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reCharge NEWS August 2025

reCharge NEWS August 2025

SparkLit Awards Night

2025 Australian Christian Book of the Year Announced 

The 2025 Australian Christian Book of the Year was announced by SparkLit at their awards night last Thursday, 21 August 2025. This year’s winner is Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence and You by Stephen Driscoll, published by Matthias Media. 

According to the judges: 

“This is a realistic and fearless assessment of the ways AI could change our world. Stephen Driscoll expertly explains AI technologies and how they evolve… Driscoll communicates with wit and gravity, and the result is balanced and memorable. There is nothing like a revolution to test the foundations and scope of our hope.” (Source: SparkLit, accessed 25 August 2025) 

Awards were also presented for the Young Australian Christian Writer and Australian Christian Teen Writer. The Australian Christian Literature Awards celebrate writing and publishing that helps people encounter Jesus in ways that are authentic and culturally relevant. The SparkLit Awards exist to recognise and encourage excellence in Australian Christian writing and publishing. 

Each year, SparkLit presents these awards for original works by Australian citizens. Beyond the awards, SparkLit advances God’s Kingdom by empowering Christian writers, publishers, and distributors—making Christian books available, accessible, and affordable where commitment is strong but resources are scarce. 

Watch the 2025 SparkLit Awards Night livestream below.

Global Leadership Summit

Hobart Event on Monday, 13 October 

Get global, locally, by attending the GLS 1-Day Conference at Citywide Baptist Church.  

Citywide is hosting the event for leaders wherever they are: the workplace, the community, the family. Gather with other growth-minded leaders for world-class leadership content, interactive discussion times and networking with all your meals included. Discover your leadership. Step into your potential.  

GLS is an international leadership training and inspirational annual event, highly recommended for all who have leadership influence, especially in churches, but also in business and society.  

When: Monday 13 October, 10.00am – 4.00pm. 

Where: 400 Cambridge Road, Mornington 

Cost: $50 (early bird) 

For more info or to register email Jan Norton  jan@citywidehobart.org.au  

Visit the GLS website for more info 

Women Leaders Network Walk

20 September 2025 

The WLN is asking women (and men) to ‘Walk Where You Are’.  By walking to support the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) you’re joining the global conversation, lifting other women leaders, and helping to clear the path making it just a little easier for those who follow.  

HOBART COHORT 

Walk with the Leading Light (Hobart) cohort on 20th September. 

WHEN: 2:00pm – 4:30pm on Saturday, 20 September 2025 

WHERE: Arm End Walk (Approx. 90-minutes) Meet at Eastlands to carpool from there. Optional coffee afterwards. 

COST: $10 donation is required to walk. 

To participate, register for the Every Step Hobart Walk HERE > 

Provide a leadership title and indicate you are joining the Hobart cohort. 

For more info contact Jenny Baxter, Southern Tas Cohort Leader, WLN Leading Light on jb@jennybaxter.com.au or 0401 652 566  

Women Leaders Network Goals are: 
– To identify women leaders, in all sectors, around the globe 
– To empower women leaders by creating opportunity for connection and relationship so they can be encouraged, strengthened, and networked together 
– To equip women leaders with resourcing, training, coaching and mentoring 
– To release women leaders to use their leadership gifts, to work well alongside men, and to use their voices to transform their churches and local communities

NW Sabbath of Wonder Retreat

Register Now – One spot left!

What is a Sabbath of Wonder retreat? It’s a beautiful opportunity to create sacred space in your life. Beginning at sunset on Friday and concluding at sunset on Saturday, think of it as a spiritual getaway designed just for you. The Northwest Sabbath of Wonder Retreat is happening on 12-13 September, and we still have a place available. You’re welcome to attend no matter where you’re from! How about setting aside one day to rest, recuperate, and reflect?

WHEN: Friday 12 September 2025, 4:30pm – Saturday 13 September 2025, 4:30pm. BONUS: Stay Saturday night at no extra charge (see retreat details for more info).

WHERE: Absolute Paradise Beach House, Esplanade, Turners Beach
– 6 mins from Ulverstone
– 12 mins from Devonport
– 25 mins from Burnie

COST: $150/person. Concession is $100/person (only two available).
Payment due ASAP.

Ready to join? REGISTER ASAP by emailing Jenny Baxter: jenny@tasbaptists.org.au 

DOWNLOAD retreat details here. Includes payment details & cancellation policy.  

Global Week of Prayer

1-7 September 
24-7 Prayer are inviting the global Church to pray non-stop for every nation on earth. If you’re already making space to pray, why not join prayers with a global movement.

Whether it’s for your community or another corner of the world, praying together is powerful. This event invites communities worldwide to engage in creative, hands-on prayer experiences, uniting the global Church in a shared declaration of God’s greatness.  

When: 1-7 September
For more info, visit the Global Week of Prayer website here.

Mental Health First Aid Course

13 & 20 September 
Citywide Baptist Church in Lenah Valley is offering a fully National Accredited Mental First Aid Course. The course runs over two full Saturdays. The cost is significantly reduced, due to an accredited congregant offering their time to run this course. 

When: 13 & 20 September, from 9.00am to 4.30pm each of those days. 
Where: Citywide Baptist Church, 2 Pottery Road, Lenah Valley. 
Cost: $50/head for manual and lunch.  

For more info or to register, email: church@citywidehobart.org.au

4-10 August is Homelessness and Loneliness Week 

Loneliness on the edges of our communities 
This National Loneliness Week, we’re reminded that isolation isn’t always visible. It’s the person sleeping rough, the refugee far from home, the elderly neighbour no longer seen, or the young person couch-surfing without support. 

This year’s theme for Loneliness Awareness Week (held annually in the first week of August) is Moments Matter. While forming connections takes time and effort, it often starts with a small moment. 

