Evangelism in Bathurst Diocese – Sharing Jesus for life
A very encouraging editorial from The Australian Church Record:
“Through the goodness of God, combined with the kindness and service of his people, the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst has experienced renewal in recent years. Fresh vision, boldness, and a firm grip upon biblical preaching and teaching has spread through its churches. Evangelism has been at the forefront of the minds of its leaders and very much within the hearts of its people.
Ultimately, there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to evangelism. It is simply sharing Jesus for life. Therefore, Bathurst Diocese has no new fancy technique to report. This diocese has modelled its evangelism from Scripture and has ‘just got on with it’.
The determination and drive of Bishop Mark Calder at the helm, consecrated and installed in late 2019, has given a very clear path forward which is bearing fruit in lives won for the kingdom, and the church of God is flourishing. Bishop Calder came to bring gospel change, has maintained this objective, and by the grace of God, many have joined with him in sharing Jesus for life. As I pause with others to reflect upon our evangelism, some key principles have emerged as being very significant for us. …”
– Read it all here. Food for Prayer.
Bathurst Bishop Mark Calder thanks Sydney church for Kids Club partnership
From the Diocese of Bathurst Facebook page yesterday:
“Bishop Mark was up in Blayney early yesterday to thank the team of 40 people (!) who have come from Norwest Anglican to help run a holiday kids club with Blayney churches.
Pictured here with Pete the minister, Tom the leader and the Rev’d Bec Choi, local convenor. Please pray for their last day today with over 70 local children! Sharing Jesus for LIFE!”
Responses to a new book about the recent history of the Diocese of Armidale
Today saw the launch of a new book – Darkness: The Conversion of Anglican Armidale, 1960-2019 by Thomas A. Fudge, Professor of History at the University of New England.
You can get a feel for the likely tone of the book from a report by John Sandeman in July 2023 (link via our website). And the University of New England website has an interview with Professor Fudge.
Today the Diocese of Armdale has published two responses to the new book –
One by Bishop of Armidale Rod Chiswell –
“‘Darkness – the conversion of Anglican Armidale 1960-2019’ is a book that seeks to bring to light hitherto unheard voices responding to the transition of the Anglican Diocese of Armidale from a middle church diocese to a lower church evangelical diocese. …”
However Bishop Chiswell challenges two of Professor Fudge’s key presuppositions as well as his conclusions.
The other is a Review of the book by Dr. Mark Earngey, Head of Church History and Lecturer in Christian Thought at Moore College –
“Professor Fudge has produced a weighty tome on some of the recent history of the Anglican diocese of Armidale. … While conversion is normally associated with light (e.g. 1 Peter 2:9: ‘that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’), Fudge interprets the growth of evangelical Anglicanism in the Armidale diocese in terms of darkness.”
In his Review, Dr Earngey provides very helpful historical and theological perspective.
Read both responses at the Diocese of Armidale website.
Armidale Diocese gives thanks for Barraba Bash ’24
“This year’s Bash was a brilliant day!
On March 23rd, 220 youth from right across the Diocese gathered together to praise God in song, listen to his Word preached faithfully and have a whole lot of fun.
Over the day we did a deep dive into Hebrews chapter 12 as we considered big questions like ‘What does it mean to endure as Christians?’, ‘How can we carry on living for Jesus when our friends live so differently?’ …”
– Give thanks with the churches in the Diocese of Armidale for this key youth event.
Bathurst Easter Newsletter 2024
For your prayers and encouragement. (PDF file.)
Bathurst Diocese: Two more Ordinations coming up in April
“Dear brothers and sisters across our diocese,
It is with gratitude to God that I announce today that Mr Joshua Taylor and Mr Stuart Border are to be ordained as Deacons at All Saints Anglican Cathedral on Saturday 20 April at 11am.
