Issuu

The voice of Queensland Baptists December 2015/ January 2016

Preaching … it’s really key Growing God’s kingdom God’s hand in everything

Print post approved ISSN: 100003837 The Queensland Baptist - first published in 1890. This series Vol 13 Issue 6.

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Issue

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Comment: David Loder Speaking out: John Sweetman Baptisms Around the regions QB SSEC Emerging Evangelists Conference 2015 Milestones Knowing God series Called home Reviews Fun zone Persecution brief Classifieds

5 6 8 9 12 14 16 18 37 40 41 45 46

QB ministries Ignite (QB kids & their families) Reflections (Baplink) Dig your bible (QB Youth) Highfields - a long history (QB archives) Church - rain, hail and shine (QCCC) God’s hand in everything (QB Women) Joel’s story (Carinity) 2015 Wrap-Up (Malyon) Multiple models to meet needs (MTQ)

In this issue 12

17 20 22 23 24 26 28 30 32

QB partners

Be hope (BWAA) On their way! (Global Interaction)

34 36

Articles The best gift this Christmas Living missionally in a flat and spikey world - Part 2 A joyful Christmas He is Christ the Lord! How shall we live?

Our cover: Meet Charlotte, a little girl with a very big heart for people living in poverty. You can read her story on page 34 (BWAA, Be Love).

29 38 42 43 44

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News, views and issues

The qb is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association, published bi-monthly by Queensland Baptist Services Group in February, April, June, August, October and December. Editor: Robynne Milne Design: Shell Graphix Print: Printcraft This magazine is printed with soy based inks and paper from sustainable forest plantations. We welcome reader feedback and opinions about our articles. Remember to include your full name, email and postal addresses.

From the Editor Let’s take off our shoes! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23). After all these years of following Jesus (and they are many!) my mind still struggles to grasp the fullness of meaning embodied in ‘God with us’. In one of his sermons, Spurgeon says, ‘Let us admire this truth. “God with us.” Let us stand at a reverent distance from it as Moses when he saw God in the bush stood a little back and took his shoes off, feeling that the place where he stood was holy ground. This is a wonderful fact, God the Infinite once dwelt in the frail body of a child and tabernacled in the suffering form of a lowly man. “God was in Christ.”

“He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”’ This Christmas, let’s intentionally take time to prayerfully consider what the season represents—to reach into the depths of meaning wrapped around those truly awesome words, ‘God with us’. Robynne Milne Editor, The qb qb@qb.org.au

(ref: www.spurgeongems.org/vols19-21/ chs1270.pdf )

Articles and advertising in The qb express the opinions of the authors, not necessarily the editor or publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the correctness of facts and information however we cannot accept responsibility for errors. The publishers reserve the right to accept or decline any advertising. Deadline for advertisement and copy: 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Qld 4053 P 07 3354 5633 F 07 3354 5646 Advertising rates are listed in The qb Media Kit available at www.qb.org.au/news-media. Prices are also available on enquiry and advertising packages can be tailored to suit your budget. Reduced contract rates apply to three bookings within a 12 month period. Please contact us for details. A limited number of inserts are also accepted. Copyright © 2003 by Queensland Baptist Services Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses appearing in The qb are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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53 Prospect Road, Gaythorne Qld 4051 PO Box 6166, Mitchelton Qld 4053 P 07 3354 5600 F 07 3354 5646 admin@qb.org.au

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Comment

Knowing God—discipleship ‘The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us’ (John 1:14 CEV).

Tomorrow is another day—or so it seems. Yet not all days have equal weighting. Some days are more significant than others—birthdays, anniversaries, and so on. Even the weekly rhythm of 168 hours broken up into seven parts draws out a variety of experiences and emotions. We set aside Sunday, the first day of the week, for corporate worship. It was on a Sunday that Jesus rose from the dead and we acknowledge that each Sunday. We declare that Jesus is first in our lives so we begin the week in worship. So, is Christmas just another day? Well, yes and no. For many the answer is yes. For most it is a family time— and rightly so. For the Christian, it is an opportunity for a discipleship expression. It is a time when we can tell the story and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is not about a baby who was born; it’s about a Saviour who came! The story climaxes at Easter. Jesus died so we might live. It doesn’t occur automatically. How we respond to Jesus now will be how he will respond to us in eternity. Accept him now and he will accept us then. Reject him now and he will reject us then. Choose Jesus!

Important happenings End of year The end of the year is a good time to reflect and to plan. How has the year been for you? Your church? For some it has been a tough year, for others a blessing. Many changes have occurred for us all. It is important to recall that Jesus has been with us every moment of every day. Some things we don’t understand and in eternity it probably won’t matter. It is important to resolve to continue to walk with the Lord Jesus as his followers, reflecting him in every aspect of our lives. QBSG Queensland Baptists Services Group has served the churches well. We haven’t always ‘got it right’ but our motivation—to serve Christ and his Church remains unquestioned. We have welcomed new members to the ministry team, the most recent being Rev Stewart Pieper as Regional Consultant and Cathy Knechtli as State Director for our women’s ministry. Welcome! Rev Stephen Ball is now focussed on the implementation of the Training Review—a review commissioned by the QB Board to examine all aspects

of our training. A significant outcome of this is to re-shape the way we engage with beginning ministers. A period of intentional supervision should see pastors who are better equipped to serve our churches. Specific changes will be available once the planning is under way. Finally… Jesus came as the supreme gift of Father God. As you express appreciation for the gifts you receive this Christmas, make time to deeply appreciate the gift of the Lord Jesus that enabled you to become his disciple. On behalf of our family and Queensland Baptists, may you have a blessed Christmas! David Loder General Superintendent Queensland Baptists gs@qb.org.au

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Speaking out

Preaching … it’s really key

I want to let you into a secret that you’re probably already well aware of. Most preachers are not growing much as preachers. It’s surprising in a way. For many pastors, preaching is the heart of what they do. Preaching provides opportunity to teach God’s word, pastor their people, and influence those they lead to follow Jesus. There’s not any other opportunity to shepherd people quite

like that 30 minutes (or so) on Sunday. It’s really key. I’m not saying pastors are not growing. We’re becoming wiser and more experienced pastors. We’re getting more skilled at leading. We are finding out more about the Bible as we read and study. Our character is changing, hopefully for the better. We may even be more at peace in the middle of conflict

(perhaps). But when it comes to preaching, we’re pretty well doing what we’ve always done. Not that there’s anything necessarily wrong with that. Preaching is not something that needs constant radical change. Maybe we’re doing a great job as God empowers the preaching of his word. But the fact is, we honestly have no idea how effective our preaching is,

and therefore we have little motivation or methods to improve it. I know preaching and preachers pretty well. I’ve been preaching for 45 years and this year I have already preached over 70 sermons. I also teach preaching (40 in the class this semester) and I meet monthly with a group of preaching interns. So let me share some things I know about preachers and

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Speaking out

There is correspondence and other writing. There are pastoral appointments and visits. There is prayer and personal study. There is a stream of meetings. I’m not saying that pastors are the only people working hard; we all are. But there is limited time to crank out (prepare) the sermon. I remember a time when I was Senior Pastor at Bracken Ridge as well as part-time lecturer at Malyon. I just had Thursday morning to prepare and write my sermon. That’s certainly not ideal, but it was the reality. Thankfully it’s no longer the case for me. But a time-poor pastor is not likely to spend lots of extra time trying to grow as a preacher. 2. Preachers mostly get positive feedback.

preaching that may help you understand why growth and change is so difficult. 1. Preachers are under a fair bit of pressure. I know some of you wonder what pastors do between Sundays, apart from preparing a sermon. Actually there are quite a few other things on the agenda. There are lots of things and people to organise and manage.

Actually, they probably mostly get no feedback. But when comment does come, it’s usually positive. Of course, as preachers of truth, we will step on a few toes and may occasionally get strong reactions, but most pastoral preaching revolves around grace, which is incredibly good news, and generally listeners are pretty nice. If they can’t say something good, they will say nothing. At least that’s what I’ve found. It may not be true of every church. Now this positive feedback may come because we really are incredible preachers, but it could also be because we tell a good story, or preach for just 20 minutes, or

don’t use notes, or utilise technology well, or say something significant, or have the gift of the gab, or are loved because we are great pastors. To be frank, listeners often have little idea of what makes a strong, biblical sermon. But when the listeners generally seem positive about our preaching, there is not much motivation to change anything. 3. Preachers are somewhat insecure about their preaching. This may surprise you, but we don’t really want to know if we are doing a poor job. No preacher wants to preach badly. What a catastrophe it would be if our sermon actually was poorly done and had little impact, especially on a regular basis. No preacher would want to hear this. It would be such a blow to our sense of identity, our sense of being used by God, even our sense of call. It would make us feel guilty and very insecure. So most of us prefer to avoid helpful critique because it will feed our insecurity and fear. I’m often in this boat. I would hate to think that my sermons aren’t as effective as I hope they are. What

would that say about my role or my gift, especially as I actually teach preaching? Deep down I know that my sermons have many weaknesses, but I don’t want to hear this when I’ve invested so much in them, and have seen God work. I’m insecure. I feel vulnerable. I don’t want to be embarrassed. I’m fearful that I may find it difficult to change anyway. So my insecurity can stop me looking for honest feedback and push me to screen out any suggestions for growth. So a time-poor, insecure preacher who is mostly getting gentle, positive affirmation from their congregation about their preaching is not likely to invest in growing as a preacher. Even if this preacher had the time, it would be difficult to know what to do anyway. Unless something changes, it looks like churches are stuck with the preaching we are getting. I hope that it’s the best we can do. Malyon College offers undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate courses in preaching. From 2017, the College will run an annual preaching conference.

John Sweetman Principal, Malyon john.sweetman@malyon.edu.au

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Baptisms

Becky and her family with Ps Gordon Busse

Ali baptised at Golden Beach

Baptisms Please pray for those baptised recently in all our churches around Queensland, including: Birkdale Baptist Church Keleysha Brown Ying Carpenter Gene Christian Maddieson Creati Charlize DeNooyer Lillian Redman Lachlan Quinn Brisbane Slavic Evangelical Church Alena Petkov Emily Redel Mark Young

City North Baptist Church Jeremy Valler Cleveland Baptist Church Grant Anderson Tim Matthews Joshua Wong Kruger Parade Baptist Church James Barlow Nathan Kickbusch Tim King Fatu Toleafoa

New Heart Baptist Church (since May) Sam Allsopp Shene Canning Jayden Featon Sagiba Frank Ally Higgson Tamara Hilton Chris Iuvale Emily Keech Paulina Koczuk Kathinka Kvascoff Cameron Maddison

Rachel Morris Victoria Morrison Barbara Shepherd Kathy Smith Maddie Smith Taringa Baptist Church Nathanael Chua

Bundaberg Baptist Church Isabelle Connor Mick Pattinson Kim Pattinson Caloundra CityLife Baptist Church Becky Cadman Ali George Greg Taylor

Greg baptised at Golden Beach

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Around the regions

Around the

Regions

Welcome!

