Category: Tasmanian Baptist Blogs

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reCharge NEWS April 2024

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    Church Pastor Wanted

    Gateway Baptist, Launceston 

    Gateway Baptist Church is seeking a pastor to begin in August 2024.
    The position is for 20 hours per week with the responsibility of leading the church through organising Sunday meetings, preaching the Word, prayerfully advising the Church Council on all aspects of church life, pastoring the congregation, overseeing ministries within the church and liaising with Tas Baptists.  

    The church is blessed with several people who are able to assist the pastor with preaching and other leadership duties. This congregation of approximately 40 adults needs a leader who will encourage and shepherd them as they reach out to the unsaved people of Launceston and its surrounds. 

    The church is strongly Bible-based with morning and evening services offered. It is mission-minded, with not only overseas work being undertaken in Thailand and Haiti, but also local missions in the areas of supporting the homeless, prison fellowship, courts chaplaincy, arts & craft experiences and Baptist Basketball. At present, the church doesn’t have a youth group but has a Sunday School of 6-8 primary-aged children.

    A Church with a Heart for People

    This church which has a rich history has been around for almost 150 years and is a ‘church in the heart of the city with a heart for its people’, being centrally located in Launceston. It has a multi-million dollar campus, comprising a wonderful traditional cathedral-style auditorium, church hall which currently functions as an art gallery and features an industrial kitchen with six upstairs rooms, an old stables area which has been converted to a Sunday School and Youth Ministry area and a former old hotel beside the main building which is leased to a Christian welfare organisation called Shekinah House.  

    A Nepali Christian Fellowship of approximately 35 people is also incorporated in Gateway Launceston. They have their own pastoral leader and hold their meetings on Saturday mornings.  

    For more information contact Ps Noel Eagling 0447 555 335 or by email at noeleagling@gmail.com or contact Jeremy van Engen, Council Chair on 0439 386 459 or by email at spud_digger@hotmail.com 

    GATEWAY BAPTIST Launceston Tasmania

    Fostering Hope Mentoring Program

    Training Day on Saturday, 4 May

    Fostering Hope is a community organisation whose work comes from the teachings of Jesus in the bible to visit and care for orphans and widows; to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love neighbours.  

    Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care. If you want to make a difference to kids lives through mentoring, Fostering Hope can equip you with training, connect you with a child and provide you with ongoing support as you mentor. In just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better. 

    Register here for the next Fostering Hope Training Day on Saturday, 4 May in Launceston, from 10am-4pm.

    Sessions are provided for free and offer morning/afternoon tea and lunch.

    To find out more about mentoring, check out Fostering Hope’s website or watch this short video that explains mentoring here. You can also share this printable flyer with your church and friends.

    Contact Anthea Maynard for more information at anthea@fosteringhope.net.au or scan the QR code below.

    Fostering Hope Mentor Training Day info

    Job Opportunity

    Spiritual Care Coordinator RAC & RL Karingal 

    Baptcare is looking for an experienced, articulate and competent Spiritual Care Professional to work as part of the staff team at Karingal Residential Aged Care, Residential Living and Orana Community in Devonport, Tasmania.      

    This position is part time (four days a week).   

    Baptcare is a purpose driven and faith-based organisation that provide residential and community care for older people and support to children, families, and people with disability, financially disadvantaged people and people seeking asylum. 

    For more information visit Baptcare’s website.

    Tas Baptists Mid-Year Assembly

    Saturday, 11 May 

    The Tas Baptists May Assembly is coming up very fast! Have you registered your church yet? Assembly is a time for encouragement and gathering as a community. Assembly papers have gone out to Church Secretaries this week via email. 

    WHEN: Saturday 11th May at Riverlands Longford 
    COST: Morning tea and Lunch TBC 

    Tasmanian Baptist churches are eligible to have at least two voting delegates in attendance, plus pastors and Tas Baptist Council Members. An additional delegate is eligible to come for churches with more than 50 active members. Others interested in coming are welcome to attend as non-delegates; however, all attendees do need to register. 

    Registrations are due by email to Anna-Maree@tasbaptists.org.au at the Tasmanian Baptist office by COB Friday 3 May. 

    ANNUAL ASSEMBLY 2023

    Baptist Mission Month

    May 2024

    May Mission Month is coming soon… And this year, the theme is Mending! No matter where we are, we can join God in mending a beautiful, broken world. We don’t bring healing in our strength—we are co-menders with God in Jesus Christ, our Healer and Savior. Let’s unite in partnership with Baptist Mission Australia‘s intercultural teams and get excited about all that God is doing through His people in neighbourhoods near and far. We can only do it together! Explore all the resources: 

    Image for Baptist Mission Australia May Mission Month 2024

    Earth Day 2024

    Earth Day is held each year on April 22. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally. This year’s official theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.”

    As Tas Baptists, reminding each other about Earth Day is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our support for protecting our environment and this beautiful home of ours in Tasmania – as good stewards of the land!

    Living with Loss seminar

    One-day seminar on ‘Living with Loss’

    New Mornings is hosting a one-day seminar on ‘Living with Loss’ on Saturday, 20 April, 9.30AM – 3.00PM at the Gnomon Pavillion – Wharf Precinct, Wharf Rd, Ulverstone. 

    The seminar is for community members and professionals to understand mental health and grief-related challenges. Attendees will learn strategies to support those living with loss. The training aims to offer community support, education, hope and encouragement.  

    Keynote speakers include local psychologist, Tracey Martin-Cole, and well-known Tasmanian restaurateur, mental health advocate and baby-loss mum, Bianca Welsh.   