This follows the unanimous recommendation of the diocesan ordination discernment panel, following their recent final discernment interviews with Josh and Stuart, both candidates having been prayerfully and carefully discerned for these orders over the past 12 months. …”
– More encouraging news from the Diocese of Bathurst, and a cause for thanksgiving. The Bishop’s Commissary, Dean of Bathurst James Hodson shares the news. (PDF file).
Bathurst Diocese: Lay Stipendiary Minister for the Narromine Parish
“Thanks be to God that today in the parish of Narromine it is being announced that Mr Luke Merriman is to commence there during May 2024 as Lay Stipendiary Minister. …”
– More encouraging news from the Diocese of Bathurst. (Via the Bathurst Diocese Facebook page.)
Latest edition of The Link from Armidale Diocese
The latest (Feb – March 2024) issue of The Link from the Diocese of Armidale is now up on their website.
Brian Rosner to finish as Principal of Ridley College at the end of 2024
“During the chapel service on 19 March 2024, Brian Rosner announced to students that he will be finishing up as principal of Ridley College at the end of this year.
After this, Brian will spend 2025 on research leave and then return in 2026 as a lecturer at the college, focussed on teaching, speaking and writing.
Brian will be giving a concluding, not-to-be-missed public lecture as principal on the evening of Wednesday, 16 October 2024.
Brian has led Ridley since mid-2012. …”
– Announcement and video at the Ridley College website. And food for prayer. Brians asks for prayer for three things —
- The Ridley Board as the search for Ridley’s tenth Principal gets underway.
- The College – that God would continue to provide for them that they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- That he will finish well as Principal and serve God fruitfully in the years to come.
Ministry Opportunities in Bathurst Diocese
Here’s the latest list of vacant parishes in the Diocese of Bathurst – for your prayers, and perhaps for your consideration.
Encouragement from Kununurra
“St James Kununurra is supporting the Kununurra Peoples Church to reach Aboriginal children with the hope of Jesus.
Each Thursday up to 50 children aged 5 to 14 come to Bethel Bible Study, where they enjoy a simple meal followed by Bible study and games. …”
– “Shining light in the darkness” – Encouragement and food for prayer from the Diocese of North West Australia.
The end of an era — BCA House Broken Hill
“As he took down the sign outside BCA House in Broken Hill in mid-January 2024, Indigenous Ministry Officer Neville Naden rightly said it was the end of an era.
The planning for a facility to serve the people of Broken Hill and beyond was first flagged in the December 1949 issue of The Real Australian …
BCA House was officially opened on 6 March 1950 by the Archbishop of Sydney, the Bishop of Riverina, the Rector of Broken Hill and BCA missioners.
The Hostel, a converted old home set on a large block, was originally built as a Stock and Station Agency and was able to provide accommodation for up to 30 children. …”
– From The Bush Church Aid Society.
Gambling and Coveting
“I know that Aussies love to have a ‘punt on the ponies’ but it’s becoming a massive community problem that can’t be ignored. For example, in the state where I currently live, the Anglican Church of Tasmania has published an excellent report which makes for sobering reading.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what their research found …”
– Mark Powell writes at AP, the national journal of the Presbyterian Church of Australia.
Related:
Other posts on our website on gambling (there are quite a few).
Latest issue of North West Network
The latest North West Network from the Diocese of North West Australia is now up on their website.
It’s the February 2024 issue, and is an encouraging glimpse into what’s happening in the North West.
Armidale Next Phase Conference 2024
Armidale Diocese is running its Next Phase Conference for 2024 on May 3 and 4 at St. Peter’s Cathedral.
“How can we stay faithful and fruitful as followers of Christ as we move into the next phase of our lives?
This year, we are looking forward to having Rev. Simon Manchester open the bible with us over four talks and help us to see how we can stay vibrant in our faith and ministries as we age.
We will also be joined by Dr. Patricia Weerakoon who will be interviewed during Friday dinner and run two seminars for us on Saturday.”
– Details and a short video from Bishop Rod Chiswell at this link.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…