The Board of Queensland Baptists has accepted the Hallelujah Ministries Church as a Phase One Church Plant. We are delighted to welcome this new congregation into Queensland Baptists. Congratulations! Our prayer is that you will know the Lord’s blessing as you journey ahead with him.

Ian Lumb, CrossLife Strategy and Development Ministry Leader, said, ‘We already run a very successful child care program in Helensvale, so it was an obvious choice to look at undertaking the ministry with child care. Now, through the two child care centres and our Out-of-School Care program at Highland Reserve State School, we have contact with over 400 families each week, all of whom come into contact with the gospel. The Lakeside community centre is used by up to six community groups and is growing well.’ The PIA judges said that they considered the project ‘demonstrated an innovative

deliver a community hub for them, and who has continued to be encouraged by the interaction of the community with our premises. We also thank Baplink, who stood with us in the very beginning when we developed our first child care centre, and without whom this new project would not have come about, and the QB board, who supported this development. Of course, we are also so thankful to our Heavenly Father, who continues to encourage us in our ventures. I’d like to sum up my joy in this outcome: this is an example of being in the world but not of it. This church

And the winner is … Matt Hunt (CrossLife – A baptist church) writes: On Friday 6 November, CrossLife was awarded the Planning Institute of Australia (QLD) encouragement award, which recognises an entry that does not win an Award of Planning Excellence but is innovative and shows the greatest promise of achieving the vision of excellence in Queensland. In 2013, CrossLife finished a new community facility at Upper Coomera: the

Lakeside Community Node containing a child care facility, a community centre, as well as a convenience store, offices and a coffee shop. The church saw the need to plant a church in the growing northern suburbs of the Gold Coast, where the population is expected to double over the next 20 years. We saw a great need to find a way of planting a sustainable church in the growing northern suburbs. Lakeside was to be the venue of such a plant.

approach and has potential as a delivery model across Queensland, especially for communities where normal commercial approaches may not be sustainable’. CrossLife thanks a number of people, including our consultants, who took us through the process of the planning application, Stockland, who trusted us to

On the move • • •

Pastor Haydn Lea will commence at Forest Lake in early 2016 Pastor Theo Salahor has concluded at Margate and commenced at Deception Bay Rev Barry Edwards has accepted a call to Otorohanga Baptist (Nth Island NZ)

property competed with the very best on offer for planning in Queensland in 2015, and was recognised. We have built a property that is in the world, but we have not compromised our mission to reach people for Christ and bring the kingdom into their world.

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Around the regions

Changes benefit many Sandy Johnson (Glasshouse Christian College) writes: Glasshouse Christian College is a Prep to Year 12 school in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, but its uniforms can be seen on children in three countries!

All one in Christ Jesus Robert & Margaret Fraser (Hertford Street Baptist Church) write: The Somang Korean Baptist Church and the Kaching Christian Fellowship have just made their homes in the same facilities as Hertford Street Baptist Church, and it has been a really encouraging experience for us all. On the weekend of 24–25 October, the three fellowships joined together in a church working bee. As well as putting a lot of energy into work around the church, it was a great ‘getting to know you’ experience for everyone.

Supporting God’s work in South Sudan

they gladly donated! The beds, that were about to be scrapped here, are going to help many sick and needy in South Sudanese hospitals.

Then on Sunday, The Somang Korean and Hertford Street folk joined together in worship at a combined service. It was really great to sing and pray together, and Pastor Peter Im gave a message about the dangers of keeping blessings to ourselves. Blessings from God need to be shared—not held onto selfishly.

Emil Rahimov (QB Ethnic and Multicultural Ministries) writes: Rev Andrew Oyet (New Hope Baptist) has a big heart for his native South Sudan. Andrew tries to visit South Sudan at least once a year to get training for pastors established, and to deliver aid from Australian Christians. Andrew’s heart is to see the kingdom of Christ extended in Africa.

Andrew also received some second-hand bedside tables, microwaves, and computers. So, thank you Carinity, thanks to the aged care managers and other staff and thank you to everyone who responded and helped with other appliances. If you have any similar items to donate towards ministry in South Sudan, please contact me: emil.rahimov@qb.org.au

Afterwards we all gathered to share lunch and fellowship. This was especially a great encouragement to the Hertford Street Baptist Church congregation, as we enjoyed the blessing of people of like mind crossing cultural divides, and we experienced, again, the joy and energy of Christian young people and small children among us.

A while ago, Andrew approached Queensland Baptists to see if there were second-hand hospital beds and other hospital furniture that could be donated to South Sudan for the hospitals there. To tell the truth, I didn’t think this could happen, until we spoke to Carinity. And yes, Carinity had second-hand beds that

The original enrolment of 15 students in 2000 has grown to 935 in 2015, and this growth has resulted in some changes. Earlier this year, the sporting house t-shirts were upgraded from plain colours to ones with sporting house mascots. This meant the college was able to donate several boxes of brand new t-shirts to the people of Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam’s terrible devastation. Half way through the year, the college simplified its name from Glasshouse Country Christian College to Glasshouse Christian College. Indirectly, this was as a result of GCC students’ successes in competitions, events and activities. It was noticed that announcers kept saying the name incorrectly, and even in the small community of Beerwah, it was sometimes referred to as ‘that Christian school’ because the full name was too much of a mouthful.

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The new name has been a huge success and was accompanied by the introduction of a modern new logo. An unexpected benefit was that the college was able to donate new uniforms (with the old logo) to disadvantaged children in Fiji during its recent mission trip in September. More recently, Glasshouse Christian College was able to donate uniforms to underprivileged children in the Philippines through a church in Nambour. The contact who picked up the uniforms was expecting second-hand donations and was thrilled that all the clothes were brand new. She said some of the uniforms, like shirts and smaller jackets, would be sent to her old elementary school, where the people are quite poor, and the larger items like secondary hats, bags and larger jackets would be sent to the people in the highlands, who have nothing. Glasshouse Christian College Principal, Mr Mike Curtis, said he was thrilled that so many needy children have benefited from the college’s change of name.

Pray and stay Alan Watts (Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle) writes: On a Sunday in August this year, something different happened at our church. We usually have a thanksgiving

Around the regions offering each July, in conjunction with our church anniversary, and the proceeds go to our building fund. This year, the offering happened a bit later and we were given a target to meet which would see our building paid off, in full, in March 2016. On the day, our senior pastor, Rev Chris Ganter, announced before the offering that, this year, we would be doing things a little differently. In the week prior, a number of pastors and some lay people had joined together at our church for a meeting on missions with Mark Holt. Pastor Chris had spoken to Pastor Ken Deeley from Longreach Baptist about the drought situation there. The area around Longreach has not had reasonable rains for a number of years, and as well as the graziers, the town’s businesses and workers, especially contractors, are suffering. Businesses like the local bakery and florist are in danger of closing. In response, Longreach Baptist Church has set up a programme to assist local contractors. [Readers will remember Ken’s article in the previous issue of The qb.] Pastor Chris then said to us, ‘This year, we have two places to put your thanksgiving offering—the building fund and Longreach. Pray now about where yours will go. If you have come to give to the building fund and you feel that’s where God wants your offering to go, that’s OK. If you decide to give your offering to Longreach instead, that’s also OK.’ Chris explained that there would also be a donation from existing church funds to Longreach Baptist to help them with this programme. A significant amount was

given to Longreach Baptist as a result of this, including one donation of $500, marked ‘Flowers for Longreach’. This has enabled the church folk there to give vouchers for flower purchase at the local florist. If that was the end of the story, it would be a good story; however, there was more to come. It was suggested to Pastor Barry Downes (pastor to our seniors) that a seniors’ trip to Longreach to connect with the local church and spend money in the town could be beneficial. As a result, 12 seniors went off in the train to Longreach in October. With the help of Lorraine Cavill, of Longreach Baptist, billets were arranged for those who wanted them, three cars were made available, and an after church fellowship barbecue in the park was arranged for the seniors’ team and the local church folk. Our group’s activities included visits to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, The Powerhouse Museum, Kinnon & Co’s tours to Nogo Station, Stagecoach Ride, Old-time Theatre and Tent Show, Thomson River cruise and light show, and a day trip to Winton. Kinnon & Co are a local grazing family who diversified into tourism

during the drought as they have had to de-stock their property. Their initiatives are a great boost to tourism and the local economy, providing employment and support to other businesses in the Longreach area. We also bought food, drinks and other things whilst there and estimate our total local spend at around $6000. More importantly, we had times of prayer each day at places around the town. We are aware that we are not the only church who are supporting Longreach in this time of drought and we would encourage others to do likewise. Longreach is a wonderful place to visit and we found the people to be friendly and resilient. Certainly to pray for Longreach and for much needed rain there is a vital thing to do, but to Pray and Stay is even better! Those of us who went would like to especially thank our hosts and those who provided cars for our use. God blessed our socks off—well, mine anyway. My hosts returned a pair to me in the mail (true story). If you would like to help, please contact Ken Deeley, phone (07) 4658 3865, or email church@ longreachbaptist.com

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QB/SSEC

Did you have a good holiday? Well, three weeks on a tropical island may sound to some like the ideal holiday, but that isn’t why Pastor Angelo and Faith Giovas, from Annerley Baptist Church, were at Onepusu, Malaita, in the Solomon Islands. As part of QB’s partnership with the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC), Angelo and Faith were invited to teach at one of the church’s Bible colleges.

‘Just getting to this remote location was an adventure in itself!’ Faith said. Inclement weather meant a five hour ferry ride from Honiara to Malaita, followed by a five hour open banana boat ride in three to four metre swells, travelling down the coast to this isolated spot where there are no vehicles, no shops, no running water and no electricity (except for a few solar lights).

But Angelo and Faith were warmly welcomed by the college students, who had been praying for months for lecturers to come and fill the vacant spots in their college calendar. ‘It was such a privilege to join in with the SSEC in helping them to achieve what they are trying to do in training and equipping pastors and ministry leaders’, Angelo commented. The principal, Simeon Robson Gwaite’e, sends his greetings and thanks to Queensland Baptists for ‘coming over to help us’ (Acts 16:9). He was the only other teacher at the college while Angelo and Faith were there, who each took a different year level of students through one subject. Angelo and Faith were impressed by the quality of the students and their ability to process and apply what they were learning, even though much of the teaching was in English—a third language for most students. Onepusu has about 40 students, mostly Malaitans, who will return after three years training to lead churches, youth ministries and Sunday schools in their local communities. While at college, they have four hours of lectures each

morning, followed by two hours of physical work each afternoon, and two hours compulsory study at night. Since it’s only about seven years since the college reopened, there is still a lot of rebuilding and re-landscaping to be done. ‘The students have such a great work ethic,’ Angelo said. ‘In a land of NGOs, they aren’t sitting around waiting for someone else to come and do it—they are committed to reestablishing the college as a centre for training both now and in the future.’ SSEC is looking forward to further developing their partnership with Queensland Baptists. They are working towards having 12 area representatives attend QB Convention 2016 to encourage the formation of mutually beneficial relationships.

