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Strategic Plan update
Developing a culture of conversion The pilot congregations in the Conversion Growth Team have been meeting for more than a year, discussing and defining what it means to create a culture of conversion growth. The pilot congregations, selected because of their diversity, are Adelaide West, Blackwood, Brighton, Christ Church, Malvern, Port Adelaide, Port Pirie, Rosefield, Tea Tree Gully, The Shed (Men’s Spirituality group at Aberfoyle Uniting Church), Waikerie and Whyalla. Each of the congregations is working with a mentor as they develop their own conversion growth stories and work to bring unchurched people to faith. Ultimately the congregations will feature on a DVD telling their stories for the wider church. Team leader Rev Beth Seaman says part of the journey involves identifying barriers and obstacles to the development of a conversion culture and implementing measures to overcome those barriers. “Each of these congregations is on a unique journey, “said Beth. “For example Rev Greg Pearce in Whyalla has been looking at the theology of conversion and encouraging his members to share their faith. “Rev Jonathan Davies at Malvern Uniting Church is planning a series of outreach events next year called ‘Mal-function’ to help his congregation connect with spiritual seekers in the surrounding community.
“Adelaide West Uniting Church’s youth group is growing through outreach work into local schools. “I’m facilitating the discussion and ensuring there is collegiate support as ministers and leaders engage in dialogue. “Eventually these congregations will be able to support and mentor other congregations. “Meanwhile if any other congregations are interested in joining our team’s bi-monthly meetings and journeying with us, we would be happy to talk with them.”
Key Direction 1: Developing a culture of conversion Team convenor is Beth Seaman, who is working with Jonathan Davies, Alan Dutton, Ian Price and the pilot congregations. Objectives: • Develop a definition of conversion growth • Support the pilot congregations in developing a conversion growth culture • Produce a DVD of conversion stories for the wider church • Identify and overcome barriers to developing a conversion culture.
A faith-sharing people The Whyalla Uniting Church congregation is growing passionate about sharing Jesus with others, even though it doesn’t come easily. The congregation is one of several pilot congregations involved in the ‘conversion growth’ key direction. Minister Greg Pearce says members have become much more intentional about sharing their faith outside the church and he’s actively encouraging them to bring Jesus into their everyday conversations with friends, family and workmates. “There’s simply no way anyone will want to share their faith if Jesus is not Good News to them,” said Greg. “So I’ve preached on what it is about Jesus that makes me want to share my faith with others. Jesus (1) gives my life meaning, (2) he gives me forgiveness, (3) he gives my life direction, (4) he helps in times of need and (5) he brings me into relationship with God, myself and others.” Greg’s also held workshops for church
NOVEMBER 2008
members on faith sharing. One of these featured Raylene Winter, a former Interserve missionary, who has a gift for personal evangelism. Members are also being encouraged to visit the local shopping centre for a coffee to see if any faith sharing opportunities arise. “I intentionally walk through the local book shop once a week and ask people what they’re reading, as a way of opening up conversations,” said Greg. “Often I’ll come away knowing that God intended me to be there for a particular person, and I pray for them.” Twice a month Whyalla also offers a morning worship service for all-ages and invites families that have had some connection with the church. “Only a few of the invited families may attend, but it’s important that we keep issuing the invitation and keep in contact,” said Greg. “We need to befriend these people and pray for a spiritual break-through to happen.” The congregation also offers Café Church and believes it’s a helpful model to reach unchurched people.
Rev Beth Seaman heads the Conversion Growth Team working on the church’s Strategic Plan. She is happy to talk with congregations interested in conversion growth.
‘Conversion growth’ at Adelaide West
Rev Ashley Davis
Help UCW Bowden
Adelaide West Uniting Church has a simple understanding of conversion – it is our vision statement: ‘acceptance, hope and transformation in Jesus’. Here are three true stories about how members of this congregation are transforming lives.
UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCW Bowden) is gearing up to ensure all South Australians enjoy Christmas. Since 1930 the Uniting Church agency has prepared and distributed food hampers and toys to thousands of needy people. Donations of food, toys and money are needed now to ensure the agency can meet the Christmas demand. Last year more than 1,200 food hampers and 2,500 toys were distributed to families in need. Volunteers are also needed to pack food hampers, wrap presents and assist with logistics. If you’d like to help, contact UCW Bowden on 8245 7100 or visit: www.ucwb.org.au. Food and toys can be delivered to 77 Gibson Street, Bowden from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.00pm.
John had felt rejected all his life. Still only in his teens, he was a violent and angry young man. One day a stranger came alongside and introduced himself. He sat, listened and seemed genuinely interested. John told of his intense anger expecting the stranger to walk away but instead the stranger talked of hope for the future. Over time John heard the story of Jesus and finds acceptance for the first time in his life. He chooses to follow Jesus because
in him he knows hope and has a future. His journey continues. Sue tentatively visited church and sat in the back row. She deliberately came late and left early. She discovered a little peace in the place so she kept returning. Sue slowly became known and felt part of the community even though she still arrived late and left early. One day God spoke to her and said, ‘nothing can separate you from my love... not abuse, rejection or lack of worth... you are dearly loved’. Sue stayed late that day and prayed with those around her. She was transformed by that word of grace. Her journey continues. Rebecca was still in primary school and came to connect with the church through the family getting her baptised some years before. In ‘Kid’s Space’ she learnt of Jesus and his love for her, all people and creation. Rebecca decided she wanted to be a Jesus follower. She continues to learn all she can about him, she prays, she reads her Bible and like everyone else she gets life wrong from time to time but she keeps coming back to the place where she knows great love – in Jesus. Her journey continues. We don’t get it right all the time but by grace God still works in people’s lives.