While many of our churches are quietly offering welcome, meals, and community, the need is growing. Loneliness and homelessness are deeply spiritual concerns. Jesus made a habit of drawing near to those on the margins. His ministry was presence. He didn’t avoid the outcast, instead he ate with them, touched them, called them by name. 

During the week homelessness services and community groups raise awareness of the impact of homelessness, and the solutions needed to end homelessness, and advocate for change via national and local community events, media and social media activities. 

What Can I Do?

Check out Homelessness Week resources.

Support Launceston City Mission’s Winter Appeal here.

Find out more about Loneliness Awareness Week or read the Call for Connection Report. This report is about, ‘Understanding and Addressing Youth Loneliness in Australia’. This report sheds light on the real experience of loneliness for young people – what it feels like, what contributes to it and what enables connection. This is not a collection of statistics, but a reflection of real voices and real lives. 

Download the Report here 

Baptcare

Volunteers Wanted 
Baptcare is a not-for-profit Baptist organisation providing residential aged care, in-home care, and community services across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia.  

Baptcare is inviting new volunteers for Orana Social Centre in Devonport East. They are looking for people with a kind heart, a listening ear, or a passion for making others smile. The role could involve companionship, support with lifestyle activities, or sharing a special talent, every volunteer brings something unique and valuable.

Volunteering with Baptcare is flexible, rewarding, and a beautiful way to give back and for helping to build a community where everyone feels connected and cared for. 
Contact Marina on 03 9831 7294 or email mgeorgievski@baptcare.org.au   

Or click the links below to apply and for more details.

Tassie’s Got Talent! At Orana Respite & Social Centre  

Join Orana Social Centre  

‘Conversations on Hope’ Webinar

Presented by NCLS Research and Tearfund 

How Hopeful Are Australians? Join us for an engaging webinar exploring Australians’ views on hope, featuring fresh insights from the 2025 Australian Community Survey.

Date: Thursday 14 August 
Time: 12:30–1:30pm (AEST) 

Free tickets: Register here 

You’ll discover: 
• Key national findings on Australians’ experiences and perceptions of hope 
• Reflections on practical applications of the research 
• Stories and insights from guest practitioners 

Speaker: Dr Ruth Powell, Director of NCLS Research and Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University, brings decades of expertise in social trends and religious life in Australia. 

For more information, contact Connie Lim at connie@wildhive.com.au

reCharge News August 2025

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Transformational Community

Transformational community

by Maddy Svoboda

The Year 1996

The year is 1996. Atlanta hosted the Olympic Games, and the Nintendo 64 was unleashed upon the world, bringing great joy as you lay proximity mines in the facility level on Goldeneye 64. The Spice Girls released ‘Wannabe’ and Tickle Me Elmo was created. It was also the year that I started high school at Queechy High School (Queechy is quality with a capital K…a real-life quote from someone who went to Queechy) and I connected with a group of people who would drastically alter the direction of my life. 

The group of people that I started hanging out with were a group of Christians who took their faith seriously. As someone who had given Jesus absolutely no consideration in my life, I remember simultaneously being impressed that these guys enjoyed basketball and heavy metal music and intrigued that they seemed to have something that I didn’t have that I couldn’t put my finger on. They were kind, patient and genuinely seemed to care about me, despite the constant tirades of profanities that exited my mouth. 

These guys stuck with me right up to the moment that I was baptised five years later. I remember talking to one the night I was baptised, and he shared with me that this group of friends had met together every week for one hour, simply to pray for me and that I may come to know Jesus. For five years, they prayed even though there were many times it looked as if my life was on a progressively more destructive trajectory. I am, literally, eternally grateful for their heart and commitment to Jesus and myself. 

1996 Transformational Community

A Safe Space

Now absolutely, this story speaks to the power of prayer, but what strikes me profoundly is the depth of community that I unwittingly stepped into back in 1996. I entered a group of friends who lived out their faith in Jesus publicly and privately, who lived life alongside me in my best and worst moments and refused to walk away. They gave me a safe space to ask questions if I had them, express doubts when I had them, to share from my depths in deep and meaningful conversation moments and to be myself, even though I’m sure they didn’t agree with the choices I was making. 

Right from day one, my life was marinated in the beauty of deep, transformational community. As my faith has progressed, being a part of this level of sharing and caring has been part of forming me into the person I am today. As someone from a broken home and family, I longed for a level of acceptance and welcome and when followers of Jesus are at their best, this is a natural overflow of our connection to the true vine.  

‘One Another’ Commands

In the eyewitness account of Jesus life written by John, he records Jesus saying:

I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35 (emphasis mine).

As we are in community with the Trinitarian God and receiving his love, the overflow should be that same love shown to us, shown by us for each other. 

This is why there are so many ‘one another’ commands; this is what the life of love looks like on the ground. Outdo one another with honour. Forgive one another. Confess your sins to one another. Encourage one another. Bear one another’s burdens. Bear with one another. Admonish or reprimand one another. Pray for one another. This is what the life of Jesus looks like lived out. 

If we are wanting to develop and cultivate intergenerational churches, we must become places and people who love like this. I truly believe this type of community transforms lives, as it did in 2001 when I entered the waters of baptism, responding to the love of Jesus that was shown to me through my friends.

Maddy Svoboda

Rev. Maddy Svoboda is the pastor at Summerhill Baptist, and represents the Greater Launceston churches on the Tasmanian Baptists Mission Leadership Team.

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A Kingdom Full of Unlikelies

Men fishing Sacred agents

by Andrew Turner

“And I always make sure I invite some people who I’m fairly sure will say no.”

I heard this little off-the-cuff sentence from Melinda Dwight (former Director of Alpha Australia) two years ago, and it’s stayed with me ever since. 

Inviting is an important part of being a sacred agent. We all have our different gifts, ministries and settings, but at the end of the day – in fact all day – we represent the One who is inviting people everywhere into his kingdom. The gospel is news – and it’s also an invitation. 