‘Just getting to this remote location was an adventure in itself!’ Baplink-A5ad-1015.pdf

7/10/2015

8:29 pm

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Emerging Evangelists Conference 2015

Growing God’s kingdom Each year, Crossover sponsors emerging evangelists from around Australia to meet in Melbourne to encourage and motivate them to grow and minister in their gifting. This year, about 25 gathered, including four delegates from Queensland. Crossover is a ministry supported by Australian Baptists with the goal: ‘helping Australian Baptists share Jesus’. The invited participants were jointly funded by Crossover and their home Baptist Union.

The conference took place from 3 to 4 September, and English evangelist, Dennis Pethers was the keynote speaker. Other input was provided by Baptist leaders from around Australia. The Queensland group showed a rich diversity yet a wonderfully unified heart for sharing the gospel with those who don’t yet know Jesus.

Meet the team: Rama Spencer (Kenmore Baptist Church) is a GP serving in the Ipswich area and has seen many of her patients become followers of Jesus. She has worked hard and been very encouraged by her local church’s willingness to accept new followers of Jesus into their midst. She emphasises the need for evangelists and local churches to work together for the extension of God’s Kingdom.

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Esther Moo (Zion Karen Baptist Church, Logan) is a young Karen woman who is studying nursing at university. Coming from a refugee camp in Thailand, God has given Esther a real heart to share the gospel with her own people, and she is heavily involved in the youth ministry at her church. When sharing her testimony at the conference, Esther emphasised the difference between being born into a Christian Community and entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. Alex Stark (Ashgrove Baptist Church) is a student at Malyon College and works part-time in a local coffee shop. He is actively involved in youth ministry at his church and sees his heart for evangelism expressing itself in the coffee industry. He hopes that his studies will equip him to defend and commend the Christian gospel. Whether this takes the form of further formal study, he is not yet sure. Myles Symons (Hervey Bay Baptist Church) describes himself as ‘intentionally bi-vocational’. He is a local Hervey Bay businessman running a café supply company, and also an intern at his church, where he serves as the Young Adults’ Pastor. He has seen considerable growth amongst this group and his heart is to see young adults in Hervey Bay become disciples of Jesus and journey towards Christ-like character.

Emerging Evangelists Conference 2015

What they said: ‘I loved the stories and the diversity. I loved meeting people, and it provided a break, as there is a cost in evangelism because sometimes people carry a real burden that others don’t understand; it was good to be encouraged and prayed for. I am very blessed to come from such an awesome church, but others may not be as fortunate’ (Rama). ‘I learnt so much at this conference. The key learning was the importance of relationships in telling others about Jesus. I was also impressed by the importance of prayer. Prayer is very powerful in touching people’s hearts to come to God’ (Esther). ‘I learnt two major things. Firstly, that God’s mission requires the entire Church. I realised that God is already at work, impacting people through the diversity of the Church. This is a beautiful thing. Secondly, I learnt that the life of an evangelist necessarily grants them a public persona. The challenge: what public persona am I building? The goal: be more intentional with distant interactions’ (Alex). ‘Crossover has been a catalyst to reignite my passion and purpose in evangelism. The challenge for me was that, as leaders, we need to be prepared to change how we communicate the gospel in the future. We

need to move from a one person monologue to a dialogue where we facilitate and participate: we come to hear and be heard. We need to respect, recognise and invest in evangelists that are given to the Church just as much as pastors, teachers and overseas missionaries’ (Myles). The Future The Emerging Evangelists’ Conference is not an end in itself but rather an encouragement to our churches that evangelism, and the sharing of the good news of Jesus, is a vital part of discipleship, and the plan of God in growing his kingdom. We are greatly blessed to have gifted evangelists in our churches, including the four who were this year’s representatives from Queensland. It would be great if we could identify and encourage those with the gift of evangelism in all our churches, but more than that, incorporate them into the very centre of our church life to equip all the followers of Jesus to be involved in the task of evangelism, to which we are all called. Stephen Ball stephen.ball@qb.org.au

‘In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register’ (Luke 2:1-2). ‘So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child’ (Luke 2:3-5).

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Milestones

Stepping forward into a new future A very special moment occurred during the celebration service when the leadership of Albion Baptist stood and apologised, with tears, for withdrawing support from the young church plant many years ago. The leadership of South Pine Community Church joined them on stage and asked forgiveness for not honouring the church who had given so much to see them birthed. After this time of reconciliation and blessing, communion was shared. On 18 October 2015, South Pine Community Church celebrated their 40th Anniversary. In 1975, Albion Baptist Church, aware of the growing community in the South Pine area on the outskirts of Brisbane, sent their Associate Pastor, Peter Law, to meet with a small group of Christians there to start a new church plant. They decided to start with door knocking some of the new houses. On the first day of door knocking, one lady gave her heart to the Lord Jesus. From this auspicious beginning, the South Pine

Baptist Church began (later to be the South Pine Community Church). Anyone who had been connected to the church was invited to join together for the 40th Anniversary celebrations. Local politicians and dignitaries were also invited. Of special note, among those attending was the lady mentioned above and many of her family. Albion Baptist Church chose not to have their own service on the day but to come, as a group, to join in the celebrations.

Finally, all those present took a symbolic step forward into the new future that God has promised his people (Joshua 3:15-17). A fellowship meal followed.

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Knowing God

QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS 2015 THEME

KNOWING GOD DISCIPLESHIP PART SIX

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11:28-30). There are several pointers we can get from these words of Jesus. In the busy-ness of life we tend to zero in on the concept of rest. We are attracted to the idea of lack of effort, taking it easy. That myth is soon dispelled when we see the invitation of Jesus to take up an implement of work, the yoke! So how do these two things come together? Here are some thoughts. There is a promise that if I act (take up the yoke), there will be a positive outcome (rest), resulting from ongoing learning (discipleship). Yoking with Jesus means that I cease to function alone. I am now in partnership with someone who will give direction, companionship and help bear the load. In the Bible, rest almost always does not mean ceasing activity but rather operating on a different level. In this instance it refers to being a follower of Jesus. Reference was made in the first of these articles to the Manifesto which the QB Board had adopted. The complete Manifesto can be obtained from the QB office, however there are a number of aspirational statements that impact us all as Queensland Baptists. During this year the Board has been considering each statement, month by month. Whilst the Manifesto is couched in terms of a movement, it comes back to what we each are responsible to do as individuals. It is intentional, ongoing and impossible to do on our own. However, yoked with Jesus, it can (and must) become a reality. Here are some of the statements. Prayerfully consider each one as you make personal application! • • •

We dream of God renewing his people called Queensland Baptists: We dream of a movement led by the Spirit of God towards the heart of the Father. We dream of a movement committed to the Word of God and the Lordship of Christ.

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We dream of a movement that has forsaken personal ambition and committed to live the crucified life. We dream of a movement that recognises its own weaknesses and abandons itself to the power of Christ. We dream of like-minded people coming together to form a variety of churches and ministries which express the movement in community. We dream of a wider working together of churches to train others, meet the needs of the disadvantaged and marginalised, to start new faith communities, to do together what we struggle to do alone. We dream of a movement moving beyond itself to become all things to all people to win the many to Jesus. We dream of a movement planting many new churches of rich diversity. We dream of a movement – individuals, churches and agencies – that will strive to this end in spite of the difficulties that face us. We will not be dissuaded, deterred or discouraged by difficulties or hardships, community opinions, or past failures. We dream of a movement which one day, when called to give account, will hear words of affirmation from the Head of the Church— Jesus Christ.

There are many parts to the Christian life. Each one is important. Most are not easy, but all result in the life of adventure for the follower of Jesus, his disciple. David Loder gs@qb.org.au

DATE CLAIMER

8 APRIL 2016

QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS’ LEADERSHIP DAY & CELEBRATION DINNER AT QCCC MAPLETON

Hear Dr Gary Nelson, published author, dynamic speaker and recognised Christian leader in Canada and around the world. Gary is currently the President and Vice Chancellor of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto. Previously, Gary served for 10 years as General Secretary of Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM), the national and global working arm of Canadian Baptists. During those years, CBM experienced striking capacity growth, expanding the organisation’s global impact in the areas of leadership development, theological education, sustainable community development and the development of key educational resources for congregations across Canada. As a ministry leader, Gary has served in a number of congregations both in staff and senior ministry roles. As Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church (Edmonton, Alberta) in the 1990s, he was involved in the revitalising and renewing of this historic downtown congregation into a creative and dynamic contemporary congregation. Gary will be joined by his wife, Carla.

QB Leadership Day follows immediately after the QB Pastors’ & Spouses’ Retreat (5–7 April) where Gary is also the guest speaker. REGISTER FOR QB LEADERSHIP DAY & CELEBRATION DINNER ONLINE AT http://events.qb.org.au KNOWING GOD: DISCIPLESHIP

12/15

Baplink

Reflections Xero and Ultracs continue to occupy our minds here at Baplink as we enter the Christmas Season. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on all that Baplink has achieved in 2015. The past few months have been very busy for the team as we have continued the process of implementing our new transactional platform, Ultracs, and introducing the churches to Xero, our preferred accounting platform. Baplink ‘went live’ with Ultracs on 23 November as planned—a great achievement by the Baplink team, and the teams behind us at our various service providers. We really appreciate and thank all of our customers for your patience as we converted our data from one program to another. Through Ultracs we can now offer the churches a broader range of services, including the ability to pay bills via BPAY, something we have been unable to offer to this

point. Baplink is now able to be a full service banking provider for our churches. For individuals, we continue to offer term investments for attractive rates. These funds allow us to lend to our churches, so every dollar invested in Baplink is invested in ministry. Please visit our website to see our current rates. Xero has also been a huge success; in the past six months since launch, we have added 47 churches and affiliates across Queensland into Xero. Xero is an online accounting package that enables churches and affiliates to streamline their accounting and finance and allows them to invest their time and money into ‘real’ ministry—the people in our communities. We have been very excited to introduce our churches to Xero. We have travelled from Cairns to the Gold Coast, and will shortly travel to Longreach; we will go anywhere in Queensland to implement Xero and train the wonderful paid and volunteer treasurers and administrators of our churches. It has been a real pleasure

to meet everyone, and we have felt welcomed wherever we go. Please call us if your church is interested in Xero—in saving time ‘doing the numbers’! Or email the Xero team at xero@baplink. org.au. Baplink has some really exciting projects in the pipeline for 2016, new products and services for churches, pastors and individuals! Our vision is to be the Partner of Choice for corporate services for all Queensland Baptists’ churches and affiliates, trusted to help finance and secure their visions for the Kingdom of God—in a way that individually they could not. We are investing in ministry. Merry Christmas!

For more information about Baplink’s services Phone: 1800 650 062 Email: baplink@baplink.org.au www.baplink.org.au

Robert Chapman Baplink Manager robert.chapman@ baplink.org.au

‘While they were there (in Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them’ (Luke 2:6-7).