    Register on  Eventbrite or contact Prue Arnot, Grief Support Coordinator, New Mornings on 0492 232 363 or 6411 6212.  New Mornings is a not for profit, mental health service supporting Northwest Tasmania.

    Bianca Welsh
    Tracey Martin-Cole

    Peacemaking Amidst Conflict 

    Rev. Dr Yohanna Katanacho speaks on a Palestinian Theology of Peacemaking

    Langham Partnership Australia is presenting a unique opportunity to hear from Rev. Dr Yohanna Katanacho speak on a Palestinian theology of peacemaking amidst conflict. 

    Yohanna is an evangelical theologian living in the heart of the current Israeli-Gaza conflict. He is from Nazareth Evangelical College and is a Langham Scholar and the author of Praying Through the Psalms and Reading the Gospel of John Through Palestinian Eyes. 
     
    Yohanna will share important insights to help people pray for the situation in Israel/Palestine at two separate meetings. 
     
    MELBOURNE 
    6.30pm on Wednesday 8 May at Ridley College 
    170 The Avenue, Parkville.  
    This event is also being live-streamed so anyone can join in. 
    Register HERE for the Melbourne event or livestream. 
     
    SYDNEY 
    Hear Yohanna and also enjoy dessert and coffee. 
    7.30pm on Friday 10 May at Scots Church, 44 Margaret St Sydney. The Church is right next to Wynyard train station, and parking stations are also nearby. 
    Cost $40 
    Register HERE for the Sydney event. 

    For more information visit the Langham website 

    Baptcare visits Citywide

    Baptcare highlights its community service work in Tasmania 

    Community service organisation Baptcare spoke at Citywide church recently about their work in Tasmania. Baptcare introduced their foster care, youth and mental health programs, and started a conversation about how people might contribute to their work in Tasmania. 

    Watch their presentation here:

    Baptcare’s foundations can be traced back to Victoria in 1945 when a group of Baptist women joined together to raise £4,000 in a time of war to open Australia’s first Baptist home for older people.  

    The work established the Strathalan aged care residence, which has grown into a thriving community that continues today.  

    It’s this missional spirit from local Baptist communities that founded the local services in Tasmania and has become part of Baptcare of today. Baptcare has over 300 staff in the state working across family and young people, mental health and disability programs as well as an aged care facility, social and in-home care support that operates out of Devonport. 

    Baptcare’s mission is partnering for fullness of life with people of all ages, cultures, beliefs and circumstances and vision of creating communities where every person is cherished.

    This mission has seen thousands of vulnerable people supported since Baptcare started in the state nearly 15 years ago. The organisaion also hopes to be able to set up a volunteering program in the near future to reduce social isolation of people suffering from mental ill-health. 

    One rewarding way to support young people is by becoming a respite or foster carer through Baptcare.

    Find out more on their website or email fostercareTAS@baptcare.org.au or to speak to Rachel on 0417 196 605. 

    BCSANT ‘walking together’

    Baptist Churches SA & NT launches new name and logo

    Baptists across South Australia and the Northern Territory are walking together into the future as one association, Baptist Churches of South Australia and the Northern Territory. 

    This amalgamation follows decisions from the respective Assemblies of Baptist Churches of South Australia and Baptist Union of the Northern Territory late last year to formally bring the two organisations together. Our two associations had worked together in partnership since 2010. 

    Having overseen the process, our Director of Ministries, Melinda Cousins, is excited by the opportunities at hand. 

    “We have much to learn from one another as we walk together, with our shared heart that more people might come to know Jesus, and that each local church will be better supported and equipped to follow Him in their unique context.” 

    Check out their new website or watch this video:

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    Stuart Crabtree 

    Ministry profile blog header Stuart Crabtree

    Ministry Profile: Stuart Crabtree 

    Reaching Young People for Christ

    Lifeway Baptist Student Pastor Stuart Crabtree writes about his life and how important it is that children know and feel they belong in Church. Read on to find out . . .

    Early YEARS

    I was born in Devonport, but spent most of my childhood in South Riana, a small country town south of Penguin. I spent a lot of time exploring the outdoors and climbing trees, but I also enjoyed reading a good book. 

    My mother became a Christian in her late teens, and my father sometime after they were married. Mum was conscientious about teaching us from the Bible, emphasising the importance of believing and obeying God’s Word. Dad was a great role model of being a Christian husband (for which I am very grateful in my marriage today!). In this environment of regular exposure to the Gospel, I became convicted of my own need for salvation at the age of 10. 

    Family Life

    My wife, Melanie, is a creative soul who sings beautifully, and is an aspiring author. She also makes great coffee and works at the local bookshop. Together, we have two children, Eliana (9) and Gryphin (6). Eliana, like her mum, has a wonderful imagination and spends a lot of her time there! Gryphin loves spending one-on-one time with people and wants to be a monster truck driver when he’s older. We enjoy the gentler pace of life here in Tassie, as well as the cooler weather. 

    I am an amateur Ukulele player and also enjoy cooking. I think I’ve mastered the art/science of making panna cotta and have a number of my own recipes (with several more in the works).  

    Stuart Crabtree family
    Stuart Crabtree family
    Ministry at Lifeway

    I share responsibility for the children’s ministry at Lifeway Baptist with Morgan Read. My focus is the Kids’ Church program that runs during the Sunday morning service. 

    My first experience of ministry was at the age of 15, at Camps Clayton and Riverbend. Having enjoyed being a camper at Camp Clayton since grade 5, I was excited to progress to (being a) cabin leader. I don’t think I really got what ministry was about, though. I had a pretty superficial understanding of what made a good cabin leader and had looked up to some cabin leaders for superficial reasons – they were funny, cool, popular.