As representatives of Jesus, we want to be as inviting as he is, whether that be inviting others to lunch, to youth group, home group, Alpha or a church service. Is our invitation as genuine, warm, strong, and gentle as his? And importantly, is it as wide? 

When we think about inviting, or are encouraging others to invite, so often our thought process goes like this: Can I think of one person among my contacts, who may be likely to be interested? And our minds are drawn to those most Christ-adjacent. 

But Jesus’ kingdom doesn’t work like that. Surely we know that he doesn’t only invite those already closest to him. Saul of Tarsus certainly wasn’t. The kingdom is full of unlikelies. And even those who do indeed say no, No, or NO need to know that they are invited. The invitation itself plants a seed. 

“Just know you’re definitely invited“

Imagine how things would change if we shifted the norm from ‘thinking of one person to invite’ to ‘putting the word out to all our contacts’: 

– We’d be almost certain to see a lot more people joining us, and;

– A great many Australians would be receiving multiple invitations, and what would they make of that? 

We know that a lot Australians are interested in Jesus. Where their blockage is a sense that they don’t qualify or wouldn’t be welcome, what’s needed is an invitation. It needn’t be high-pressure, it could be as simple as a text message like this: 

Hello everyone I know within cooee: Our church at West Beach is starting a new series through John’s gospel this week. Also an Alpha Course starting Aug 21. Let me know if you’d like to come along – or surprise me there! Just know you’re definitely invited. 

In Jesus’ teaching, the Sower spreads the seed very broadly, and the fisher casts a wide net, not just a single line. How wide is the net you’re casting? 

Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover.

Andrew Turner is Director of Crossover for Australian Baptist Ministries.
Photo by Photo by Cassiano Psomas on Unsplash.

A Kingdom Full of Unlikelies

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Finding A Point of Difference

Andrea Badcock, a Point of Difference

Finding A Point of Difference

Heartlands News

Andrea Badcock works for Tasmanian Baptists two mornings a week and Newstead Baptist three mornings a week, while also running her own business from home.

Born and Raised in Tassie 

I was born in Launceston, Tasmania, to Dutch immigrants. I’ve been bilingual for as long as I can remember— although my parents never deliberately set out to make me so, I simply began to understand what they were saying. 

Before I was born, my parents began attending the Christian Revival Crusade (CRC) with Pastor Ken Chant. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, though not always a regular churchgoer. I was saved at nine and baptised at 14. I loved being a Pentecostal believer, and I loved my church and its youth community. 

My mum’s family came to Tasmania shortly after they left Holland, because they missed her— apart from one sister who married and moved to South Africa. Mum had four brothers and four sisters; Dad was one of eight, with six brothers and one sister. One of Mum’s brothers and sisters lived nearby, and we often did things together as a family. Mum miscarried my brother at six months and was told not to have more children, which was heartbreaking for them and for me.

Growing Up

We lived in Zeehan for five years (1969–1974), and as a child I loved it. It was a lively, community-minded place to grow up. My performing life began there with a Brownie production of Snow White and a school production of Off the Beaten Track. That’s when I knew I wanted to perform. I danced, sang, and wanted to record music. When we moved back to Launceston, I pursued my dream and by 16, I was performing in a band at local pubs and clubs. 

“You Can Do This”

At 19, I was in a horrendous car accident on my way to the Mother of the Year contest and never made it there. It took 18-months before I could walk unaided. Doctors told my mother there was only a slim chance I’d walk again, and that I would likely be in a wheelchair for life. 

Mum clung to that small chance with her faith in God and sheer determination. Through painful rehab, and Mum pushing me as hard as she could, I eventually walked again. My spine is fused, which keeps me upright, and although I sometimes use walking aids, I can always hear Mum’s voice: You can do this. I know you can! 

A Fork in the Road 

In my twenties, I moved around before settling in Newcastle for a year, where much of Mum’s family lived. I cared for my Oma (grandmother) and worked in Sydney. This is where I began singing in piano bars with a fellow Tasmanian pianist, and we did quite well. I even met Michael Gudinski, who wanted to record my voice. At that point, I was eager to seize the opportunity, but my back problems flared up, landing me in hospital sky high on drugs. I had to cancel the recording contract. 

I haven’t regretted it. At the time, the paparazzi were relentless, and like many artists, I found them intimidating. Princess Diana’s death in 1997 was a wake-up call about the downsides of fame. I felt safe at home, playing in my band every Friday and Saturday night. Even now, people come up to me saying, “You played at our wedding … at the football club … at the pub … at festivals.” Those memories mean a lot. 

Tasmanian Life

I’m married to Dale, and we have four children: three boys and one girl: Will (30), Esther (24), Aidan (23), and James (21). They are a joy and I love them so much.  

To see them grow into well-adjusted adults is such a blessing, especially considering doctors once told me I wouldn’t have children. After nine miscarriages Will was born, I am so amazed by them 

I now split my time between working for Tasmanian Baptists (two mornings a week), Newstead Baptist (three mornings a week), and running my business, A Point of Difference Labour Hire, which provides seasonal workers from Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and the Wallis and Futuna Islands. 

For the Love of Music 

I currently have a youth production called Youth Spectacular in the works, though it’s on hold due to work commitments. We’re aiming for March/April 2026. It’s a showcase for talented young dancers, singers, and instrumentalists from Launceston and surrounds. They help create the performance from the ground up—choosing lights, costumes, and even music—while working alongside industry professionals. If you see the advertising, please come and see them!      

I play bass guitar and piano in the church band, making sure that the keys are correct and that everyone has a copy. I am currently learning how to do the audiovisuals for songs and announcements. Playing the music is uplifting and I love that, doing the AV. It’s a part of music and I still feel connected to it.

How to Pray for Andrea …

I’m working on maintaining a calm, non-stressed attitude—something that doesn’t always come naturally. My role sometimes requires delivering difficult feedback or even letting someone go after repeated warnings, which I find challenging. 