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‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified’ (Luke 2:8-9). ‘But the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord’ (Luke 2:10-11).

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QB youth

DIG YOUR BIBLE

As I mentioned in the last issue, there is a great new Bible reading strategy called DIG (Dive in, Inspect, Grow) that is equipping increasing numbers of young people, not just to read their Bibles, but also ENJOY doing so. UTH BIBLE YO

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field

- Matthew 13:44-46

DIG is geared for youth from grade seven and up. The journal contains all the information about the program, what to do, how to do it, why to do it, and FAQ. Each young person works their way through 10 levels: at level 1 they read just two parables before progressing to level 2, and at level 10 they read the entire Gospel of Mark. The level cards are available from a coordinator who is the ‘go to’ person for the program, and who provides regular encouragement along the way which helps build a long-lasting habit.

The program offers advantages over the general ‘just go and read your Bible’ method that young people often attempt and that can be overwhelming. Passages are handpicked for people just starting out reading the Bible for themselves and DIG gives helpful and simple instruction on how to get started. Check out www.digyourbible.com or contact me for more information. Aaron Fozzard QB Youth & Young Adults’ Ministry Team Leader aaron.fozzard@ qb.org.au

qb.org.au

QB archives

Baptist Union Assembly at Highfields, April 1900

Highfields Baptist Church at Crows Nest Folk Museum as an interdenominational chapel

Highfields— a long history Baptist Witness on the Darling Downs Project Highfields, settled from the 1860s and situated a few kilometres north of Toowoomba, can lay claim to possessing the first purpose built Baptist church on the Darling Downs—its original chapel was erected in 1878 to house the fellowship which had started the year before. At the time, the church in the main centre of Toowoomba, established 1875, was still using an old cottage which was already on the block of land they purchased in Herries Street. The first reference to Baptist work at Highfields (which at the time was known as Koojarewon) was in 1877 when the energetic pastor of the Toowoomba church, John McPherson, carried out a baptism in a nearby creek. The Highfields outstation grew quickly and erected its building on donated land in Kuhl’s Road; it cost £150 and seated 100. A cemetery was established, not common among Baptist churches. Then, in 1879 the fellowship was strong enough to separate from the mother church. It became a constituted church in its own right with 13 members and two deacons, although it shared the services of its pastor with Toowoomba. There was a strong Sunday school, and soon a steady stream of baptisms.

areas of this part of the Darling Downs. With more activity, including a Band of Hope, the church building at Highfields needed to be extended. But the 1890s proved to be difficult for the community and churches felt the pressure too. Rev. Ezekiel Barnett, who succeeded William Higlett, had health problems and resigned from the Toowoomba church in 1894 but moved to Highfields, where he became their first resident pastor, although not on a regular salary. He was extremely popular and gave good leadership to the church, which continued to hold its own and grow with more baptisms, youth work and warm-hearted missionary support. However, Mr Barnett’s health did not hold out, aggravated by the pressures of the work. So he moved away to recuperate after which he had a long and faithful ministry in other Queensland churches. Highfields, once again without a pastor, made arrangements with Rev. John Glover at Toowoomba to lead them as an extra to his regular duties. Mr Glover also had health problems and had to resign and move from the district after only a few years. However, he too returned to live in Highfields and took over the leadership again—although only for a short period before his death in 1906. In the meantime, the Baptist Union of Queensland had become concerned about the downturn in Baptist witness in the Toowoomba area. The Home Mission sent an experienced

There were other outstations serviced by Toowoomba, especially under the leadership of that church’s second pastor, Rev. William Higlett, who was enthusiastic for outreach into the rural areas. There was a strong network of mutual assistance that helped spread the Christian message in the many farming

pastor and evangelist, Rev. A G Weller, to the city to revive the work. He was asked to take particular interest in Highfields, which in 1907 was re-established as a mission station. The old church building, now 30 years old, was in a bad condition, so it was completely rebuilt in a different location on the block and opened in 1908. The church became a member of the Baptist Union and its property deeds were transferred to the Union. The cemetery was also renovated. However, this revival was short-lived and for more than 70 years the church declined, operating as an outstation of Toowoomba, sometimes with only infrequent services. The beauty of the Highfields district attracted the Baptist Union in another way—BUQ assemblies were often held at Toowoomba. They always featured an outing to Highfields for a picnic and an inspirational service, ending in a moonlit buggy ride back to Toowoomba. The meeting in April 1900 gives us perhaps the only surviving photo (in poor condition) of the original Highfields church. The new church building lasted from 1907 to the 1980s when it, too, reached a very poor state of repair. It was finally replaced and donated to the Crows Nest Folk Museum, where it was fully restored. It is now on display as a heritage feature and is used as a nondenominational chapel. The full story of Highfields is part of a project by Baptist Heritage Qld to record the development of Baptist witness on the Darling Downs. We invite help and interest for this project to enable it to proceed. Baptist Church Archives archives@qb.org.au, Ph 07 3878 3178 07 3354 5642 or 07 3256 8897 The Baptist Archives PO Box 6166, Mitchelton Q 4053

About the building (The qb, Jan 1908)

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QCCC

Church— rain, hail and shine! I’m troubled by the recent tendency to refer to times of corporate singing as ‘the [singular] worship’. The biblical textbook on the matter of worship, Romans 12, describes ‘intelligent worship’ as the act of ‘giving God our bodies as a living sacrifice, consecrated to Him and acceptable by him’. It then goes on to list what this looks like—intellect (‘let God remould your minds from within’), spiritual formation , preaching, serving, stimulating the faith of others, generosity, leadership, empathy, affection for each other, hard work, prayer, magnanimity and hospitality. In recent years, there’s two seemingly unrelated concerns I hear when around pastors. Firstly, the definition of ‘regular attender’ has been diluted, evidenced by the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) downgrading it to someone who turns up once a fortnight. The other concern is that church camping programs are much harder to pursue these days because people have more commitments on the weekends. (It seems this does have quite a bit of relevance to the first concern.) I started to put these two concerns together and wondered if QCCC couldn’t flip the concept of church camp on its head by commencing a camping church. Someone who turns up to two church services and a home group every week commits, at most, 25 hours of their month to their church. A group of people committed

to spending a full weekend with each other every 4–6 weeks can tally up a lot of hours together, very quickly. Encouraged by Colin Stoodley and his thoughts on simple church, the concept of a ‘Rain, Hail and Shine (RHS) Church’ was born. In his book Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas presents nine different pathways through which people might enjoy connection with God. It has been an exceptionally constructive journey to consider each of these pathways, and rank their importance for my spiritual walk, on a scale of one to ten. This process helped me understand two things. Firstly, my lowest ranked pathway is ‘ecstatic expression’ which helps contextualise my aversion to corporate singing and its trimmings. Second, it’s made me wonder if we might have a bit of a ‘wheel wobble’ in Christendom, where some of the pathways are very wellcatered for, and some aren’t. One of the great dangers of the NCLS is that it’s only surveying the people within the building, not the ones who have chosen to leave it, or have simply never been. Thus we’re only obtaining the opinion of the rusted-on congregationalists, or the people who primarily enjoy what’s on offer already. The NCLS isn’t gathering the hard data from the 90% of Australians not attending,

qb.org.au

or the people who once attended and have left. For many, the institutional church serves the following pathways of connection to God well: traditionalists, caregivers, enthusiasts and intellectuals amongst them. Activists can also find expressions in church, and I think it’s fair to say they can also gravitate towards the works and programs of the para-church and the not-for-profit sector to express their devotion to God. This leaves the naturalists, sensates, ascetics and contemplatives (all pathways with a heavy reliance on nature) on the outer (pun intended) when it comes to meaningful connectivity to God during a typical organised church service. As a child, I went to numerous Youth for Christ camps where the tradition was a ten-minute silence in the outdoors after each teaching session. These times combined each of these ‘outer’ pathways into one powerful punch, and, inevitably, the majority of campers would have their life-transforming moments in these times, and still speak of this, decades later.

RHS is a church that has more emphasis on the pathways of connecting people to God not often seen in traditional Sunday church and is proudly built around the Godly pursuits of hospitality, relationship and recreation. The QB guidelines for mission and witness suggest ‘when the church has the gospel at its heart, the best way to send that gospel is to transplant the church into the new area. Church planting is a form

QCCC of evangelism and is not an unrelated activity’. The Great Commission suggests the first stage of the discipleship process is to ‘go’. If we want to reach our culture and society, we need to understand what it is they value. One of the most obvious ways Australians form community is to recreate together. If you want an inkling of why church attendances have declined over the last two decades, take a Sunday off and go to Rainbow Beach for a drive, or head to Kenilworth Homestead where thousands of people descend on the Mary River to camp every long weekend. There you’ll find hundreds of decked-out 4WDs, people around the barbecues, kids playing and sunburns accumulating in shallow water. RHS is an opportunity to ‘do church’ amongst the people and to reinforce the pleasure God takes in his children enjoying His Creation. It’s also an opportunity to form meaningful relationships in languid and enjoyable ways, with the shared meal the centrepiece.

This model of church is not intended to be for everyone, particularly those who already enjoy what they have. There’s plenty naysayers can say about this model too, chief amongst them being that 4-6 weeks between gatherings is a long time. Social media and shared meals are ways for the congregation to keep in touch between camping weekends, but ultimately RHS will succeed or fail on

It’s also an opportunity to form meaningful relationships the relationships people build, and their willingness to invest time and love in each other. Rain, Hail and Shine Church is a church planting partnership of Mission to Queensland and Queensland Conference and Camping Centres. For more information on the first plant of RHS at Kenilworth email rhskenilworth@gmail. com.

Andrew Grant Director of Queensland Conference and Camping Centres andrew.grant@qccc.com.au www.qccc.com.au

‘I love it when someone who loves Jesus, and wants to see genuine transformation, starts to think outside the box. May I commend my brother Andrew to you? RHS is not for everyone but I believe it will prove to be a way for real transformation to result among those who take a part in it. It’s not just that they will experience the blessing of sins forgiven—it will be a whole of life thing— the full blessing promised by our Heavenly Father in his Word’ (Colin Stoodley, Mission to Queensland).

12/15

QB women

God’s hand in everything Introducing Cathy Knechtli who was recently appointed as State Director for QB Women. Welcome Cathy!

in my life, I did not imagine that God would not only bring me through it, but use it to lead me to where I am today.

Have you ever looked at where you are in life and wondered, ‘How did I get here?’. Have you ended up in a place so unexpected that you know that it’s only by God’s grace that you are there? God not only uses us when things are good, he can also take the things in our lives that aren’t good—the pain and suffering we go through, our brokenness—to bring glory to him.

Seventeen years ago, when I suffered my first miscarriage, after trying to get pregnant for some time, I could not imagine I’d end up with four noisy, boisterous, beautiful kids.

