forming disciples today: conversations with Christian mission history
Today I started a 4 part sermon series, titled Turning points: key moments in Christian history Today was the monastic movement, particularly Benedictine spirituality, and the implications for...
View Articleturning points: martin luther, reformed? or reforming
The second video in the Turning points in Christian history sermon series is now available online. (The first in the Turning points series – on monasticism, mission and discipleship is here). The aim...
View ArticleWhy are americans so hung up about megachurches?
Among those surveyed in the 2009 Congregational Economic Impact Study, 40.5 percent of the congregations reported an average weekly attendance of between 101 and 300 people. Only 3.5 percent of...
View Articlewood fired pizza worship
I was making pizza on Saturday afternoon. Homemade tomato pesto, mixed with finely cut basil and baby spinach leaves (from the newly planted “only-been-in-the-country-3-weeks-garden” of course!),...
View Articlestories, stories everywhere: 2010 storytelling conference
The 10th National Biblical Storytelling Gathering is happening on 24 – 26 September 2010, and for the first time ever, in South Australia. The gatherings have a reputation of being times of rich...
View Articlechurch in the city: inspiration beyond our walls
After two excellent days of input at the City Church conference – first from Tim Costello (on leadership and the city), second from a group of city planners (City as Contested space) – it was my turn...
View Articleresourcing mission: challenge or opportunity?
Two different moments today that got me thinking about resourcing mission. First, a student assignment. It described a standard local Uniting Church. Aging, struggling. It is resourced by a supply...
View Articlepioneer night for a pioneer course in a pioneer country: launch of mission...
Last night was a good night. The wind was wild and the rain heavy. But the room felt warm and alive. A pilot of the mission shaped ministry (msm) course kicks off in Adelaide July 27. A partnership...
View Articlemagical night: Review of Shaun Tan’s Arrival
Just back from a magical night at Her Majesty’s Theatre, experiencing Shaun Tan’s The Arrival, put to music by composer Ben Walsh. A visual and auditory experience that over 1 hour 15 minute, engaged...
View ArticleWhy are women more religious than men?
Today I am speaking at a Flinders University Sociology seminar. I am providing a response to a visiting lecturer from the University of Aberdeen, Dr Marta Trzebiatowska, who will address the topic: Why...
View Articlewhy church?
Was great to listen to John Swinton, Professor of Practical Theology from Aberdeen University, speak at the Uniting Church of South Australia Synod today. Back in 2003, I wrote a journal article on his...
View Articleif you meet monthly, what do I do with the rest of my month?
Christendom is built on a weekly gathering model. It’s not, of course, the only way. Monasteries meet daily, while the Old Testament festival pattern suggests 3 times a year. (Deuteronomy 16:15-16 “For...
View ArticleTarlee bound for Trinity Sunday
I’m off early tomorrow morning to spend a day with Tarlee Uniting. They are about 90 minutes drive away. They are led by a Lay Ministry Team, so I’m there to led worship and preach and hopefully give...
View ArticleYarta Wandatha by Denise Champion: book review
Originally published in Uniting Church Studies, 20(2) pp. 69-71. Review Yarta Wandatha, Denise Champion with Rosemary Dewerse, Adelaide: Denise Champion 2014. Yarta Wandatha by Denise Champion is a...
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