Pray that I keep walking closely with God, that I continue to be a “point of difference” in my work, and that the people I manage understand we care about them—not just as workers, but as people.

Short ‘n’ Sweet

I‘m looking forward to… playing bass with the Worship Team.

I am worried about… getting everything done on time as some of the time lines are a bit tight. 

I‘m confident in… the work I do, and feel the hand of God asking me to stay.

I am joyful about… having the energy to complete the tasks that are set for me. 

I‘d like to change… the pain of war in the countries where war is going on at the the moment.

I am at my best when… I am helping others, chatting with them 

The best advice I ever received? If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. 

Go back to Heartlands Spring 2025

Finding A Point of Difference

Originally published in Tasmanian Baptists reCharge, 13 August 2025

More Amazing Tasmanian Baptist Women

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Do the Work of an Evangelist

Sacred Agents people fishing

by Andrew Turner

‘But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist…’ (2 Tim 4)

“Give a person a fish, and they’ll eat for a day. Teach a person to fish and they’ll eat for a lifetime.” It’s a great principle, right? But if you push it to a logical conclusion, if it’s always better to teach than to fish, there would be only talking and no fishing and mass starvation. Someone’s gotta fish!  

I’ve been thinking about this as I notice a very encouraging sign in our movement. In times past, we’ve typically tried to address the need for evangelism by doing sermon series on evangelism. It’s been noble in intention, but blind to a significant side-effect: Who’s going to invite an unbeliever to church when the sermon is about evangelism? It had hints of the fishing-lessons-to-mass-starvation vortex. 

But more and more churches are investing directly in doing the work of evangelism. Alpha courses are run in Baptist churches like never before – 565 courses so far this year! We’ve just hit the one millionth Australian Alpha participant – and I’m proud to be six of them! Perhaps what excites me most is that more churches now run Alpha (or similar courses) as a matter of course rather than as an occasional special. May that continue until evangelism is completely mainstreamed as the bread and butter of Baptist churches! 

Show a Person How to Fish

The saying, “teach a person to fish,” really should be “show a person how to fish.” A highly effective way for pastors to equip the church for evangelism is simply to preach evangelistically. Those that do receive the triple-benefit of encouraging believers in their faith, giving examples of how to share it, and inclining attendees to invite their friends. 

Our world is full of vacuous opinions and empty content in a way that eerily mirrors the world of Paul and Timothy. Their contemporary Dio Chrysostom noted, ‘you might hear many poor wretches of sophists shouting and abusing one another, and their disciples, as they call them, squabbling, and many writers of books reading their stupid compositions, and many poets singing their poems, and many jugglers exhibiting their marvels, and many sooth-sayers giving the meaning of their prodigies, and ten thousand rhetoricians twisting lawsuits, and no small number of traders driving their several trades.’ 

That sounds as much like the twenty-first century as the first. What’s needed now as much as then are people able to keep their head when others’ are turned by every fad or scare, able to endure hardship when others baulk at mere inconvenience, and willing to do the work of an evangelist. In a world of ideological junk food, those who offer a truly nutritious meal will find plenty of hungry hearts and minds.

Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover.

Andrew Turner is Director of Crossover for Australian Baptist Ministries.
Photo by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash. This article also appears on the Australian Baptists Ministries website here.

Do the Work of an Evangelist

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reCharge NEWS July 2025

reCharge NEWS July 2025

Baptist World Aid Australia release life-changing Statistics

Baptist World Aid Australia released their FY25 Annual Tax Summary to supporters this month, highlighting the powerful impact of this year’s life-changing support.

ALMOST 800,000 PEOPLE
Communities have been strengthened through livelihood training, disaster preparedness, education campaigns, and community groups that help solve local challenges. This year’s support equipped vulnerable families with essentials after disasters. This included providing warm bedding, temporary shelter, and clean drinking water where they’re needed most.

OVER 300,000 CHILDREN AND YOUTH  
Children and youth are stepping up as future leaders. Supporters empowered Partners to uphold children’s rights at home, in schools, and within communities. Children adopted healthier habits and shared their knowledge widely. Young people raised their voices against child labour and child marriage, driving real change.

34 LOCAL CHRISTIAN PARTNERS IN 20 COUNTRIES  
Supporters enabled 57 projects that helped people emerge from poverty. Parents gained training and tools to earn a living. Farmers grew stronger, more resilient crops. Marginalised groups found their voices, participating in community decisions. Support helped to break down social, physical, and legal barriers to essential services.

Global Leadership Summit 1-Day Conference 

11 & 24 October 2025 

Leadership isn’t reserved for boardrooms or big stages—it’s for wherever you are: your workplace, your community, your family. Experience a dynamic 1-day, city-wide conference. Gather with other growth-minded leaders for world-class leadership content, interactive discussion times and networking with all your meals included. 

On 11 & 24 October, GLS25 is coming to Devonport (11 Oct)  and Launceston (24 Oct)  to equip you with the insights and tools to lead with clarity and impact, right where life happens.  

Super Early Bird registration is open until 31 July. 

Register for the GLS25 1-Day Conference here 

You’ll receive exclusive bonus content with (Early Bird rego) designed to accelerate your leadership journey. Discover your leadership. Step into your potential. Find your nearest site, register now and keep walking forward in your God-given purpose. 

What to expect at a GLS Premier… check it out! 

Council of the Baptist Union of Tasmania 

Council Report1

At its June meeting, the Council of the Baptist Union of Tasmania discussed the transition of leadership from Stephen Baxter to Matt Garvin as Mission Director. Particular attention was given to outlining how Matt’s six-month probationary period would be reviewed. Council also discussed the scope and expectations of his role during the transition period.  

As Matt Garvin is now an employee of the Union, he no longer serves as a member of Council. To fill the resulting vacancy, council agreed to recommend Craig Hawkins to assembly as the next Deputy Chair.  

The Council also endorsed a new recommendation for aligning the pastor’s stipend to a Tasmanian-based standard. This links it to the State Service Professional Band rather than the current mainland references, with the aim of better reflecting the local context. 