Twenty years ago, when I was going through one of the most difficult times

Twenty-eight years ago, when I married a salesman, I never dreamed that I would be married to a pastor, and then a student, and eventually a teacher, and that we’d end up in outback Queensland for a three-year stint doing country service. (And yes, I’ve only had one

husband!) God used that time out there to get me away from some of the materialistic things of this world, and away from everything and everyone that I knew, so that I had to fully rely on him. God can use all these things in our lives to bring us to a place that is far above anything we could have imagined. This doesn’t mean that things are going to be perfect. In my own experience, sometimes God has to take us ‘full circle’ until we complete whatever it was he had for us to do, to bring us back to the place where he wanted us. Look

qb.org.au at Joseph, rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and wrongly imprisoned. Probably, he would never have dreamed that God was about to make him the second in command of the Egyptian empire. This is just one example of many in the Bible. Many years ago, one of our Japanese students told us about the art of kintsugi. The term ‘kintsugi’ means ‘golden joinery’ in Japanese, and refers to the art of fixing broken ceramics with gold .The vessel fixed by kintsugi will look more gorgeous, and more precious, than before it was fractured. I like to think this is what God does with us. By taking our broken pieces and fusing us back together with his holiness and righteousness, we are more beautiful and valuable than before, and able to be used by him. God can do anything—far more that you could ever imagine, or guess, or request in your wildest dreams! He does it, not by pushing us around, but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us (Ephesians 3:20 MSG). In my life, I never thought, dreamed or imagined that I would be in the ministry that I’m in now, that God would place me in this role. It just shows, again, that his plans are far above my own thoughts and dreams. Two years ago, I was living in outback Queensland surrounded by the drought that has gripped the area for the last four years. I had a job, working in the school tuckshop, spending the days making the best caramel muffins Hughenden has ever seen. I loved the local kids, and was content to feed them, and nurture their musical talents through the school singing group. It was a very fulfilling time, and I was grateful that God had

QB women entrusted me with it. Considering this, I did not imagine that two years later I would not only be living back on the Sunshine Coast, but also starting out in a job and ministry that is far beyond anything I could have dreamed. I love being able to look back and see God’s hand in all the little things that he has put in place to get me to where I am today. If each of these things, good or bad, hadn’t happened, or had happened differently, then the path I’m on today would be different. What are your thoughts and dreams for your own life? Are you prepared for God to use you, maybe in a way you hadn’t anticipated? Are you open to whatever he may have for you? I believe that God has a purpose for us all, and can use us, regardless of our past, for his glory.

So, let me encourage you to attend the She is… event in your area next year, so together we can discover his purpose and be encouraged by sharing our lives with each other. I’m excited, as I begin this new season in ministry, to have the opportunity to work with women all over the state, and I’m looking forward to see what God is going to do amongst us. I look forward with anticipation to seeing you at our events in 2016! ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts’ (Isaiah 55:8-9). Cathy Knechtli State Director Queensland Baptist Women worship@sheis.net.au www.sheis.net.au

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Carinity

Joel’s story Joel* dropped out of school and ran away from home when he was 14. He fell into a life of drugs and petty crime. After spending time in a Juvenile Justice Correctional Centre, he came to Carinity Youth – Orana, which specialises in assisting homeless youth get back on their feet. Three years later and life is looking up for Joel. He is recovering from his drug habit, completing Year 11 at an alternative school, and is moving into rental accommodation with a friend. He wouldn’t have found the right path without the help of the dedicated youth workers at Carinity Youth – Orana. Carinity CEO, Jon Campbell, said services like Orana made a huge * Joel’s name was changed to protect his privacy.

difference to the lives of homeless and at-risk teens. ‘Orana is just one of Carinity’s youth and community services helping families and individuals in crisis, people with a disability, young people and children. We often see an increase in the demand for our services around this time of year and it can be challenging meeting the need,’ Jon said. ‘The 2015 Carinity Christmas Appeal aims to expand these services to be able to assist people like Joel and many others. At Christmas, I often think of 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful

giver”. I think it sums up the giving spirit people embrace at this time of year, and I am so grateful for the wonderful support we receive from the Queensland Baptist community.

‘The range of Carinity’s services is quite amazing: counselling, disability support, community centres, assisting homeless youth, supporting the frail aged, and educating students disengaged from school. We touch the lives of so many Aged Care • Education • Lif people, and with your help, we can www.ca touch many more.’ An outreach of Queensland Baptists You can make a donation to the 2015 Carinity Christmas Appeal. Visit www.carinity.org.au/donations, phone 07 3550 3737 or mail to Reply Paid 85906, Mitchelton QLD 4053.

The best gift this Christmas … A call to all Christian parents and grandparents: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up’ (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). When we know that we have a loving Father to whom we are accountable, we have a purpose to strive for, and we need to teach this wonderful truth to our children. Don’t leave it to others to educate your children on such important matters, but teach your children and grandchildren about our great God. Tell them how much God loves them; how Jesus left heaven’s glory and came and died for them. And pray for your children, that they will be kept close to God. Joan Neuendorf

Q CCC

QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE AND CAMPING CENTRES

DISCOVER QCCC TAMBORINE Situated in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, we have 4 venues that would be perfect for hosting your next family camp, youth retreat or men’s and women’s getaways. From delicious meals to comfortable accommodation, we have everything to provide your guests with a memorable experience. Contact us now!

www.qccc.com.au bookings@tamborine.qccc.com.au 07 5545 1417

12/15

Malyon

2015 Wrap-Up @ Malyon they will maintain links with Malyon through our newly formed Alumni Association and that we can continue supporting and inspiring them. It’s been a great year at Malyon. We’re praising God! • • Well, another year has finished and another cohort has graduated from Malyon. This year we have 35 graduates, most of whom are moving into pastoral ministry, chaplaincy or further tertiary study. We are very proud of all the work they’ve done to get to this point and wish them all the very best as they embark on new adventures for the Kingdom. We hope

•

Our first Missions Study Tour to Thailand was very well received We welcomed new lecturer, Dr AJ Culp, and tutor/lecturer, Dr Anne Klose The Australian College of Theology (ACT) gave approval for Malyon to offer a new course in 2016, a Master of Ministry (with Certificate and Diploma exit points) The Malyon Centres—Traverse, Leadership and Workplace—are

• • • •

going from strength to strength with successful conferences, blogs and church interactions We have added many new e-books to our library The campus facilities were refurbished and a new lift installed A new unit was offered in 2015, focusing on workplace ministry Increased mentoring was made available to all students, and increased support offered to female students through the Malyon Collaborate initiative.

We are busily preparing for 2016 and can’t wait to see what God has in store! ‘Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding’ (Jeremiah 3:15).

Launch Still figuring out what God has planned for you in 2016? LAUNCH is Malyon’s one year program for 17-25 year olds who want to lay a solid Biblical and Christian foundation for their lives. Here’s a snapshot of the program || one day per week serving in a sponsoring organisation || four days per week studying for a degree (Diploma of Ministry or Graduate Diploma of Ministry) || a live-in, four-day leadership training intensive at QCCC Brookfield || one-week mission trip || weekly mentoring sessions Entry Requirements: OP15 or equivalent + fluent English Course Duration: one year full-time (no part-time) Cost: Launch students may be eligible for FEE-HELP and/or Austudy For more information, including how to apply, go to malyon.edu.au/courses/launch

LAUNCH. faith. foundation. direction.

qb.org.au

Malyon

THINKING OF STUDYING IN 2016? Here are the options:

Who can study?

Why would I study this?

Bachelor of Ministry or Theology Certificate & Diploma exit points available

Anyone who has completed year 12 with minimum OP 15 (or equivalent)

A foundation course for training in church 3 years FT or 9 years PT leadership, pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, Graduate Certificate: overseas missions 6 months FT or 2 years PT Graduate Diploma: 1 year FT or 4 years PT

Master of Divinity

Bachelor Degree in any field of study

Learn how to think biblically about the elements of everyday life. Develop your Christian world view so that you can effectively serve God in your homes and secular workplaces.

3 years FT or 9 years PT Graduate Certificate: 6 months FT or 2 years PT Graduate Diploma: 1 year FT or 4 years PT

Bachelor Degree in any field of study

Learn how to think biblically about the elements of everyday life, develop your Christian world view, and become trained for church leadership, pastoral ministry, chaplaincy or overseas mission.

3 years FT or 9 years PT Graduate Certificate: 6 months FT or 2 years PT Graduate Diploma: 1 year FT or 4 years PT

Master of Arts (Ministry) or (Theology) Graduate Certificate & Graduate Diploma exit points available

Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology

A specialised course for practitioners in ministry or theology who already have some professional experience or are seeking initial professional development.

2 years FT or 8 years PT Graduate Certificate: 6 months FT or 2 years PT Graduate Diploma: 1 year FT or 4 years PT

Master of Theology

Bachelor of Theology

A research degree for theology graduates who are already engaged in the ministerial profession and aspire to teach in theological colleges.

2 years FT or 6 years PT

Doctor of Ministry Doctor of Philosophy/ Theology

Contact info@malyon.edu.au for more information.

Graduate Certificate & Graduate Diploma exit points available Master of Ministry Graduate Certificate & Graduate Diploma exit points available

How long will it take?

Enrolments for 2016 at Malyon are now open. Go to www.malyon.edu.au for more information.

12/15

MTQ

Multiple models to meet needs Out in western Queensland, every now and then, a remarkable event takes place. You can’t predict when it will happen, but you can predict that if it does, people from all over the country will travel to see it. Even the media will come, take their film and pictures, and leave the story of this event all over the internet. It’s a remarkable event. When it rains in western Queensland, the Channel Country puts on a spectacular, life-giving demonstration. The water congregates and then bursts forth to begin its long journey south through NSW, into the Murray and finally into the sea in South Australia. A remarkable event indeed. This is the metaphor I use to explain and present the impact that church planting can have on communities, wherever they are established. Let me explain.

When the water bursts out of its holding basin, it doesn’t do so in even, predictable channels. In fact, it breaks out to form hundreds and hundreds of channels. Some are big and others small. Some carry huge volumes of water and others only a little water. You can’t predict just where the channels will appear. But, everywhere they do appear, life results.

and staffs and programmes. Some of them can be found in cities and regional towns and some in rural contexts. This is the model (or ‘channel’) we are most familiar with, and by God’s grace it has been life-giving for this state over many decades.

Mission to Queensland sees the value of a commitment to, and belief in, multiple models of churches to meet the needs of communities around our state. Some are what I call Complex Church Missional Spaces (CCMS). These churches are the ones we have historically planted, and we have a proven process to produce these communities of faith. We also celebrate great leaders, historically, who have planted these kinds of channels for the blessing of God. These churches have buildings and organisation, budgets

A Hybrid Church Missional Space (HCMS) is a planting model employed in new housing developments. There are quite a few of them around Queensland, from Upper Coomera to Ripley, to Caloundra South and Caboolture West to name a few. This model plants a new faith community in a communityfocussed context. It’s not centred around a worship-centre but around a community-centre. There is an example in Upper Coomera that will help you better understand this model. But while this is a different sort of ‘channel’ from

But now there are other channels to consider.