    This changed on my seventh camp leading a cabin. My co-leader didn’t really have the qualities that I thought made a good cabin leader, but he was still an amazing one to me. He cared for our kids, he spent time with them, and he shared Jesus with them. He didn’t just lead them; he led me. From that point on my approach to cabin leading was different. It was about building relationships with kids and making opportunities to tell them about Jesus. 

    Passionate About Youth Work

    The following year, I became bored at school. I was in Year 11 and dropped out to find work. Instead, I ended up getting involved with Fusion and doing some training with them in Youth and Community Work. Following this, I spent a couple of years doing voluntary Christian work in schools, churches, and campsites. Camp Clayton gave me some casual work running their activities, and about a year later I moved into a full-time position running their holiday camps. I had become passionate about reaching young people for Christ. This theme shone through the next two decades, as I have continued to work in various youth and children’s ministries (as well as being a teacher at a local public high school).    

    The Rewards and challenges

    I love it when kids have ‘aha’ moments and understand something about God that they hadn’t before. I also enjoy seeing them grow in Christlikeness, being kind, gentle and compassionate with one another. 

    It’s important to me that children know and feel that they belong in Church. For some children, this presents more of a challenge than others – their bodies or minds may be significantly different from others, and this may create a sense of disconnect between them and the community.  

    Balancing my time between church, family, ministry, work, and study can be difficult. Another challenge we have – and a welcome one – is that the number of children in the church is growing. This means we need more volunteers to help with Kids’ Church.  

    The best advice I had when I was growing up was from the Pastor of my church. He frequently told our youth group not to take his word for it (whatever he was teaching us), but to go to the Bible and see for ourselves. Such an attitude taught me to revere God’s authority over that of people. It also taught me to have my own personal relationship with God and develop my own faith rather than vicariously adopting the faith of others. 

    Stuart Crabtree family
    Pray For… 

    Please pray that these children will know the love of Christ in and through the Church. Please also pray that we can find enough volunteers to properly care for children with extra-needs as they participate in Kids’ Church.

    Stuart Crabtree

    Short ‘n’ Sweet

    I am looking forward to. . . long service leave  

    I am worried about. . . being misunderstood

    I am confident that. . . coffee is better than tea 

    I am joyful about. . . spending time with my children  

    I would like to change. . . my inability to consistently sing in tune  

    I am at my best. . . when I know what’s happening 


    Stuart Crabtree

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    Why I Value Professional Supervision

    Blog Header for reCharge article Why I Value Professional Supervision

    Michael Henderson Leadership Development

    Tasmanian Baptists took the step at our October 2023 Assembly of introducing “professional supervision” as a requirement for accreditation for our pastors. When I first heard this, it sounded to me like more work, and I wondered if our pastors had the time and resources to actually engage with it.  

    Then, in November, I went to a national meeting about how our churches engage with issues around safe church policy, reportable conduct, redress scheme, and so on. Heavy stuff. Many in the room were lawyers, and seasoned professionals. I was definitely the odd one out.  

    As heavy as the all-day meeting was, I found it inspiring to be in a room full of such passionate and caring people. They were working hard to protect some of the most vulnerable in our communities, while doing everything they could to help churches and pastors to flourish. 

    Being People Carers

    Then we had lunch. Our talk turned from churches and others to ourselves, and some started to share stories about the toll this kind of work has on them. They shared personal stories from the recent past about being a lawyer, about their personal struggles, and how some of them had almost broken down from the strain. One person said, “It is hard to keep caring for people when it keeps coming day after day. I don’t know how pastor’s do it.” 

    As I listened, it occurred to me how a pastor’s job is very similar. Not in direct legal matters, but in the care for people and how it keeps coming day after day.  

    Then a lady, close to retirement, shared how professional supervision had saved her that previous year. She began by scoffing at the idea: “I always fought against professional supervision, feeling like it was unnecessary. ‘I don’t need this’, I would tell people when they’d encourage me to do it. I have everything going well, thank you,” she said. 

    Then she suddenly struggled to speak, and we gathered around her to support her, and she went on.  

    “It was a colleague that noticed I wasn’t doing well. It was her that suggested I see a professional supervisor, and it was her that took me to the meeting,” and she paused again.

    “I was not aware of how much I needed it, and how much it could help me. I do not think I would be here today without it. It is one of those things you don’t notice you need until it is too late. I am really encouraged we are getting our pastors to do this.” 

    Photo of woman talking in group

    A Self-Care Posture

    This story highlighted for me why Tasmanian Baptists agreed to introduce professional supervision. Yes, there are time and financial costs involved. However, the benefits far exceed these costs.  

    We encourage everyone in our churches to take a posture of self-care in ministry. And, we encourage our pastors to do likewise with Pastoral Supervision. We want our churches to thrive, not just survive. 

    Michael Henderson

    Michael Henderson works part-time for Tasmanian Baptists and is responsible for Leadership Development and attends Hobart Baptist Church. He is an artist, with work held in private and public collections and in 2021 was a finalist in the 66th Blake Prize. 

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    Healthy Church Audit Time

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    Rodney Marshall Healthy Church Audit

    Baptist Churches are each responsible for how they operate and the policies they implement. Baptist church autonomy means it is not appropriate for a central body to set or demand that things be done a certain way. At the same time, the Tasmanian Government Insurers and the community expect that certain standards are maintained. 

    The Healthy Church Audit started because of a decision made at the October 2018 assembly. It is now in its fifth year. Some people may be very familiar with the audit and why we do it, but with changes of roles, others may be wondering what it is all about. 

