Each year we have a gathering of the Mission and Minister’s network. The network is part of UnitingCare Australia, which is an national body of the Uniting Church. It is now an insightful and enjoyable gathering of colleagues which I look forward to each year. Our conversation covered theology of social …
On Tuesday night Joanna took the leadaround the attributes of good questions. We explored the way in which we all can shaped group gatherings and ensure they don’t turn into committee meetings. We asked the group to do some self leading and reflection on two more case studies (blogs from …
Remember what it feels like to be so listened too that a weight lifts from your shoulders and a new view emerges? Unstuck is a case study experience which provides a space to explore their ministry roles and settings. This is a chance for you to draw from a collaborative …
Many church congregations have members who have a mental health concern. And sometimes it isn’t clear which is the best way for a congregation to respond. “So you start a support group, or a pastoral care group or a community garden?” Simon Dent (Coromandel Valley Uniting Church) has asked Faith in Action this very question. “So …
We have provided ambulances at the bottom of the cliff. It is the communities job to build the fence at the top. Today Joanna and I are in Melbourne with Jim Diers hosted by the VicTas Synod. I’ve heard from Jim previously and when I realised he was back in …
Today I was responsible for bringing Colleen the Tea Pot to an event in the city. We have invited city workplaces adjoining Pitt St to join us for a cuppa and conversation. We were launching the street art some of our staff and friends have created. We had twenty or …
When was the last time you spent as much time working on a good question? Asking the right questions is key to good community work and great ministry. Joanna and I have found two resources which will kick off this topic at our next Faith in Action workshop. The prereading …
The US is infamous for their bitter debates about abortion. But did you also know that there are a group of churches – evangelical, conservative and progressive, catholic and protestant – all who have joined with non church social service agencies to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies? I’m looking …
In May Faith in Action continues our workshops which focus on the skills and attitude of ABCD informed leadership. Friday May 23 we are hosting will explore Collective Impact with Graham McKerracher from Community Centres SA. Collective Impact assumes all organisations including churches have something to contribute to the community. Come along and hear how …
Colleen the Tea Pot has made it onto the ABC 7.30 Report. If you missed it here is the link http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-21/nice-and-neighbourly/5338236 My introduction to Colleen can be found at https://myfaithinaction.net/?p=2248
Setup three chairs in front of the group Inviting people to make a pitch for what needs to be changed (consider pre prepared) Pitcher makes her contribution then sits centrally People are invited to come to take a seat at the front and comment and criticise. The pitcher stays quiet …
Peter Kenyon’s use of open space is quick and light. In the last hour of the workshop Peter asked people to pitch the issues they wanted to discuss in light of his ABCD workshop presentation. The following issues came to the surface How to engage pastors /leaders with ABCD How to …