Since the start of last week I've been in Queensland, interviewing congregational leaders, lay and ordained, about Christian education and discipleship. This has included a 'church plant' in association with a church school, a revitalised suburban congregation, two churches in Townsville - one a long-time charismatic congregation, the other more 'mainstream' but seeking to be renewed, and an aboriginal community in Mapoon, far north Queensland. Diverse, rich, stimulating conversations, with a host of insights for other churches. I was fortunate to get an afternoon at Rowes Bay north of Townsille, where there were a couple of dozen kite surfers putting on a spectacular show for passers-by.
A particular highlight has been the chance to spend a few days in Mapoon on the west of Cape York north of Weipa - talking with James Hughes and Michelle Cook who share ministry in the area. Michelle is the minister in Mapoon, an aboriginal community of a couple of hundred people, and James works as a youth worker across Mapoon, Naprunum, Weipa, etc. The manse is right next to the beach so we went fishing - didnt catch anything but got given a huge 'Queenie'.
I learned about life and ministry in these communities. We sat with Saimoni, the minister at Naprunum, where they were planning forthcoming visits from a church in Brisbane and a school in Tasmania. Visits by young people from other places and by the local youth to other places have been a significant dimension of youth ministry here. [Photo below: meeting in Saimoni's church office]
Also a trip to the local lake with the youth group, where James and Michelle talked about the meaning of baptism and we prayed for the young people about to be baptised this coming Sunday.
Lots of things to reflect on in terms of connections between gospel and culture, forming indigenous leaders, ministry as living within a community, the place of Scripture and Spirit in discipling, and the challenges facing indigenous people in Australia. I'm sorry to be leaving so soon.
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