    Why Audit?

    The Audit is an annual reminder to check that each church has certain things up to date and working in their context.  It offers a chance to reassess and ask: Is this still working for us? Has there been changes in the law or in the community that means we need to make an adjustment? Is our record keeping up to date? 

    Covid Safe Plans  

    This will (hopefully) be the final year that asks about Covid Safe plans. The government has now removed the mandatory requirement, but given the recent experience, having a plan on how to handle any future pandemics might be wise. 

    Pastoral Registration and Accreditation  

    Likewise, the Pastoral registration and accreditation systems are changing, and next year’s questions will be a little different. 

    Church Financial Health

    The Audit also asks about the church’s financial health. It is far better to see issues early rather than dig a hole that you can’t get out of. Having worked as an accountant I have seen many businesses struggle to get themselves out of things when a little bit of external advice could have made a big difference. If only people would ask for help when they needed it! 

    Church Financial Information Form

    The final part of the Audit is the Church Financial Information form. As part of our commitment to each other the agreed funding model is that each church contributes 5 percent of its income to keep Tas Baptists running. Over the year different models have been tried, based on attendance or number of members etc., The Assembly agreed the fairest method of funding was based on a share of income. For those churches that operate businesses, only the surplus from the business is included as income. 

    Forms are due by 30 April 2024 (along with a copy of Financial Reports for last FY) ready to report to Assembly on 11 May. If you have any questions about the Healthy Church Audit or the information gathered, please feel free to contact Rodney on 0407 903 620 or rodney@tasbaptists.org.au 

    Photo of Rodney Marshall

    Rodney Marshall is Operations Manager for Tasmanian Baptists, and Pastor at Riverlands Community Church.

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    Supporting the Supports 

    Picture of stone pillars through binoculars for Sacred Agents

    Sacred Agents

    Andrew Turner of Crossover reflects in his Sacred Agents blog

    One of the beautiful strengths of the Baptist movement is our conviction that all believers are priests. Within those four words are numerous deep truths around access to God through Christ, participation in mission and ministry, and responsibility in the church. Everyone has a part to play.  

    Everyone Has a Part to Play

    But they don’t play it equally. As in a Shakespeare, one actor has a hundred lines and another has two. One may play four different parts, another is simply a tree. Jesus’ parables of responsibility often feature uneven participation, too. One servant’s entrusted with ten talents, another five, and another one. So uneven participation is not surprising – even among those who’ve been given the same amount of lines or talents, some give everything they’ve got, and some don’t.  

    We Baptists rightly love our culture of volunteerism – no one is forced to give anything – it’s all given freely from the heart. This is lovely, but it can also have a shadow side. 

    Pillars of Your Church

    There are some roles, like Treasurer or Worship Coordinator that are complex and involved and pretty much require a super-volunteer. But who has that much time to give? It’s the rich (who can live off reduced paid-work hours), the active-retired, the under-employed, uni students during summer, and those doing court-ordered community service.

    These are the ones who have the time to be pillars of your church. Not so much the single parent, the small business owner or the full-time worker. Now there are some beautiful saints among the former list. But the criteria you really want to be using for such important roles has more to do with spiritual maturity and gifted capability than simple availability. 

    Photo of stone pillars for Sacred Agents Supporting the Supports

    Supporting the Supports That Need Support

    So a church can look wider in its search for pillars, if it is willing to look for supports that need support. If your church pillar needs to be so strong they can stand alone, you’re building a culture of self-sufficiency and stoic independence – not conducive to healthy church community? 

    Staffing is not the only alternative to this. That single parent may be able to serve as a Worship Coordinator if the church provided them with some babysitting. For some roles the church may be able to provide an expense account, or pay for training, or carry some of the load in a hundred other possible ways. 

    Asking ‘Who is God calling to this Role?’

    It’s more complex than simply asking ‘Who has time to do X? Only Jenny? Well, Jenny it is then.’

    It begins with asking ‘Who is God calling to this role?’ and then ‘How can we release them into it?’ It’s complex, but so it the body of Christ. Beautiful community is quite interdependent, and it is a witness in itself.    

    Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover.

    Andrew Turner is the Director of Crossover for Australian Baptist Ministries. Thanks so much to all who have supported the Australian Baptist Easter Offering – which funds Crossover to Help Australian Baptists Share Jesus.

    Photo by Diogo Nunes on Unsplash

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    Demolishing Barriers, Crossing Divides

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    Deep Thought

    Easter has come and gone for another year. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the heart of our faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus and the hope that comes with it.  

    Now that Easter is over, it’s valid to ask, “so what?”

    Sure, it’s a reassurance that death is not the end of it all, but what difference does it make to your life today, tomorrow or next week? 

    At Hobart Baptist Church, on Resurrection Sunday, I focussed on the event recorded in Matthew, where the Temple curtain is violently torn, from top to bottom. This happened the moment Jesus died.  

    The curtain was a massive fabric barrier made of purple, blue, and scarlet material, interwoven with fine linen. It was about 18 metres high and 100cm thick. Its presence was to set a boundary between the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space where God was present and humans were not, from the rest of the Temple.  

    Although God put this barrier in place in the design of the tabernacle, now God sets about destroying it. That’s the significance of it being torn from the top. 

    A Holy Place

    The Jews thought they understood holiness, and the temple was central. Jesus, however, had a very different vision and that’s what got him killed. He was Immanuel, God with us, crossing that barrier that divides. Sure, God is holy, righteous and pure, just as the curtain illustrated, but not in a way that makes God distant and hateful of whatever is unholy. God is love, pure unadulterated love.  

