AM at St Andrew’s Cathedral

The  Funeral Service for the Hon. Bruce Baird AM was held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney this afternoon (Monday 12th October 2026).

The service was introduced by Archbishop Kanishka Raffel and led by Bruce Clarke, the Rector of St. Matthew’s Manly, where Bruce Baird was a long time member.

Simon Smart, family friend and Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity, preached. Speaking from John chapter 11 (the raising of Lazarus), he said,

“Bruce Baird was a lifelong churchgoing man of Christian faith, trusting himself to that life. So much of Bruce’s life was animated by and shaped by his faith.”

– A recording of the full service can be seen here. (The sermon begins at 1:03:10.)

George Whitefield College newsletter October 2026

It’s important to remember that what the people of South Africa (and Australia) need most is the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. George Whitefield College in Cape Town is equipping men and women to share that gospel.

In an email to supporters, College Principal Mark Dickson introduces their latest newsletter –

“This edition celebrates the rich heritage and cultural diversity of our College community, where students from across Africa and beyond come together to be shaped by God’s Word and equipped for gospel-centred ministry. Our different languages, traditions and experiences remind us of the beauty of God’s global Church, while our shared faith in Jesus Christ unites us in a purpose that reaches far beyond our own cultures and borders.

Through the stories in this newsletter, we hope you will be encouraged by what God is doing through the lives of our students, graduates and wider GWC community. We are grateful for your prayers, partnership and continued interest in the work of the College. As you read, please consider sharing these stories with others. We especially encourage churches to download and print the newsletter for their congregations, helping more people discover how theological education is preparing faithful men and women to serve Christ and strengthen His Church across Africa and beyond.

Thank you for being part of this work. May we continue to celebrate both the diversity of God’s people and the unity we share in Christ.”

Download the newsletter at this link. And see previous newsletters.

Among the stories in this newsletter:

L-R: Vice-Principal: Development Dr. Vuyani Sindo, David Mansfield, Dr. David Seccombe, Principal Dr. Mark Dickson.

“Former GWC Principal Dr David Seccombe honoured at book launch

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the launch of The Secco Collection, David Mansfield’s new publication celebrating the life, ministry and enduring influence of GWC’s former Principal, Dr David Seccombe.

It was a special afternoon of memories, stories and fellowship as we reflected on Dr Seccombe’s contribution to the church, to theological education and to the many lives he influenced through his ministry.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fruits of Dr Seccombe’s vision, faithfulness, and commitment to theological education in Africa tangibly seen in the richly diverse community that GWC enjoys today, with students drawn from across the continent and beyond. Visit gwc.ac.za to read the full article.”

Presiding Bishop of REACH-SA calls for day of Prayer after appalling violence

Perhaps your news feeds have not mentioned some of the recent violence in South Africa, but the Presiding Bishop of REACH-SA, Archbishop Dr Siegfried Ngubane, has called for a Day of Prayer on Sunday 11th October –

A Call to Prayer: Standing Against Violence in Our Nation

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we look at the current state of our nation, our hearts are heavy. South Africa is grieving. The ongoing tragedy of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continues to claim the lives of women across our communities, and a recent spate of mass shootings has brought deep sorrow to our provinces.

We mourn the devastating loss of lives in Ekurhuleni, where the bodies of several young women have been discovered. These are not statistics to be scrolled past; they are daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends created in the image of God. Their lives are precious, and their loss is an incalculable grief to their families.

We also bear witness to the terrifying violence that has erupted across the country over the past few weeks:

• In KwaMakhutha, Durban: An attack on a home left eleven dead, including a pregnant mother, and several others wounded.

• In Wedela, Johannesburg: Armed men took the lives of seventeen people at a local tavern, leaving behind immense trauma and injury.

• In Lwandle, Cape Town: Just hours later, a brutal attack at a local shisanyama claimed ten more lives, taking place just a few kilometres from Christ Church Strand.

As the Body of Christ, we cannot simply look away. The Scriptures remind us that our God is a God of justice and compassion. Isaiah 1:17 calls us to “learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” We also rest on the promise of Psalm 34:18, that “the Lord is  close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Therefore, I am calling on every local church, congregation, and fellowship within REACH-SA to dedicate Sunday, 11 October 2026, as a day of unified prayer. Please set aside time in your Sunday gatherings to bring these specific petitions before the Lord:

• For Victims and Grieving Families: Pray for the God of all comfort to draw near to the families mourning in Ekurhuleni, KwaMakhutha, Wedela, Lwandle, Tshwane, and throughout our nation. Pray for healing for the wounded and peace for the traumatized.