The Council also spent time reviewing the strategic direction for Tasmanian Baptists. This included feedback from the recent Assembly and work done so far by Council and staff to shape a clear and contextualised plan for the future.  

The five key priorities identified in the plan are leadership development, deepening connections, strategic investment of resources, reframing the narrative, and celebration of hope and the Kingdom. These areas will guide the work of the new Mission Director and the Tasmanian Baptist team in the coming years.  

The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for Saturday, August 30. 

1This is a revised news item from Wednesday 2 July 2025.

Baptist World Alliance Women (BWA Women / BWAW) 

New President Installed at Baptist Women’s Summit 

Baptist World Alliance Women is pleased to announce the appointment of Karlene Edwards-Warrick as President of BWA Women, and Ruba Rihani Abbassi appointed as First Vice President. These two positions usher in a new era of leadership for the global network of Baptist women. 

As one of her first responsibilities in the role, President Edwards-Warrick co-led the communion service at the closing celebration of the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, on 12 July 2025, alongside new BWA Chair Karl Johnson. 

This marks the first time a BWA Women President has been given the honour to lead this important part of the Congress proceedings. 

Edwards-Warrick, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, is the first representative from the Caribbean to serve as BWA Women President – bringing over four decades of ministry and leadership experience to the role.  

Abbassi, based in Jordan, is the founder and CEO of Arab Woman Today (AWT), a ministry dedicated to empowering Arab women across the Middle East through media, education, and community programs.  

Both leaders were commissioned at the recent 2025 Baptist Women’s Summit.  Surrounded by their families, Edwards-Warrick and Abbassi were prayed over by outgoing President Karen Wilson (Australia) who has served from 2020 to 2025. 

With 700 women from over 60 countries in attendance, the summit served as a powerful moment of global celebration and spiritual commissioning.

BWA President Karlene Edwards-Warrick co-leading the Communion Service at the 23rd Baptist World Congress alongside BWA Chair Karl Johnson. 
Karlene Edwards-Warrick from Trinidad and Tobago is the first woman from the Caribbean to serve as a BWA Women President.

Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast

Wednesday, 26 November.

Save the Date for the 20th Annual Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast that is on Wednesday, 26 November. This year celebrates 20 years with guest speaker John Dickson. John is an Australian Writer, Speaker, and Academic. He is also a public advocate for the Christian Faith. Doors open 6:30am for 6:45am start; concludes by 8:45am 

Registrations open soon on the website here.  

Perth Baptist Grant

Support for Church’s Community Programs

Perth Baptist Church is thrilled to announce it has secured a grant from the Tasmanian Christian Fund to cover the cost of food for several of its community programs over the next six months.  

The grant was awarded through a formal application process with the Tasmanian Christian Fund. They are committed to inspiring, resourcing, and growing creative evangelistic projects in Tasmania. The annual grant round is designed to support initiatives that engage local communities with the message of hope.  

The funding will support catering for the church’s Kids Club and children’s program, the Alpha course, and a community picnic planned for December. These events represent a significant investment for the church. 

Youth Alive 

Main Event 2025 

Main Event is a state wide outreach event for youth from all over Tasmania to gather and enjoy a phenomenal night of unity. With festival activities, the Youth Alive Band, guest speakers and renown entertainment. This will be the biggest youth event of the year! 

Main Event 2025 features Youth Alive Vic Director, Ps Dave Edgar and Planetshakers Creative Director, Josh Ham. 

Ps Dave’s desire for people to experience freedom in Christ partnered with sound biblical doctrine has formed years of powerful ministry moments and leadership teachings. 

Planetshakers’ Josh Ham is returning to Main Event 2025 with a whole new set! He was a huge highlight from last year and will raise the roof again!! 

Main Event will also feature a massive festival full of inflatable rides, laser tag, food vans, merchandise, live DJ sets, 3v3 basketball competitions, giveaways, and more!! 

To volunteer: If you’d like to volunteer, please reach out to the team through the Youth Alive website.

Location: Door of Hope Church, Launceston 
When: 3PM-8PM on Saturday, 23 August 2025 
Who: School students in grades 6-12* 
Cost: $10 per person 

*Adults over 18 are allowed if they are a youth leader/volunteering with a youth ministry  

For more info and to purchase tickets, visit the event booking website here 

2025 SparkLit Awards

Shortlist Announced

SparkLit has released the shortlist for the 2025 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award, highlighting ten diverse and thought-provoking titles that reflect the depth and breadth of Christian writing in Australia. 

This year’s shortlisted books explore topics ranging from theology and artificial intelligence to Indigenous perspectives, biblical studies, and Christian leadership.

The 2025 shortlisted titles are: 

– The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory by Robert S. Smith (Lexham Press) 

– Confessions of an Amateur Saint: The Christian Leader’s Journey from Self-Sufficiency to Reliance on God by Mandy Smith (NavPress) 

– Godaku Tjukurpa: Tjitji Tjutangku Nyakula Kulintjaku by Various Authors (Bible Society)

– Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence and You by Stephen Driscoll (Matthias Media) 

– Modern Genre Theory: An Introduction for Biblical Studies by Andrew Judd (Zondervan Academic) 

– Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities by Mark R. Glanville (IVP Academic) 

– Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age by Sarah Irving-Stonebraker (Zondervan Reflective) 

– Subjects and Citizens: The Politics of the Gospel – Lessons from Romans 12–15 by Michael P. Jensen (Matthias Media) 

– This Teeming Mess of Glory by Matthew Pullar (Resource Publications) 

– World Christianity: An Introduction by Graham Joseph Hill (Cascade Books) 

The winners will be announced at the 2025 SparkLit Awards Night. The winners will be announced at the 2025 SparkLit Awards Night. in Melbourne on Thursday, 21 August.