    Image of torn paper with quote: Jesus was Immanuel, God with us, crossing that barrier that divides.

    But that’s not all. The gospel writers record a second important event. At exactly the same time Jesus died and the curtain was ripped, the Centurion executing Jesus had a profound “ah-ha” moment.   

    As high-ranking officer in the Roman army, he had most likely witnessed hundreds of crucifixions. Yet, this one was somehow different, and he was deeply moved. 

    This is profound. Not only because he responded, “Surely this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39), but because God met him in a most unholy place. Here, in a pagan setting outside the temple and the city while executing God’s specially chosen Messiah, God is still at work, demolishing the barriers, crossing the divides.  

    Image of torn paper with quote: God the Centurion in a most unholy place. Here, in a pagan setting outside the temple and the city while executing God’s specially chosen Messiah

    This changes everything and should change our tomorrows. The God who is there, who Jesus revealed through his death and resurrection, is most surprising. Contrary to our expectations… if God can meet the centurion while he supervised the crucifixion of the beloved son, God can meet you anywhere. Your ordinary life, no matter where it is at, is no barrier to God meeting you, if you are willing to meet God.  

    This is a “so what” worth celebrating every day.

    Stephen Baxter

    Stephen L. Baxter is Mission Director for Tasmanian Baptists

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    A Particular Kind of Boldness

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    Sacred Agents

    Andrew Turner of Crossover reflects in his Sacred Agents blog.

    After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31 

    A Particular Kind of Boldness
    It takes courage on multiple levels to live as a representative of Jesus Christ. Courage before Christ himself, to have the nerve to say Yes, Lord, I’ll be your person in this place as opposed to Master, I know you are a hard man … so I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground.

    It takes courage on multiple levels to live as a representative of Jesus Christ.

    But courage also, of course, in the face of the world, because when we endeavour out in Jesus’ name, we’re likely to receive the same full gamut of different responses that Jesus himself received – welcomed and honoured through to mocked, despised and rejected. 

    Vulnerable to Rejection

    Now this is nothing to do with success or failure. If you board a ship and share Christ, all 100 passengers may receive you happily. Or they may hate you and throw you overboard. Neither outcome necessarily means you’ve represented Jesus well or badly. Each could be a beautiful worship and service to Jesus. The point is, it’s out of your control. There is no way to program the mission of God so that an outcome is guaranteed. God refuses to simply reprogram the robots, but instead makes himself vulnerable to rejection. (Paradoxically, wonderfully, he wins our hearts through having his broken.) 

    The point is, it’s out of your control. There is no way to program the mission of God so that an outcome is guaranteed.

    The Boldness We Need

    So the boldness we need, and the boldness the first disciples sought and received from God, is not an imperviousness to rejection, like a coat of armour so strong we can simply crash through and feel no pain. On the contrary, it is the courage to feel that pain.  

    It’s interesting that the word gallantry has two main definitions: ‘Great bravery in battle’ and ‘polite and respectful attention in courtship’. Do you see how these are linked? Both involve the willingness to be shot down.

    It’s interesting that the word gallantry has two main definitions: ‘Great bravery in battle’ and ‘polite and respectful attention in courtship’.

    The boldness that sacred agents need by the Spirit is this Christlike form of boldness. It steps out from behind safe cover. Takes the first steps forward toward the other because they have God’s attention and God’s respect. Is prepared to suffer pain, but it takes pains not to inflict it.

    Asking God for Boldness

    The more we can take that posture and those steps in all the places God sends us, the more likely we are to in fact receive a very positive response. So let’s spend less time calculating our chances and more time asking God for his kind of boldness. If you’re thinking of inviting someone to church, or Alpha etc – worry less about whether they might say no, than about how their life may be if no one invites them at all.

    Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover.

    Andrew Turner is the Director of Crossover for Australian Baptist Ministries. Thanks so much to all who have supported the Australian Baptist Easter Offering – which funds Crossover to Help Australian Baptists Share Jesus. It’s not too late to still contribute if you haven’t.

    Photo by Manfred Richter (CC)

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    reCharge NEWS March 2024

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      BibleProject Resources

      BibleProject creates free resources to help people experience the Bible. Everything they make is funded by generous supporters around the world. The entire library of videos, podcasts, classes, and other resources are available at bibleproject.com.  

      Their most recent production is a 10-part series on Jesus’ teachings on the Sermon on the Mount, available to watch on Youtube.  

      Subscribe to the channel for more explainer videos about the Bible. They currently have over 4 million subscribers already!

      Register for Foundations

      Foundations is a path toward the unique calling that God has on your life, equipping you to live the deep truth of Christian faith in every area of your life. 

      The course runs on Wednesdays from Wed, 1 May to Wed, 14 Aug.
      Choose either a day course at Hobart Baptist (12:00pm to 2:30pm) or an evening course at Citywide Mornington (7-9:30pm).  

      The two courses will combine for two Saturday sessions on the 1 June (9:30 – 4:30) and 6 July (9:30 – 7:30) 

      The whole course works together to produce a deep understanding of a practical Christian worldview. 

      You will receive specific skills in a range of areas including: 

      – Managing complicated relationships
      – Knowing God’s will  
      – Building healthy teams
      – Developing life-giving habits
      – Finding your place in leadership
      – Sharing your Faith
      – Understanding the revolutionary big picture of the bible  
      – Love and Sexuality
      – Listening  
      – Community
      – Development and Transformation

      Cost of $50 includes refreshments, meals on the Saturdays, and a Foundations manual.  

      Register now  

      Citywide Easter Exhibition

      Monday, 18 March to Friday, 26 April 

      A series of drawings by artist Michael Henderson have been installed in Citywide Baptist Church, Hobart, for Easter 2024. 