• For Law Enforcement and Justice: Pray for those tasked with keeping our communities safe. Ask God to grant our police officers and investigators wisdom, courage, and integrity as they carry the heavy burden of responding to these crimes and protecting our streets.

• For Truth and National Integrity: Give thanks for the ongoing work of the Madlanga Commission in exposing criminality and political interference. Pray that truth will continue to come to light, and that true accountability and righteousness will be restored within our justice system.

• For the Church: Pray for ourselves. Ask the Lord to make our local churches safe havens for the vulnerable and bold voices against domestic abuse. Pray that we would be agents of His peace and hope in our troubled communities.

May the Lord show mercy to South Africa. May He heal our land, establish justice, and turn the hearts of the violent toward the saving grace of Christ.

In Christ, our refuge and our peace,

Siegfried Ngubane
Presiding Bishop

– Source (PDF file).

See also this Gafcon prayer request.

Matt Brain elected Bishop of Bunbury

Bishop of Bendigo, Bishop Matt Brain, has been elected Bishop of Bunbury in Western Australia.

In a message today to the people of the Diocese of Bunbury, Archdeacon and Administrator of the Diocese the Ven. Geoff Chadwick writes  –

“Dear all,

No doubt you have been waiting to know who has been elected as our next Bishop.

It is my pleasure to announce that it is The Very Rev Dr Matthew Brain. He comes to us from the Diocese of Bendigo having previously been the Assistant Bishop of Canberra/Goulburn, Rector of Kambah and the Diocesan Youth Minister and Rector of Kalbarri.

He has experience in ministry training and development.

He is married to Rachael and has five adult children.

His other interests include cycling and he takes pleasure in playing the guitar.

I can assure you that we in the Diocesan Office will do all that we can to make him and Rachael welcome.

The date of his installation will be decided in due course.

May I also advise you not to contact him until he is installed. He will have much to do in Bendigo as he navigates his departure.

I look forward to working with him as we discover where God is leading the Diocese Please pray for him, his wife Rachael and the Diocesan team during this time of transition.

With Blessings.

Geoff

Archdeacon and Administrator.”

See also this pastoral letter from Bishop Brain to the Diocese of Bendigo. (PDF file.)

Top photo from the August 2026 issue of The Spirit from the Diocese of Bendigo.

Earlier:

Four Australian dioceses pray for wisdom in seeking new leaders – 03 September 2026. Now add prayers for Bendigo.

Operation Christmas Child: What to ask before packing a box — with David Painter

From The Pastor’s Heart this week –

“Before your church packs another Christmas shoebox, pause to ask: who is our generosity really helping?

After more than twenty years serving with the Church Missionary Society in Cambodia, David Painter has challenging questions about Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child—and the way Western Christians support overseas mission.

Can our gifts unintentionally weaken local initiative, local giving and the churches we want to strengthen?

David Painter outlines how to assess whether our generosity is helping local churches flourish.

Further Reading The Other Cheek.”

– Watch or listen here. A fascinating discussion which raises important questions about culture and power, involving much more than shoe boxes.

Sign before praying: A new conversion law is affecting churchgoers in Indian state

News from India –

“Some churches in and around India’s financial capital Mumbai have begun asking worshippers to give a declaration in writing – ‘I came here to pray of my own free will.’ …

The practice began at some churches in late August, just before a new law against religious conversion took effect in Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital. …”

– Story from BBC News.

Moore College at Sydney Synod 2026

“ ‘College isn’t so much trying to shape me to recall four years of theology. It’s shaping me to do theology for forty years.’

When fourth-year student Nick Pearson spoke at the 2026 Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, he captured something central to a Moore College education. Theological education is not simply about acquiring knowledge. It is about being formed for a lifetime of listening to Jesus, serving his people and proclaiming his word.

Moore College’s presentation gave Synod members a glimpse of how their prayers and support are bearing fruit in students’ lives and, through them, in churches and communities far beyond the College campus. …”

– Moore College has this report on the College’s presentation at Sydney Synod earlier this month.

Dr. Stephen Carnaby elected 12th Bishop of Bathurst

From Archdeacon Andrew Thornhill, Administrator for the Diocese of Bathurst –

“It is with joyful gratitude to God that I announce the Venerable Dr. Stephen Carnaby has accepted the diocesan Bishop Election Board’s invitation to be the 12 Bishop of Bathurst.