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MTQ

and people move away from the area. Some of you may remember the House Church Movement of the 1960s to 1980s especially. There are similarities, but the emphasis in Simple Church is equally about mission as much as it is about supporting believers. More to come of these things—but this is a start so that you can pray. And I do plead for your prayers. The planting of new faith communities requires LOTS of prayer. In the meantime, please pray that the Spirit of God will bring such life to our movement across the state by His ‘rain’ upon us that out of our movement will come channels (lots of them), and being full of life they will be a blessing to the whole state. Colin Stoodley Leader, MTQ colin.stoodley@ qb.org.au

our historical journey, it still provides life-giving contexts for mission and it still provides a space where people can find faith and be discipled to serve Jesus in their local community. The last model I want to mention is the Simple Church Missional Space (SCMS). This kind of church has been with us from the very first steps of the Body of Christ on the earth. In every continent, in every culture, among people of all languages, simple church has thrived. These churches meet in homes and gardens and cafés and even pubs! They have no formal structures and focus all their energy on developing relationships that will be powerful for the disciples involved to grow in their faith and complete their mission. They are particularly valuable in rural contexts, where the costs to maintain buildings and church infrastructure are incredibly wearing. This is especially challenging when there are economic reversals

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BWAA

Be hope Baptist World Aid Australia (BWAA) believes that good civil society is an important poverty reduction tool. For this reason, one of the key focuses of our work is in the area of community development. Good development is a slow process. It requires relationship and collaboration. Kiambogo is a self-help group of 29 members in Kenya. Every member is HIV positive. The group was formed at the encouragement of our partner organization, Nakuru Region Inter-Diocesan Christian Community Services (NRIDCCS). One of Kiambogo’s first activities was a counselling and testing session, facilitated by NRIDCCS. Members paid a small fee to attend, the funds were pooled, the group purchased dry cereals to make porridge flour, and this very nutritious flour was sold. With the profits, Kaimbogo started a savings and loans program which enabled members to take out small, short term loans at minimal interest, so that they could buy food for their families. The group expanded, and by continuing to sell flour, they saved enough to invest in 22 chickens, and eggs from these supplemented the members’ diets, or were sold. This year, Kiambogo took some of their savings and approached NRDICCS to help them buy a water tank, so now every member can access clean water. With the support and love of a community of their own making, members of Kiambogo have been able to reclaim their lives and enjoy healthy living. They are now working with NRDICCS to connect with other individuals living with HIV. Baptist World Aid supports many Christian Community Development

partners like NRDICCS by using funds raised from the Be Hope Christmas Appeal. Support the work of our Christian partners, like NRDICCS, by donating to Be Hope: baptistworldaid. org.au/behopeChristmas

Be Love Meet Charlotte. At just nine years of age, she is passionate about ending poverty. So passionate, in fact, that she is BWAA Be Love Ambassador at her home church. Charlotte’s desire to simply ‘do something’ has grown out of a deepening knowledge of the world’s injustices. Two years ago, her father got involved with BWA and the more she learned from him, the more she wanted to help. ‘I thought about [how I would feel] if I was in poverty ... what it would feel like,’ she explains. ‘We need to think about others, not just ourselves.’ For Charlotte, being a Be Love Ambassador is one way she can do that. Through the role, Charlotte has been empowered to show her church how they can get involved with the work she is so passionate about. Prior to becoming a Be Love Ambassador, Charlotte frequently found herself frustrated by the way adults would approach her father to talk about issues concerning poverty, overlooking her young self in the process. That all changed earlier this year when her senior pastor interviewed her in front of her own congregation. A child sponsor herself, Charlotte is thoroughly qualified to talk about the experience of supporting children through BWA’s Child Centred Community Development Work. ‘You’re not just sponsoring a child,’ she explains, ‘you’re [also] helping the family and that community’.

qb.org.au Before Christmas, Charlotte is holding a Little Book of Big Gift Ideas stall. She is no stranger to Big Gifts. Every year, her mother’s family purchases Big Gifts for each other, and one year, rather than giving any gifts, they pooled their money to buy a toilet for a BWA Community Development Project. ‘I’m sure we’d rather see people get lifted out of poverty than get a lot of presents ourselves,’ says Charlotte, with wisdom beyond her years. ‘We already have everything we need and [people living in poverty] haven’t got anything.’

we can be intimidated by the sheer magnitude of the problem of poverty. But it’s not the size of the contribution that matters; what matters is the heart which offers it up. ‘For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV). Find out more about The Little Book of Big Gift Ideas or sign up to run a stall like Charlotte: https://www.baptistworldaid.org.au/ biggifts

The lesson we can learn from Charlotte’s example is an important one: simply do what you can. So often,

‘I attended Voices for Justice again this year, after first attending in 2009, and I continue to be involved with Micah Australia because I strongly believe that authentic advocacy for people in poverty is an inescapable part of seeking to follow Jesus. We are called to “act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8) and that means speaking up for a generous Aid program so that poor communities around the world can break down the barriers of poverty that prevent them from realising their God-given potential and so that they can build a better and fairer future. ‘You don’t have to be a professional to do advocacy, in fact it’s helpful if you aren’t. If you believe God is grieved and angered by the dehumanising poverty that robs people of their dignity and hope, then go and make friends with your local MP and tell them that you want to see a generous Australian Aid program. Why? Because as followers of Jesus, we are called to be part of seeing God’s kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven, to be part of working for a just, peaceful and sustainable world in which all people are able to flourish and overcome poverty.’

Congratulations! On 5 November 2015, Anti-Slavery Australia announced that BWAA had won a 2015 Freedom Award in recognition of their contribution to anti-slavery and trafficking initiatives made by BWAA’s Behind the Barcode campaign, particularly through The Australian Fashion Report. For more information visit www.behindthebarcode.org.au

Benton Wecker worships with Bracken Ridge Baptist Church. BWAA is a member of the Micah coalition, which works to provide financial support, oversight and strategy for the Voices for Justice campaign.

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Global interaction

Queensland Baptists continue to commission long-term cross-cultural workers to serve in people groups beyond Australia’s shores. Ben and Petra with their boys, Bryce and Lachlan, will soon be on their way to the Silk Road after a special service at their home congregation, Northreach Baptist Church, on 6 December. Since getting married, Ben and Petra have felt a call to full-time ministry. This journey led them to participate in short-term mission trips in both Australia and overseas, culminating in a commitment to serve long-term as part of Global Interaction’s Silk Road team. Ben is passionate about music and youth ministry and Petra has experience in pastoral care. Ben has a background as a teacher and Petra as an occupational therapist, and it is likely that these skills will be put to good use in the Silk Road Area.

On their way!

Already there is a team of local people there who are eager to help Ben and Petra learn language and culture. Pray that they will form relationships, and that those introduced to Jesus will begin to form communities of faith who will be empowered to develop their own distinctive ways of following Jesus. Others are preparing to go. It would be wonderful to see the partnership team of Jean-Claude and Joyce build to a level that enables them to go to Malawi soon. Jean-Claude was born in Burundi and grew up facing financial difficulties amid a war-torn society. He became a Christian in 1999 and until 2004 lived in a refugee camp in Tanzania. When he arrived in Australia, he had no desire to return to Africa and looked forward to building a family of his own in his new country. Between 2004 and 2006, God called Jean-Claude to train as a missionary and return to Africa. He has a diploma in Multicultural Ministry and is currently completing an associate degree at Malyon. He can speak five languages: Swahili, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, French and English. For the last six years Jean-Claude has been the Senior Pastor of All Nations Revival Church (Baptist). In this church he met his wife Joyce,

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Called Home

who arrived from a Tanzanian refugee camp in 2006. She is a singer and also speaks five languages: Swahili, Kirundi, Kiha, Kinyarwanda and English. They married in 2007 and have a son, Chris, and three daughters, Ornella, Venerande and Isabella. Jean-Claude and Joyce share a passionate love of God and people. They know that God is calling them back to Africa and they will be joining the Global Interaction team in Malawi to reach the Yawo people with the transforming power of Jesus. Would you and your church consider becoming a participant in sending them to share the Good News of Jesus among one of the people groups who have least heard? We are grateful to the Lord that Baptists in Queensland and throughout Australia, participate together through Global Interaction, the Baptist global mission agency. We participate together to do what would be difficult to do as a single congregation. Geoff Cramb Queensland State Director Global Interaction gcramb@globalinteraction.org.au Office ph: 07 3354 5603 Globalinteraction.org.au

‘This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”’ (Luke 2:12). ‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests’” (Luke 2:13-14).

Mary Peck

13 September 1926– 27 October 2015 Esther and Bev Skerman hosted a gathering of about 30 family and friends in their Dalby home on Sunday 8 November to give thanks for the life of Esther’s sister, Mary Peck. Esther is now the only remaining member of the Walton family from Beerwah, where she and her husband were founding members of Beerwah Baptist Church. Mary’s husband, the Rev George Peck, attended the Baptist Theological College of Queensland (Malyon) and was the first trained pastor to be sent to the fledgling Dalby church as a Home Mission Pastor. During his time in Dalby, he met and later married Mary Walton. George went on to pastor several Brisbane churches before the family went to Jorhat in India. The family loved the work and life in India, but after six years they had to leave quickly because of unrest in the region. Later, the family went to the USA where George furthered his studies at Harvard. He was then called to the Andover Newton Theological College to be dean and, later, president. Sadly for Mary and the family, George passed away suddenly at only 58 years of age. Mary made the hard decision to stay in the US because their four daughters were all in higher education. Mary was a wonderful anchor and loving mother for her children and grandchildren, and a wonderful sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many people.

‘She had an unerring eye and ear for beauty, especially music—which filled her home and spilled onto our campus. Mary’s sweetness came along with a natural dignity and a sparkle of wit delivered so dryly that it sometimes took a moment for the penny to drop.… She was a quiet, deep soul, grounded in her Baptist roots but constantly widening her circle of spiritual friendship. No one who passed through Andover Newton, in any capacity during her years, left untouched by her’ (Professor Mark Heim, remembering Mary’s time at Andover Newton).