      The work is titled, We only remember history in the present moment. The four drawings are a part of a larger series of 16 charcoal drawings. All together they describe contemporary life through stories from Christian Scripture.

      The drawings are not intended to illustrate certain scriptures, or tell the story of the whole Bible, but they draw inspiration from biblical stories and place an experience in a contemporary setting. They blur the line between history and the present moment, intending for the viewer to think about their own life. 

      Most of the drawings are 1.2m square. The 3 of the crucifixion are 1.4m square. The 16 drawings combine for an overall length of 20m.

      The Drawings

      Artwork 4. We only remember history in the present moment, by Michael Henderson
      Second drawing
      Artwork 4: We only remember history in the present moment, by Michael Henderson.
      Fourth drawing

      The second drawing above describes Jesus being crucified, with the two either side describing Peter and Judas’s response to Jesus’ crucifixion. This series of 3 is where the whole series started for me. I wanted to describe both Peter and Judas turning their back on Jesus, and then both of them responding to what they had done. 

      The fourth drawing above is of Mary hugging Jesus, and focuses on Mary’s joy at seeing Jesus again, rather than describe an event around the resurrection. 

      The drawings have been exhibited in many places, including St. Francis Xavier’s Catholic Cathedral in Adelaide, as part of the 2017 Adelaide Fringe Festival, and in churches and exhibition spaces around Australia. Michael’s work is held in private and public collections; he was a finalist in the 66th Blake Prize (2021).

      The exhibition runs from the Monday, 18 March to Friday, 26 April 2024 at 400 Cambridge Road, Mornington, Tasmania. 

      Art can be viewed daily Monday to Saturday.
      From 9:00am to 8:00pm, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm Saturday and Sunday. 

      See all 16 drawings online here.

      The Bob Curè Exhibition Space

      Matt Garvin and Dan Evenhuis explained more about the motivation behind Citywide’s exhibition space. 

      “As we approach Easter, we wanted to have an exhibition that would help those passing by reflect on Jesus and his sacrifice. We have around 2,000 people walking through our foyer each week,” said Dan Evenhuis, Executive Pastor at Citywide

      “Citywide’s Mornington Campus has housed the Bob Curé Exhibition Space in its foyer since 2019. Through the exhibition space, we have been able to support many local artists, photographers and craft-makers as they share their creative thoughts and skills,” he said. 

      Matt Garvin, Senior Pastor at the church, said he was grateful to have Michael’s art which communicates the message of Easter over these few weeks.

      “The Bob Curè exhibition space is our way to encourage Christians to express their creativity,” he said. 

      Launceston Alive Easter Festival

      Thu 28 – Sun 31 Mar  

      Launceston Alive is an annual Easter community festival of thought, music and art held throughout Launceston over the Easter weekend at one of the following planned events. Karl Fasse, Colin Buchanan and other performing artists will offer stories of faith. 

      Thursday, 28 March at 9:00am – Leaders workshop with Karl Faase at Legana Christian Church, 1 Gerrard Cl, Legana.

      Friday, 29 March at 6:00pm – The 2024 Unearthed Event will unearth stories of faith with Karl Faase and Colin Buchannan. There will be music and entertainment by Colin Buchanan and Jade Steg; a remarkable story of faith and courage from Bernadette Black; Karl Faase will speak about the stories of faith that have shaped our nation. All are welcome, just come along at Door Of Hope Church, 50 Glen Dhu St, South Launceston. The event is free.

      Saturday, 30 March, 11:00am – 2:00pm – The Children and Families Festival is especially for children, young people and their families. Performers include Colin Buchannan, Bronte Ferguson, Azahlia Dingemanse and Caitlyn Duffy. at at Riverbend Park, Launceston.

      Sunday, 31 March, 5:00pm – Combined Churches Easter service with Karl Faase at Door Of Hope, 50 Glen Dhu St, South Launceston.

      Launceston Easter Alive

      Faith Impact Audit

      NAYBA Audit Presentation

      On Thursday 7 March, Stephen and Jenny Baxter attended a presentation for the results of the NAYBA Impact Audit of Tasmania. This is the first statewide audit of its kind conducted and reflects the work being done by people of faith. 

      The final audit report includes the following statistics on Tasmania: 
      – 284 community service activities 
      – 209,057 people served in the last year 
      – $70,841,878 social value impact to the State of Tasmania each year. 

      Stephen hosts a panel at the Grace Centre Rokeby. From left, Councillor Brendan Blomeley (Mayor of the City of Clarence), John Kamara (Tasmanian Australian of the Year 2024) and Aimen Jafri (Chair of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania).

      New Book Available

      Tasmanian Baptist History 

      This is the ninth book on Tasmanian Baptist History by Laurence F Rowston. It looks at the beginnings of sixteen of our Baptist Churches in Tasmania commencing about 1880.

      The churches are Bracknell, Blackwood Creek, Burnie, Deloraine, Devonport, Hobart, Latrobe, Launceston, Longford, Perth, Sheffield, Smithton, Ulverstone, Wynyard and Yolla and also Memorial, the Henry Reed Mission Church in Launceston.

      But it is more than account of their first years.

      The book contains full biographies of their pastors, seventy-four in number from the moment they come on the scene wherever they are, to their deaths. The biographies look into their origins, their preaching and their pastoral work and the movements of the day.

      The book has more than 3,000 footnotes and contains about 230 photographs. Each chapter contains a conclusion which compares the church of those years with the churchtoday. In time a hardback hand-stitched two-volume copy will be available from the author.