We firmly believe that Stephen will help lead our diocese faithfully, courageously, and joyfully into the years ahead.  …

He served in ordained ministry across churches in regional Tasmania and Hobart for 18 years, with his experience including church revitalisation, planting new congregations, children’s, youth and families’ ministry, and general pastoral work.

For the past nine years he has been the Director of Ministry Development [in the Diocese of Tasmania], working closely with the Bishop and overseeing diocesan training, raising up leaders, supporting and resourcing churches, and other efforts to fulfil the diocesan vision to make disciples of Jesus. …”

– Full announcement here (PDF file).

And Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel welcomes the news.

Archbishop Ric Thorpe’s sermon at Melbourne consecrations today

As he assembled his new episcopal team, Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Ric Thorpe, consecrated three new assistant bishops in Melbourne’s St. Paul’s Cathedral today.

– The Archbishop’s sermon at the service can be seen here.

Speaking to the new bishops, he says,

“You are being sent on the mission of Jesus Christ. You’re called to help the church make disciples – people who know, trust, and follow Jesus, and to help others, to follow him.

And this is the good news.

Although we have turned away from God. He has not turned away from us.

Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again. Through him, there is forgiveness from the past.

There is reconciliation with God. We can have a new life today and a hope for the future.

This gospel is the message by which the church lives, and the good news Melbourne and Geelong need to hear through God’s people.

Our diocesan vision, which is emerging right now, is clear. We seek to be a renewed church, proclaiming Christ across Melbourne and Geelong, so that every person might encounter the love of God.

And that vision is not a slogan. It’s an invitation to join in with God’s mission. …”

Some background of those consecrated is printed in the Order of Service.

It’s a reminder to pray for the progress of the gospel in Melbourne (and Geelong, and the whole country).

Gafcon gives thanks for Sydney Synod formally welcoming the Abuja Affirmation

From Gafcon:

“Praise God that this week the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney, Australia passed a motion formally welcoming the Abuja Affirmation and giving thanks for the reordering of the Anglican Communion as the Global Anglican Communion.

We rejoice in the Synod’s recognition of Sydney’s ‘joyful partnership with the Global Anglican Communion’, flowing from its longstanding partnership with Gafcon since the lead-up to Jerusalem 2008, its commitment to the Jerusalem Declaration, and its practice of principled disengagement from the Canterbury Instruments of Communion.

Please pray for The Most Revd Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of New South Wales, as he serves as a member of the Global Anglican Council. Pray for wisdom and faithfulness at this significant moment in the establishment of the Global Anglican Communion, strengthening faithful Anglicans and advancing the proclamation of Christ throughout the world.”

– Source. Photo: SydneyAnglicans.net.

Related: The Abuja Affirmation.

A surprise visitor

“A few months ago, a Carnarvon man walked into church for the first time and said, ‘My family has been praying for me, and I thought I’d come to church today.’…”

– Here’s a short, but wonderfully encouraging, story from the Diocese of North West Australia.

Thanks from Bathurst

From the Diocese of Bathurst –

“This afternoon Bishop Mark addressed Sydney Synod to say ‘thank you’.

Reflecting on what Christ has accomplished across the Diocese over the past seven years — new gospel workers, growing attendance and Bible study groups, and a significant increase in children’s and youth ministry — he warmly thanked Archbishop Kanishka and members of Synod for their extraordinary partnership:

‘Without your vision and generosity, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for believing that gospel ministry in regional and rural New South Wales, matters. To God be the glory!’ ”

– Text and photo from the Bathurst diocese Facebook page.

New video from The Alliance as 2026 General Synod Elections approach

With elections for the makeup of General Synod in the Church if England coming up shortly, The Alliance has produced a 2’30” video to invite link-minded men and women to join them.

“At this critical moment for the Church, with elections for General Synod, we want to be clear about who we are – a diverse network of networks brought together across traditions in order to secure a sustainable platform at the heart of the Church of England for those committed to the received teachings of the universal church of Jesus Christ. We invite you to join with us.”

– See more at their website.

ALIVE rally at Penrith 19 September

Dave Jensen has been speaking at ALIVE rallies across greater Sydney.

The last one is coming up at the Western Sydney Convention Centre in Penrith on Saturday 19th September. Could you take friends?

From the website:

“ALIVE is a movement led by Evangelism & New Churches (ENC) and fuelled by local churches across Australia.”

Here’s the promo video:

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