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Discipleship

Living missionally in a flat and spikey world PART TWO Gary Nelson, President and Vice Chancellor at Tyndale University College & Seminary (Toronto, Canada), will be the special guest speaker at QB Convention 2016, 5-8 April. Part One of this article appeared in The qb, October. Gary concludes: Here are five suggested attitude checks needed for effective navigation and faithful living. 1. Get over it! You are living in a world that will never return to the way it was. A man came up to me a few years ago after I had preached in his church. It appeared that I had upset him, quite a bit. Red faced and angry he yelled: ‘We have not changed this worship service since 1929!’ This seemed important to him but I queried if anything else in his life had not changed since 1929. He was stunned by my question and a few

stammering moments later, he replied, ‘No!’ My answer was much quicker: ‘Then maybe you should think about that.’ I understand that nobody likes change. The only people who do are usually in control of it. I even understand why this man was angry. After all, the world had changed on him and he did not have a say in it. The shifts took place in a global world in which very few, if any, are at the controls. They are the result of innovation, technological advance, borderless travel and the interconnected implications that result. To be sure, some shifts were catalysts, but in the last few years, if we have learned anything, even they have very little control. You can desire times that once were, but, as good as they may have been, we will never return to those ways. We are in the middle of revolutionary shifts. It feels chaotic, open ended,

unfinished and threatening to some, but let me say this: ‘You are not getting it back in the box.’ 2. Watch the gaps! We are living in a world where differences and gaps are more pronounced. A friend of mine was visiting Rwanda on business and he met a sixteen year old named Constance. She sometimes suffered from anaemia, which often left her tired. With no access to medical care because of her poverty, it was a chronic problem. Constance spent most of her day outdoors where she worked on a small patch of land she received when her mother and father died of HIV/AIDS. She cannot go to school because she needs to care for her younger siblings. As a family, they manage one meal a day and live in a one room shack without electricity. There are no government subsidies, but a local church helps regularly so she can buy clothes and school supplies for her little brother.

qb.org.au My friend couldn’t help comparing her situation to the time he met Betsy in Europe. Betsy is young, healthy and, frankly, living quite comfortably. She lives in the French countryside, spends most of her time outdoors, gets free meals and wonderful accommodations that are heated and air conditioned. She has 100% health care coverage from the government, and like many others, gets a monthly government subsidy to cover auxiliary expenses of about $3.00 a day. She is in great shape and has a bright future. Betsy and Constance do not have the same existence. Betsy has it made. The tragedy is that Betsy is a cow and Constance is a human being. She represents the incredible disparity so unexamined in our world. The World Bank tells us that the average European cow has more to live on per day in EU subsidies than 60% of the people in the Global South. It appears that it is better to be a cow in France than to be a child in Rwanda. When a French cow is wealthier than two billion people in this world, we should wake up and take notice! With a flat world, these differences become more apparent and they create an inner rage that is increasingly difficult to ignore. The fact is, these are also discipleship issues that Jesus called us to consider. Read the Beatitudes, which we will unpack together in April (at QB Convention 2016). You cannot escape the upsidedown nature of their implications. 3. Learn to have conversations! We are living in a time when dialogue between faiths and cultures is not just a good idea but a necessity. In a recent class at Tyndale, this reality was driven home. Our student body is a mirror of the multicultural nature of Toronto. There were 30 in the class and only six traced their roots to Anglo Saxon/Western Europeans. The rest of the class was an amazing amalgam of nations. The only common theme was a commitment to Jesus Christ. From that shared

Discipleship commitment, their diversity was a mosaic of lived experiences, culture frames and varied foundational stories of meaning. This is multiplied in the context of the city, where churches are dwarfed by a multitude of ‘cathedrals’ from other world religions. Competing stories, experiences and even assumptions of truth are a daily occurrence, and the lack of awareness to that reality is often superficially portrayed in what we have begun to call the ‘shallow celebration of culture’ through the ‘three Fs’: food, fashion and festival.

Christendom’s death is the consequence of a homogenized, cultural kind of Christianity that allowed nominalism to thrive.’ 4. Learn to live on the edge! The church is no longer at the centre, and that may be a good thing. Perhaps this is more of a Canadian reality. However, in Australia you are on the same journey toward a church that no longer stands at the centre of culture. You may still be invited to the table for discussion, and your politicians may still be able to declare a faith, but increasingly this is being challenged. Christendom’s death is the consequence of a homogenized, cultural kind of Christianity that allowed nominalism to thrive. Living as a person of faith ‘After Christendom,’ takes a lot more inner commitment, especially if it no longer holds a culturally positive veneer. This will require living on the edge where there is a move to consequential faith that not only believes in Jesus but

also lives the life that Jesus calls us to live. One of my colleagues at Tyndale, Howard Snyder points out that in this kind of world, church becomes a ‘new social reality’ rather than an old cultural norm. 5. Find the compass points for navigating and negotiating the journey. Let me simply say that finding the compass points of beliefs, values and practices is essential for living faithfully and effectively in this strange new world. Living in this flat and spikey world is all about navigating and negotiating the multiple realities that bombard us daily. They help ground us in a sureness that does not allow fear to sabotage our living. These compass points require a faith that is actualized, not simply theorized. Navigational discipleship is what we will discuss in April. The prophet Jeremiah points to this idea when he writes words from Yahweh. They are focused on what we should rest our lives on and the challenge they are to cultural norms surrounding the people of Israel. He writes, ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom, or the strong boast of their strength, or the rich boast of their riches, but let those who boast, boast about this: that they understand and know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the LORD’ (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Maybe it is time to do just that. Gary Nelson These themes are more deeply explored in Gary’s books published by Chalice Press. Borderland Churches: A Congregation’s Introduction to Missional Living, Going Global: A Congregation’s Introduction to Mission Beyond our Borders and his latest published this year, Leading in DisOrienting Times: Navigating Change in Churches and Organizations.

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Reviews: Books, DVDs, Music

CD: Adore $14.99 at Koorong Chris Tomlin’s song writing takes centre stage in this brand new collection of Christmas worship songs. Blending timeless classics with original compositions, Adore features special guest performances from Lauren Daigle, All Sons & Daughters, Kristyn Getty, and more. Chris Tomlin is one of the best-known Christian music artists today. In his own words, Tomlin ‘writes songs to be a lighthouse’, reaching as many people as possible by opening worship up to everything it can be. His albums have sold over two million copies. Tomlin is a co-founder and worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta.

HOLIDAY VIEWING! Steve Grace and the team go international! When Steve and Kerrie Grace decided to do their third complete lap of mainland Australia (25 000 km), little did they know their three sons, some of their mates and a few families would join them. No strangers to touring with a large team, Steve and

DVD: Saving Christmas Kirk Cameron $21.99 at Koorong

Book: My Rock, My Refuge Timothy J Keller $24.99 at Koorong

BOOK (Hardback): NLT Illustrated Study Bible $44.99 at Koorong

This Christmas, have your family join with Kirk Cameron’s family and dive headfirst into all the dancing, celebration, feasting, imagination, and traditions that glorify the true ‘reason for the season’. Saving Christmas provides a biblical basis for our celebrations, and the inspiration to stand strongly against a culture that wants to trivialise and eliminate the faith elements of this holy season. So take in the splendour, take in the majesty, and take in the story. Take it all in ... and let’s put Christ back in Christmas!

This devotional from renowned New York pastor, Timothy Keller, features readings for every day of the year, all of it new material. As always, Keller connects a deep understanding of the Bible with contemporary thought and the practical issues we all face in our lives. The book will help you to develop, not just your theological understanding, but also your relationship with God.

Kerrie put together a mission road trip that covered every state on mainland Australia. What started as a music tour and adventure around Australia turned into an experience of a lifetime for the entire team—performing up to five concerts a week to big and small crowds, visiting remote parts of the country, expanding their horizons and meeting some incredible people along the way. Video of the tour has resulted in the multi-award winning Australian travel series ‘Everytown Downunder’.The series, which has won a string of local and international awards, has screened in

Australia and New Zealand, on satellite TV in the US and the Caribbean, and is slated to screen in the United Kingdom and was released last month in the Netherlands. It’s a testament to the unique work Steve Grace has dedicated his life to. Everytown Downunder will be available on DVD in time for Christmas. More information, including the trailer, is available at www. everytowndownunder.com

The Illustrated Study Bible brings Scripture’s message to life by giving readers an entirely new visual study experience. Hundreds of informationrich windows to the Bible world instantly communicate foundational truths and complex information in an understandable, compelling way for today’s visual generation. The who, what, where, when, and why of the Bible come alive with stunning photos, illustrations, infographics, and full colour maps integrated seamlessly with background material, study notes, and theme articles. The Illustrated Study Bible empowers readers to draw closer to God by opening their eyes to Scripture’s living, powerful message.

COMPETITION

Email qb@qb.org.au with ‘Steve Grace’ in the subject line, and you could win a copy of ‘Everytown Downunder’.

www.koorong.com

CONGRATULATIONS to winners of the competition in the October issue, Joseph and Betty. We trust you enjoy viewing ‘Believe Me’, kindly provided by Di and the team at Heritage Films. www. themoviefreedom.com

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Fun zone

Sudoku Challenge

Creative Caption

Sudoku rules: Each row, column and block must contain one of the numbers from 1 to 9. No number may appear more than once in any row, column or block. When you’ve filled the entire grid, the puzzle is solved.

Win a Koorong Gift Voucher

Sukodu solutions to: QB Magazine, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Qld 4053

Submit your creative caption for this photo (above) via email: admin@ qb.com.au or post to PO Box 6166 Mitchelton Q 4053. And, if you have a great photo that needs a clever caption, send it to admin@qb.com.au or snail mail.

Two correct entries will be chosen to receive a Koorong voucher. Don’t forget to include your full name and contact details.

Last issue: ‘I couldn’t see myself reading anything else’ Congratulations to ‘Alan Watts’.

Name Address Email

Hey Kids, Look for Lucy! Solution: 12/15 Congratulations to Amanda Harth and Magdalen Blessing a $30 Koorong voucher is coming your way! Sudoku puzzle provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com - visit them and get a new Sudoku every day!

Hey kids! Look for Lucy in this issue! Little Lucy is hiding somewhere. Tell us where she is hiding and snail mail your answer, or email qb@qb.com.au.

Congratulations!

To all those who found Little Lucy hiding on page 26 (October/November 2015 issue).

12/15

Christmas

A joyful Christmas

Christmas, that Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, has somehow come to be about money. I’m not sure how, but I suspect somewhere along the way we allowed big business to highjack church, community and family traditions. Many retailers do more than 50% of their trade during December and early January. In February, people’s credit card bills come in and there are tumbleweeds drifting through retailers’ aisles. We are not unthinking lemmings. We can make decisions about what Christmas looks like for us, even in the context of our work and family’s expectations. Make room for the sacred Christmas is a celebration of a glorious gift, that of God, coming to live among us as a person. Carols and church services help us celebrate. Participating in this celebration doesn’t need to cost any money. You probably don’t need a new picnic set

or folding chair. Make do with what you have, pack enough snacks and bug repellant and enjoy an evening of celebration. Celebrate with those you love Consider carefully which invitations you will accept or politely decline. Every activity you are involved in may have an end of year function. Fitting all of these in, together with dressing up, bringing a gift and arranging babysitters can take a toll on the supposed joyfulness of the season. Accept what you have to, compromise where you need to and decline where it will just make you miserable. Compromise may mean making a half hour appearance or going without your spouse. Choosing just one or two simple outfits to wear to everything could also help simplify the season. If you wear a nice shirt or a classic dress, no one (who has a life) will chastise you for repeating your outfit.