      Books cost $40 plus postage (or collect from Baptist Assembly or Citywide Mornington office, 400 Cambridge Road, Mornington, TAS. Contact Dan Evenhuis on 0481 917 806  or email dan.evenhuis@citywidehobart.org.au .

      March Muster

      Why Theological Education Matters

      The Tas Baptists March Muster was held in Hobart and offered the perfect opportunity to launch the Frank W Boreham College. Andrew Corbett, of Legana Christian Fellowship, gave a detailed account of Boreham’s amazing life and ministry.

      Boreham moved to Australia in 1906 to pastor at Hobart Baptist Church. He wrote 46 books (many receiving wide international acclaim) and over 3,000 weekly editorials for the Hobart Mercury between 1912 and 1959.  

      Alongside the launch of the college, the Muster focused on professional development. David Williams from Taylor Baptist College, Edmonton, Canada (and Kairos University) and Darrell Jackson, interim principal of Whitley College in Victoria spoke on the topic. 

      Darrell answered the question, “Was Jesus a theological educator?” while David reflected on “Why theological education matters”. 

      As the first Muster for the year, time together was an opportunity for fellowship, learning and encouragement. This included a long table dinner together at HBC’s new Esteem Cafe.

      Following the Muster,  David Williams travelled to all three regions to discuss with other Baptists what further theological education can look like, from diploma to doctorate. In particular, he outlined the Kairos subscription-based education model of learning that surrounds students with a team of mentors who, together, determine the student’s education and formation pathway.   

      Stephen Baxter launches Frank W. Boreham College at March Muster.
      Long Table at march Muster 2024
      Long table dinner at Hobart Baptist Church during the March Muster.

      Candidate Forums 

      Meet your Local Candidate 

      In the lead up to the State election, churches are working together to host election candidate forums. The forums will be held in each electorate in preparation for the upcoming State election. Each forum will include set questions on issues of concern to Christians, and time for questions from the floor. Most events will be live streamed or recorded, for those who cannot make it.

      This is a great opportunity to meet local candidates, ask questions and hear from them on issues that you care about. 

      Find more information online meetyourcandidates.org.au 

      Crossover

      2024 Australian Baptist Easter Offering

      The Australian Baptist Easter Offering by Crossover is a thousand churches combining to express our gratitude for Jesus and to invest in sharing him with others.  

      The offering supports Crossover – a national Baptist ministry that provides resources, training and encouragement to help Australian Baptists share Jesus with their friends and neighbourhoods. They offer all churches free-to-use Easter resources. 

      To see all their resources or join their mailing list, visit the Crossover website. 

      Crossover runs entirely on the donations of people like us – so let’s support generously as we’re able. Donations can also be made directly at crossover.org.au 

      Re-Imagine  

      Combined Gathering 

      Re-Imagine is a combined gathering that aims to create a safe space for people to wrestle with faith, ask questions, and explore the journey of following Jesus. The gathering is organised by young adults from different churches, aged 18+ and is open to anyone interested.
      Meets fortnightly at 157 St John St (St Johns middle building) on Tuesdays at 6pm for dinner and discussion with the next meeting on Tuesday, 12 March. 

      Find more details on Facebook.

      Samaritan’s Purse

      Shoebox Numbers Are In! 

      Samaritan’s Purse announced this week that 11.3 million shoeboxes were packed worldwide during last year’s Operation Christmas Child collection season (2023). That means millions of children will now hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be discipled in 2024!

      read stories of the incredible impact a simple shoebox gift is having around the world, visit their website. 

      Seeing and sharing the impact of this work is a great way to honour everyone in the TasBaptist community who has packed shoeboxes and partnered with Samaritan’s Purse over the years.  

      Being Human Webinar

      What does it mean to be human?

      Karl Faase will be joined by Jo Frost to look at the question, What does it mean to be human. Jo Frost is Author of the book and video series, ‘Being Human’ and will grapple with the idea of what it is to view the world through the Being Human lens. She will consider questions such as What is Jesus on about when he offers us ‘life to the full’? And look at the cultural stories are shaping our identity. Also, what makes humanity unique and what is the invitation that God extends? 

      On Tuesday, 12 March 2024 at 7pm  

      RESERVE YOUR TICKET 

      Trauma Recovery Course

      Reboot Trauma Recovery

      This three-day, faith-based course is focused on healing from trauma.  While aimed at Service-related trauma, REBOOT courses are being offered to the wider community suffering from all forms of trauma. This includes victims of crime, DV, childhood trauma, disability, grief and ongoing illness.
      One veteran on average dies by suicide every 2 weeks, making suicide amongst our service community is at an epidemic.

      Free to attend. Childcare is not available. For more info contact Andy & Zoe Cullen: 0420 462 845 or email: info@rebootau.org

      From Wednesday 13, March to Friday, 15 March
      9am to 2pm
      (Graduation Ceremony on Friday night, 6pm – 8pm)  

      At Wrest Point Hotel Hobart, Drysdale Room – 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay 

      REGISTER ONLINE

      Heartlands Summer 2024 – out now

      By Women, for Women

      Heartlands is the quarterly email for EmpowHer – a network of Tasmanian women growing and encouraging each other in their God-given potential.

      Read more…

      Heartlands News

      New College Roadshow

      Frank W Boreham College launch

      Tas Baptists launched the new Frank W Boreham College on 5 March at Hobart Baptist Church.  The college will provide ministry and theological education, training, and reflection for our pastors, leaders, and members across Tasmania. This means Tasmanian Baptists now have the capacity to provide qualified training within the State.

      The new college is made possible by a partnership with both Kairos and Whitley.