The event will include a special appearance by SparkLit project partner Nozomi Kusunoki. Tickets to attend in person are available or watch online for free. Further details and registration are available on SparkLit’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Alpha

The Marriage Course Experience

The Marriage Course has reached over 4 million people in more than 120 countries and it is in over 40 languages. Founders and hosts, Nicky & Sila Lee, have added a brand new exclusive session for church leader couples, called ‘Marriage & Ministry’. 

Now Alpha Australia is inviting couples to join The Marriage Course Experience. In this course, church leaders and ministry couples will explore conversations together on a range of subjects that will strengthen their marriages 

Over the past three years, 1,022 pastor couples globally have participated in the course. This includes 130 Australian couples. Couples can join from their own home and engage in private conversations on a range of topics to strengthen their marriage, including navigating ministry pressures.

Location: Online only 
When: From Monday, 21 July for eight weeks 
Who: This course is exclusively designed for church leaders and ministry couples 
Cost: $50 per couple (to cover the cost of journals) 

For more info and to register, visit the website here.  

reCharge News July 2025

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Around the Churches July 2025

Around the Churches July 2025

There’s lots happening at Tas Baptist churches around the state. Churches in this edition include: City Baptist, Newstead Baptist, LifeWay Baptist, The Point Baptist, Ulverstone Baptist and Citywide Baptist.

NORTH

City Baptist

The church is starting Alpha from 27 July at 12pm on Sundays at Boathouse Function Centre. They recently sent 18 Brooks High School students – many involved in the Youth Revolution after-school group, to the Supa & Beyond Scripture Union camp at Carnacoo, Paper Beach.

With support from Re-imagine Young Adults volunteers. There are plans to launch Youth Alpha with Youth Revolution participants. Youth Revolution (for Brooks high school students) continues as a collaborative event that occurs on Monday afternoons. 

Making A Difference Locally
City Baptist is also making a difference locally. The church contributed $50,000 towards the Waverley Primary School kitchen redevelopment, made possible by a generous bequest. A City Baptist member, who serves as the school chaplain, brought the need to our attention. Jenna and Merelyn enjoyed their time at the recent Baptist World Alliance world congress (see the photos below). 

Newstead Baptist

Recent activities at Newstead (NBC) highlight the vision of the church to be intentional in growing mature disciples and developing intergenerational ministry. 

NBC Women’s Retreat  
The 23 women who attended the day relished this time of fellowship. Together, with Jenna Blackwell from TasBaptists, the group explored the experience of those on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).  Jesus joined alongside his followers, though they did not recognise him at first, he walked with them and listened as they shared their confusion and uncertainty. Then they came to realise it was Jesus who had been with them all along. 

Walk This Way 
Walk This Way are Sunday afternoon walks for all-ages and family friendly. Designed to enjoy God’s creation. They are an initiative of Pastor Dan and held in partnership with Scripture Union. Recent walks have included a picnic lunch and walk to the cave at Roach’s farm, and a walk to Punchbowl Falls. 

NBC Chat ‘n Choose 
After celebrating the Biggest Morning Tea for cancer fundraising in May, this weekly ministry group is now trialling a move from Butler House into the church building which provides more space to meet, with better access to new amenities. 

BDC Building a Discipleship Culture at NBC 
Church Council have commenced alternating meeting times. They will aim to tackle regular church business at one fortnightly meeting and, at the other, to focus on discipleship training and prayer to prioritise this as leadership at NBC. 

Alpha 
NBC is excited to partner with City Baptist to host an upcoming Alpha, commencing at The Boathouse from July 28. 

Perth Baptist

School Holidays Children’s Camp
After careful planning, Perth Baptist successfully ran their first school holidays children’s camp and community meal in the just concluded July holidays. Over 20 kids came to the camp and heard about the gospel, with stories of courage and the power of God, and took home gospel material. On the Friday night, the church welcomed eight parents to the meal.

Despite rainy conditions forecast for the next three days, God gave the team great weather with no rain while the camp was running. They were very grateful to God for leading, enabling, and working, not just with the kids and their families, but with church members as well.

Praise God for His work in the preparation and running the kid’s camp. The team are in prayer for the next stage and asking God about a regular children’s outreach. God is working in the community and the church as they take the next steps in His plan.  

(Stay tuned for the full-length story in an upcoming issue!)

The Point Baptist

The Texans
The Point Baptist hosted a family of four Texans (the Horton family) over for 5 weeks for an outreach program into the local community. Outreach included mainly Basketball and fishing. Mr Chris Horton is a basketball coach back home and Heather Horton is a teacher. Daughter, Dempsy, and son, Jace, have helped with youth and carried out the communion talks. The Hortons have also been teaching the church on leadership. Church members report that this has been amazing, very insightful and truly a blessing.

New Youth Leader 
A few more people have come along to the church, and they have just employed one of their own young people to take on youth leadership.  

Making memories with messy moments 

Creation Outreach 
Elder, Craig Hawkins, has ventured off to the mainland for outreach using the Creation Discovery Centre at Beauty Point as a base. He’s been talking to churches and schools on creation. The church is certainly growing spiritually and in numbers, praise God! 

NORTHWEST

LifeWay

International Tree Day: A Different Kind of Sunday Service
Yesterday, our church had one of my favourite annual services. A worship event unlike any other we hold throughout the year. It was International Day. Instead of gathering in our usual building to sing, read scripture, and pray, we took our worship outdoors and into the community. There were no run sheets, no microphones, and no worship band. What there was — was purpose, unity, and an intentional act of worship through creation care (as well as shocking Tassie weather)

In the pouring rain and cold winds of East Devonport, our church members showed up — in rain jackets and gumboots — ready to worship. We joined with the local council and Landcare groups to plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs along the coastline. This effort was part of an ongoing initiative to restore and protect the local environment, and this year marked our fourth time participating.