Give with a smile If gifts have become stressful, we’re doing it wrong. Take some time to think about who you would like to give gifts to. What will they appreciate while still being within your budget? Can you help them save money by giving them something they’ll use promptly? That might include Christmas food for adults, fun stationary for teens or holiday excursion vouchers for kids. Finally, Christmas can involve a lot of money. If this has been saved for, and is spent in a way that creates joy for your family, that doesn’t need to be a bad thing. Yet celebrating the birth of God into very humble circumstances should not require waste, stress or debt. Prepare to have a truly joyful Christmas. Karen Haynes Reprinted with permission: morethanenough.com.au

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Christmas

He is Christ the Lord! It seems to me that Christmas taps into some deep emotions in us all, one way or another. Some look forward to it and love what it signifies. Some revel in all the trappings it involves. Some find the extra shopping and planning for it irksome and are glad when it’s all over. Some find it a sad and difficult time which reminds them too much of losses in their lives and relationships that are no longer there. And some hate it with a passion and are not backward in letting others know how they feel. While shopping recently, I overheard two grumpy, old men talking to each other in terms that could only be described as distinctly Scrooge-like: ‘Why do we have to listen to all this stupid Christmas music playing?’ one commented loudly, as they stomped along the cramped aisles of a two dollar shop. ‘It’s so annoying! Why do we have to have all this Christmas stuff everywhere anyway? It’s a joke!’ Their comments made me feel a little sad. Yet, to some degree, I understand where they’re coming from. I too am

a little averse to crowded shops, tired people frantically grabbing this and that in the supermarket and inane Christmas music that has nothing to do with the real meaning of Christmas blaring out as I try to think what to buy. But don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas. And that’s probably why the empty hype and insane busyness that characterise this time of year disturb me so much. I don’t want my Christmas spoilt or distorted by someone else’s idea of what Christmas should be about. But I do want to celebrate Christmas in a deep, joyous and meaningful way. So how can I stay in that place of peace and joy as I prepare for Christmas and look towards celebrating Jesus’ birth in an authentic way? I think a key is learning the art of mindfulness, a concept that has been around for a long time but is not all that often put into practice in our busy lives. Mindfulness involves intentionally stopping and being aware of who we are and where we are in the present moment. It involves focussing in on what is real and important, recollecting why it is and

then retaining that in our mind as we move through our day. So, rather than being swept along by the anxieties of finding the right Christmas gift for someone or of all the cooking that needs to be done, I can discipline myself to stop and be still for a moment, to become aware of God’s Spirit within me and around me, to remember the amazing gift of our Saviour Jesus, given to us that first Christmas day. I allow that thought to fill my mind, replacing all the worries and cares and distractions and pushing them to the periphery. Then I can move forward, undertaking all those time consuming but special Christmas activities with great thankfulness and a deep joy in my heart. ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:10-11). Jo-anne Berthelsen is an author and speaker. www.jo-anneberthelsen.com Reprinted with kind permission

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Think spot

How shall we live?

Thoughts to ponder as we move towards the New Year … ‘(From now on let) those who deal with the world (live) as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away’ (1 Corinthians 7:31 ESV). Each of us has only one life. This is it. Our time is valuable and our face-to-face meeting with the Lord is imminent and real. As Paul writes, ‘The appointed time has grown very short … For the present form of this world is passing away’. How shall we live? Mourn as though we are not mourning We mourn. We are sad over great losses, e.g., family, friends, health, dreams. Yet we mourn as though we are not mourning because we know that we cannot lose our ultimate treasure—Christ’s love. Thus, our

losses don’t destroy us. We say, ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’ (Job 1:21). Our losses are modest. We lose now, but win in eternity. Rejoice as though we are not rejoicing

ours, because Christ is more valuable than anything money can buy. We’re not here on earth to own things; we’re here to lay up treasures in heaven.

We rejoice. We take joy in the thousands of good gifts from God: beautiful weather, great food and friends, art and music. Yet we know that these things cannot satisfy our souls. Only Christ can. Even our present fellowship with him is a mere foretaste: ‘Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face’ (1 Corinthians 13:12). Thus, our joys are modest. They give us tastes of what is to come.

We engage with the world. We don’t avoid it … Yet we don’t ascribe final greatness to it. We know that there are unseen things that are vastly more precious than the world. We work with all our hearts, but our full passions belong to the heavenly kingdom.

Buy as though we have no goods We buy things. We don’t withdraw from commerce. Yet business doesn’t possess us. We don’t love money. Our cars, homes, e-readers, iPhones—we hold them loosely. If they are taken, we sense that they were never really

Deal with the world as though we have no dealings with it

Lord, our lives are short and precious. Let us, therefore, live in death’s inevitability so that we mourn and rejoice and buy and engage as though we are not mourning or rejoicing or buying or engaging. Grow us deep in you as our ultimate treasure. Amen. Bethany Jenkins Reprinted with kind permission: http://www.theparkforum.org/

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Please pray! IRAN: Thirteen Christians were arrested in the city of Varamin, south east of Tehran. They were arrested by agents of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence following a raid on a house church. Most of the group were previously members of the Emmanuel Protestant Church in Tehran, which was forced to close by Iranian authorities in 2012 and to end its Farsi (Persian) language services. Another member of the church who was not at the gathering was arrested at his home in Tehran during the early hours of 2 November. Since their arrests the group’s whereabouts are unknown and family members are concerned about their safety.

There has been no improvement in human rights under Rouhani’s presidency, despite his reputation as a moderate. Instead Iran has witnessed a deterioration in the human rights climate since his election to office. Political opponents, journalists, activists and members of religious minorities continue to be imprisoned, with converts to Christianity and members of the Baha’i faith being targeted particularly. There has also been a spike in executions since the advent of the Rouhani government, with Iran executing more people per capita than any other country. Since 2014, more than 1,000 people have been executed; including women, political activists

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Persecution brief

and religious minorities, marking a 12–year high in the number of executions. SOURCE: Christian Solidarity Worldwide This is just one example of how our brothers and sisters in Christ, around the world, are suffering for their faith. Revisit The 2015 World Watch List, printed in the previous issue of The qb, or visit www.opendoors.org.au

‘When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about”’ (Luke 2:15). ‘So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them’ (Luke 2:16-18).

Subscription Form 2015 Order by phone: 07 3354 5633 - Payment via credit card. OR Complete this form and post back: The qb Editor, PO Box 6166 Mitchelton QLD 4053 Australia Price: 1 Year $19.50 (GST inclusive)

The voice

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Name Address Print post appro ved ISSN: 10000 The Queensland 3837 Baptist - first This series Vol published in 1890. 13 Issue 4. qb_Aug-2015.indd

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Why not extend its reach and pass it on to a friend, take it when you visit someone, or leave it where it might be picked up and read. Or order extra copies to add to your welcome packs for visitors to your church. It’s a great resource for demonstrating what being a part of Queensland Baptists is all about. And if you have friends or acquaintances overseas, don’t forget they can read The qb online at qb.org.au/news-media/

‘But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart’ (Luke 2:19). ‘The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told’ (Luke 2:20).

5/08/2015 4:52 pm

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Classifieds

POSITIONS VACANT

ACCOMMODATION BRISBANE: House available as a ministry for missionaries and church workers on the move. Three bedrooms, single garage, fully furnished, everything provided. Transport at the door. Minimal rent. Email: gtho4536@bigpond.net.au

NORTHERN BEACHES CONNECTIONS LEAD MINISTER Northern Beaches Connections (NBC) is seeking a Lead Minister for 4 days per week. The god- appointed applicant will be welcomed to lead a united and supportive Leadership team; a dedicated team of Ministry leaders and a vibrant, growing congregation of 80-100 people. We are mission focussed and passionate about reaching out to families and youth in the rapidly expanding, suburbs of the Northern Beaches of Townsville (where we are based). NBC is known in the community for its outreach and community focus, with regular Sundays dedicated to serving and connecting with the community in the community. We take the church outside the building! Our vision is to ‘have the courage to move beyond the visible’ inspired by 2 Cor 4: 16-18. If you feel called to find out more about our communityfocussed, mission-minded church please visit our web page www.northernbeachesconnections.org, the face book page and email Meg Watts (Secretary, Pastoral Search Team) pastoralsearch@northernbeachesconnections.org.

CALOUNDRA - GOLDEN BEACH: Highset three bedroom holiday home. Weekends or weekly. Pets OK. Close to beach. Phone 0402 077 822 or lizottaway15@gmail.com. CALOUNDRA: Sunshine Coast, Qld, beachside units from $300/wk, phone 0427 990 161. NORTH BRISBANE: ‘Riverviews at Griffin’ Self contained unit style waterfront accommodation, $130/night. Phone Helen Gynther 0400 832 614 or email helen@moretonmusic.com www.facebook.com/riverviewsbnb.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Looking for people willing to volunteer to lead or be a team member to cater for meals for Christian seminars or live-in camps and mission training events. Please prayerfully consider. Contact Roger Medland 9070 3849 7874 or rogermedland@ yahoo.com.au.

FOR HIRE LARGE AUDITORIUM: Seats 290. Qld Baptists’ Centre at Gaythorne. Phone Sharon on 3354 5600 for more information or visit www.qb.org.au – venue hire.

FISHERS OF MEN Fishers of Men(FoM) is a registered, non-denominational charity, operating in Brisbane and Logan for over 10 years. Bobby Mearns, founding Pastor was a heroin addict for 20+ years and was saved through the ministry of Jackie Pullinger in Hong Kong. FoM provides: food/ food parcels/ clothes and blankets at meetings for homeless held twice a week (free) and furniture for people setting up house (free). • •

A mobile street van service for Logan twice a week, Fri and Sat nights Residential Christ focussed rehab, turning men from addiction to Christ For further info please visit www.fishersofmen.org.au or call (07) 3341 0160.

JP MASTER JEWELLER

Five day turn around on REPAIRS. Brisbane area. Call Jack m. 0401 584 879.

A will to end poverty Do more than you ever thought possible by leaving a bequest in your will. Call us on 1300 789 991 or visit baptistworldaid.org.au

INTEGRITY TRAVEL

Book all of your holidays and travel with Integrity Travel and help missions. Tours & specials at www.integritytravel.com.au Ph 07 3863 1007 for more information and bookings.

LIVE the life you

LOVE

Ageing doesn’t mean it’s time to stop doing the things you love. We’re here to support you to live the life you love. Carinity Home Care supports you in setting and achieving your goals for a rich and joyful life. Carinity Home Care is so much more than just personal care or help around home. With Carinity, you set the agenda. If you want to get out and be active, participate in exercise classes, work in the garden or enjoy social events, we’ll make it happen. If you want to cook your favourite foods, see a movie, go shopping or go to church, we’ll be there for you. Whatever you want to get out of your life, we’ll support you to achieve it. Of course, along with an enriched lifestyle, we provide basic support and care to keep you happy, healthy and safe at home. Our Lifestyle Carers can assist with personal care, arrange nursing and allied health services, prepare meals, provide transport and do basic cleaning – we can help with whatever you need.

Call us on 1300 722 890 or visit www.carinity.org.au for more information.