Synod, councils and mission today
Photo Jonathan Adamczewski
Synod, councils and mission today
Synods have made a significant contribution to God's work, says Bishop John.
We have just completed the second ordinary session of the 50th synod of the Diocese of Tasmania. Without doing any extensive research I've used simple mathematics to establish that this may been the 149th gathering of our synod representatives and clergy.
Synods, love them or hate them, have made a significant contribution to God's work in Tasmania.
I would like to personally thank all of you who serve our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully as members of our synod and its councils.I encourage you all to read with interest the synod address in this edition of Tasmanian Anglican. You might also seek out your parish representatives or clergy for a more personal perspective. Please do not forget to encourage them in this very important ministry.
Each synod works with the Bishop of the day to address the issues of their day. Even during my time as Diocesan Bishop our synod has been asked to consider many very significant issues.
I praise God for creative and ground-breaking solutions.
An example would be the legislation allowing parishes to adopt the pattern of ministry known as Enabler Supported Ministry.
The ministry question faced was, 'Do we continue with endless amalgamations and closures of rural parishes and church buildings or do we explore options to enable mission and ministry in those places?'
I praise God that our synod found a 'legal' and viable option.
I have no doubt that this work will continue. The challenges of ministry today are significant. I look forward to working with our synod and councils to consider and enable solutions as issues arise. I recognise that from time to time I will ask synod and councils to consider extraordinary approaches to the issues of our time.
The recent redevelopment of a role for assistant bishops as missioner bishops is an example. This enormous challenge for the synod was grasped and dealt with in a way which illustrated the strengths of processes. I will also continue to challenge and encourage parish councils to tackle the significant issues which they face at a local level.
Our biggest challenge is the 'Jesus Challenge'.
How do we make the good news of Jesus Christ and his coming kingdom known in our local communities? We have a great God. As his people we are called to love and serve this world in need. We must do whatever is necessary to take up the 'Jesus Challenge'.
Synods and councils are essential enablers of the mission of the church.
+John