At first glance, this may seem far removed from what we traditionally consider “church.” Most Sundays, we gather in a building, sing songs, read scripture, pray together, and listen to a sermon. All of these are good, beautiful expressions of our faith. But stepping outside of that routine — quite literally — to worship God through action reminded us that worship is not confined to four walls or specific rituals.

This outdoor act of service challenged us to see worship through a broader lens. It required intentionality. We had to remind ourselves — this is not just a community project; it’s an offering to the Creator. As we dug holes, planted tube stock, and braved the weather, we did so as an act of love, gratitude, and reverence for the One who made the earth and called it good.

Worship Outside the Box

Interestingly, for many in our community connecting with God in a traditional church setting can be difficult. But out in nature, with hands in the soil and the sea in the background, barriers fall away and God’s presence is obvious. As David wrote in Psalm 19“ – The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Activities like this are a reminder for us at LifeWay to remain creative in how we worship. To seek wonder, and try new ways of connecting with God. While music is a powerful gateway to worship for many, for others, it’s these moments in nature — serving with purpose — that draw them closest to God.

What made the day even more special was the opportunity to deepen relationships with our local community. Partnering with the council and Landcare not only helps protect and restore God’s creation, but it also shows our city a tangible expression of Christ’s love and stewardship.

As we walked back to our cars, soaked but smiling, we could see the fruit of previous years ’plantings growing strong — a beautiful reminder that faithful, small acts can have lasting impact. This coastline, which we are blessed to live near and worship on, is becoming healthier, more vibrant, and better protected — all because a little group of believers chose to worship outside the box.

Ulverstone Baptist

Excitement grows, as Ulverstone Baptist embark on a new season. In a special meeting held in June, UBC Ministry Partners decided to step out in faith and continue the faith legacy of paying it forward for generations to come. 

A Concept Plan
A decision was made to sell the manse that has served and provided a much-needed ministry to UBC for over 42 years. With the money from this sale and the possibility of other fundraising initiatives, ‘a Concept Plan’ for renovations to the existing church building was presented. Plans include an indoor playground, café/kitchen space, ministry areas and meeting spaces that will be used for many years to come, leaving an inheritance that will benefit future generations.  

Social Events and Gatherings 
Church seniors continue to meet on the first Friday of each month. They enjoy fellowship, morning tea, sing, and listen to several guest speakers. Considering the cold winter days, recent gatherings have been well attended with strong engagement. They have had the pleasure of enjoying guest speakers. Guest speakers include Amelia and Lesley Crowden from Kaydale Gardens and Margie Burgess, Chaplain of Karingal Nursing Home in Devonport. 

UBC men with their invited guests, gathered and enjoyed breakfast as Pastor Louis shared his testimony to 40 people. UBC ladies have enjoyed gathering to share a Mother’s Day dinner at Dalton Café. The winter table tennis competition continues Monday evenings. Others come together to stand in the gap and pray for needs within the UBC church family.  

From the Pulpit

Over the past months, the church has enjoyed being challenged by the teachings of Pastor Louis, Lyn McKay, David Blyth and Nerrelie Cann. Church service visuals have been greatly enhanced with the addition of a new, large, LED TV screen. This replaced the aged and retired data projector, Wow! It’s crisp.

CityWide Baptist

US Bible Students
In June Citywide hosted nine Bible College students from the US for a week. They joined in life at Citywide. and did some mission and testimony spots. They helped with some practical things and enjoyed seeing and experiencing something of our beautiful island. 

MAANS (Merge Academy Awards Night) 
Citywide young people host this red-carpet gala night every year and what a fabulous job they do. People are encouraged to make and submit short films to enter the competition sections – and what creative skills emerge causing much entertainment, laughter and fun.    

Future Proofing Your Life
Again, the church is running a 3-week information series aimed at encouraging and informing people about all aspects of preparing for an aging future. This is for themselves or for parents entering their final years. Week 1 is about things we can do to stay in our own homes longer. The next week informs about Retirement Villages and Care Homes, the facts, costs, processes, and hints. Week 3 is focussed on legal aspects. This includes, wills, guardianships, funerals, medical choices, etc. 

Around the Churches July 2025

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The Most Important Five Percent

By Maddy Svoboda

The Work That Has No End

Postured Well

There is a saying from the Babylonian Talmud (everyone’s go to source for Instagrammable inspiration) that I have found helpful. In the Avot D’Rabbi Natan, you will find the words ‘do not fear the work that has no end’. It is a call to embrace the continuous and liminal nature of endless tasks in the same direction. 

Our theme as Tasmanian Baptists this year has been ‘Intergenerational’. Our hope and desire is to see all generations come together in vibrant faith and mutual discipleship (learning and sharing), worship and mission. Just in case you were wondering, this would fall smack bang into the category of ‘work that has no end’. 

At the beginning of this year, my wife Immi and I welcomed our fourth child and third son, Benjamin, into the world. It has been a whirlwind of elation, emotions and exhaustion, but as we were welcoming Benji into our family, there were articles coming out saying that our global community was welcoming a new generation: generation Beta.

Who knows what is going to come to fruition with this generation; they are coming into the world at the height of AI’s powers and into a chaotic maelstrom of cultural, economic and political forces but it hit home to me how much this work of being intergenerational has no end. 

It will require the best from us as we yield to Jesus so that when my newborn son turns 18 in 2043 (writing that sentence was not a fun one to write), we are postured well to equip him to abundant life and faith in Jesus. So how do we posture ourselves in that way? I shared some of my thoughts with the Baptist pastors at our muster in June, however, I feel that it is not just helpful for pastors and church leaders, but wisdom for us all wherever we are at on the journey of life.  

The Most Important Five Percent

The first thing is to discern, prioritise and invest in our most important five percent. In his book ‘Leading on Empty’, Wayne Cordiero has a theory that 95 percent of your life can either be done by someone else or you can train someone to do. There is only five percent of what you do that only you can do. No one can be trained and you wouldn’t want them to be; No one else is responsible for my intimacy with God. Nor can anyone can be a husband to Immi or a father to my kids. No one else can cultivate my friendships and family relationships, physical fitness, mental health or invest into the God given calling that is mine. 

I have heard the analogy that all the responsibilities you carry are juggling balls. Some balls are rubber; you drop them and they can bounce; they can survive. There are others that are crystal. You drop them, it will do damage. They will break. Drop them enough and they will be irreparable. These ones are the most important five percent. 

In a world that is increasingly turbulent and where people of all generations are wrestling with questions of identity, purpose, meaning, belonging and where is the good life found, if we have done the work of investing in our five percent, we can walk alongside people through those complex times and share out of the richness of a life well lived alongside Jesus.  

So, do you know what your most important five percent? What does good stewardship in those areas look like?

Maddy Svoboda

Rev. Maddy Svoboda is the pastor at Summerhill Baptist, and represents the Greater Launceston churches on the Tasmanian Baptists Mission Leadership Team.

The Work That Has No End

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Living the Good News: Global Baptist Gathering Down Under

Living the Good News Baptist World Congress

Living the Good News: Global Baptist Gathering Down Under

Last week, more than 3,500 Baptists from 130 countries converged on Brisbane, Australia, for the 23rd Baptist World Congress. Gathering under the theme “Living the Good News” (Luke 4:18–19) this Congress marked the first in the Asia–Pacific region in 25 years and celebrated 120 years since the inaugural event in London in 1905. 

The week began with two pre-Congresses: the Women’s Summit and the Emerging Leaders/NxtGen Summit, bringing together voices across generations and nations. Together, these events formed a powerful celebration of unity, faith, and the global Baptist family. 

Baptists Ignite ACTS2 Vision in Australia

A central moment of the Congress was General Secretary Rev. Dr Elijah Brown’s call for a renewed global movement—an Acts 2 Vision—to unfold by 2033. He invited Baptists around the world to embrace five pathways of mission: sharing testimonies, expanding Bible access and engagement, service, religious freedom advocacy, and neighbour-centred care. 

This bold vision included specific targets: establishing 1,159 prayer groups to support Bible translation, mobilizing 500 million acts of service, collecting 1 million signed religious liberty covenants, and raising up 500,000 neighbourhood chaplains. “Together,” Brown emphasized, “we are the global church for such a time as this.” 

Tasmanians Join the Global Movement

Report from Matt Garvin  

This week, about 17 Tas Baptists made the journey to Brisbane for the congress and some of the pre-gatherings, including the Next Generations and Baptist Women’s Summits. I think I am right to say that all of us were encouraged and inspired by the time.  

Particularly impactful was the invitation from the Global Baptist Alliance for all Baptist churches in the world to consider cooperating on mission in a new way as part of what it is labelling the ACTS2 movement.   

I look forward to exploring how we as TasBaptists might align our local efforts with this wider vision—and how we can work with other denominations across Tasmania and the world.  

One of the first things the Alliance invited us to consider was signing the Religious Freedom covenant, which I did and invite you to consider doing too.  

I am looking forward to sharing more with you about it in the coming months.

Read the report about the Baptist Women’s Summit. By Jenny Baxter

Who is the Baptist World Alliance?

The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 266 conventions, unions, and ministries in 134 countries and territories comprising 51 million members in 176,000 churches.  

Founded: The BWA began in London, England, in 1905 at the first Baptist World Congress. 

Mission: Networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ 

Vision: The Baptist World Alliance is a global movement of Baptists sharing a common confession of faith in Jesus Christ, bonded together by God’s love to support, encourage and strengthen one another, while proclaiming and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit before a lost world 

Priorities: 
– Nurturing a passion for mission and evangelism 
– Promoting worship, fellowship, and unity 
– Responding to people in need 
– Defending human rights and justice 
– Advancing theological reflection 

Want to See More? 

Catch a glimpse of the Congress by watching the final session here. See highlights and behind-the-scenes moments on Facebook: Video Highlights or Facebook Reels

Search: #bwabrisbane2025

Living the Good News: Global Baptist Gathering Down Under

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Witnessing God Writing a Global Story 

By Karen Wilson, Executive Director, Women Leaders Network
Witnessing God Writing a Global Story 

As I write this, we are already 160 days into 2025—nearly halfway through the year. What a journey it has been. We’re deeply grateful for the broader support of the Global Leadership Network and their continued encouragement of this ministry initiative.  

Through every step, we have experienced God’s presence—with us, leading us, guiding us, and comforting us. These past months have brought both challenges and change, yet God has been faithful. Without His nearness, the path would have been so much harder to walk—but He has been our strength and our steady guide. 
God is writing a story through the Women Leaders Network, and His fingerprints are all over it.

The Unfolding Narrative

Each one of you is a vital part of that story—a line in the unfolding narrative He is crafting. I’m reminded of the powerful words from 2 Samuel 22:22–25 (The Message): 

“I’ve kept alert to God’s ways; I haven’t taken God for granted. Every day I review the ways He works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.” 

We are witnessing God writing a global story—a movement of women leaders being identified, equipped, and empowered to bring His light into every sphere of society. Women are being raised up to speak, to lead, and to step boldly into the callings God has placed on their lives.  

What is Out Part?

We open our hearts to Him. We stay close, we listen for His voice, and we surrender our plans to His greater purpose. And as we do, we will stand—not alone, but side by side with one another and with our brothers in Christ—to see His Kingdom flourish. 

Women Leaders Network (WLN)

WLN is an initiative of the GLN and is a global movement of local cohorts that will identify, empower, equip and release women in leadership. We desire to see women leading well with and alongside men, and fully use their God given leadership gifts for His purposes. Our vision is to see a unified global network of women leaders bringing transformational impact to their churches and local communities. 

You can join or lead a WLN group whenever you are ready!  

Visit the website for more information.  Or follow on Facebook or Instagram. Fb Ig 

Witnessing God Writing a Global Story

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