      David will visit the state in early March and travel to all three regions to discuss what further theological education can look like, from diploma to doctorate. He will explain the Kairos subscription-based education model of learning. This model surrounds each student with a team of mentors who, along with the student, determine the student’s education and formation pathway.   

      The following informal evenings are open to anyone. 

      • Wednesday 6 March 7.30pm at Hobart Baptist Church
        Hosted by Stephen Baxter, 0417 313 273  
      • Thursday 7 March 7.30pm at Newstead Baptist Church
        Hosted by Dan Hutchison, 0457 765 907  
      • Friday 8 March 7.30pm at Burnie Baptist Church
        Hosted by Matty Coppin, 9484 064 490  

      Please contact Stephen, Dan, or Matty, ASAP if you plan to attend. 

      Hear about the Kairos subscription-based education model of learning

      Workshop for churches on CYSOF

      New Child and Youth Safe Organisation Framework legislation 

      Olive Road and Fostering Hope are running a workshop on Child and Youth Safe Organisation Framework (CYSOF) legislation. 

      The workshop is on Thursday, the 14 March 2024 at the Grace Centre, Rokeby,  from 9.30pm to 2.30pm. 

      The workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to grapple with the new CYSOF legislation and to share resources and ideas to develop the required policies and processes that will ensure ongoing compliance with the new Framework.   

      Anyone from not-for-profit organisations and churches in Hobart would benefit from this workshop to gain a better understanding of the new legislation. This includes the new Reportable Conduct Scheme and new strict timeframes on reporting to the regulator. The workshop will also focus on how organisations or churches might comply with the ten Child and Youth Safe Standards.   

      If you, or someone within your organisation or church, are keen to attend, or if a weekend or evening session would suit better, contact Mary Blake, Exec. Officer, Fostering Hope on m. 0423 365 988 or email mary@fosteringhope.net.au.

      There’s more information about the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework here

      Kids playing outside
      Working for a Child and Youth Safe Organisation

      Gaza Crisis Update

      From Baptist World Aid Australia

      Around 1.9 million people in Gaza have been displaced since the war started three months ago, when Hamas launched a terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Israel. 

      People are sheltering in overcrowded school buildings, churches, and medical centres; some are even pitching tents on the street. This has left families vulnerable as winter hits, with temperatures dropping down to 10 degrees at night. 

      Also, Gaza is experiencing a healthcare crisis.  

      Baptist World Aid Partners in the region are distributing aid to families, including medical items, medicines, hygiene kits, mattresses and blankets, and food packages. They are also continuing to provide medical supplies and other essentials to families in the West Bank and Lebanon, where civil unrest and violent attacks are rising.  

      Read this lament written late last year as preparation to pray for protection and relief for families in the Middle East.  

      If you’d like to consider giving, visit Baptist World Aid here. 

      Gaza war damage photo by Mohamad Zaanoun, International Health Partners
      Gaza war damage photo by Mohamad Zaanoun, International Health Partners

      Read More ReCharge
      ReCharge News March 2024

      reCharge news February 2024

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      Around the Churches, February-March 2024

      he Churches February-March 2024

      North

      Around the Churches, February-March 2024

      LAUNCESTON

      Farewell Rev Alan J L Neate 

      The Rev Alan J L Neate died on 2 March 2024. Alan began his ministerial life as a student pastor at Port Kembla and Lugarno before serving as pastor at Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill South, Liverpool and Auburn Baptist Churches in New South Wales as well in ministering in Ashfield as Director of Religious Education.

      He and his wife Lillian and family moved to Tasmania and pastored Central Baptist in Launceston from February 1974 to October 1980 before moving to Victoria and pastoring Bendigo Baptist Church from 1980-1987 and then Wodonga District Baptist Church from 1987-1992. Alan was the President of the Baptist Union of Victoria in 1988-1989.

      Alan was a pastor who regularly visited the congregation in their homes and was a much loved preacher. Born in NSW on 16 September 1926, he was converted during a CSSM beach mission and years later was baptised and joined a Baptist church. 

      Prior to training at the NSW Baptist College from 1949, he worked for the Commonwealth Bank for seven years. Here Tasmania he was President of the Baptist Union. He served on many Councils and Committees of the various Baptist Associations. He was lovingly supported by his wife Lillian (dec.) throughout his ministry. 

      He’s was never afraid to tell people they need Jesus Christ in their lives.

      “I like to preach for a verdict,” he once explained. “People have been saved in a communion service because I’ve stopped to explain what communion was about.

      “Although, I don’t see myself as a red-hot evangelist, and I regularly use others who can put the net out.”

      For him the keys to church growth were the effective exposition of God’s Word and genuine pastoral care by the pastor, the pastor’s wife and others. One of his children, Margaret, Christian educator with the ABMS both in Timor and Indonesia, became well known to us Tasmanian Baptists.  – Laurie Rowston

      Around the Churches, February-March 2024

      Northwest

      WYNYARD

      Wynyard Baptist Church

      Church Events

      The Wynyard Church and Sunday School picnic at the Railway Institute Hall was an enjoyable day for all ages and the “Just Girls” group enjoyed a day out at Kaydale Gardens recently. 

      Approximately 90 people met for a special Chat n Choose morning tea and fellowship on Thursday, 14 March. The event was to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of Chat n Choose. It was a great opportunity for past and present ladies to get together. Chat n Choose women meet every Thursday morning during school term for morning tea and various crafts.

      The annual Harvest Thanksgiving Auction and dinner fundraiser held in March was a great success and enjoyed by everyone that attended.

      Wynyard Chat n Choose 30 yr anniversary
      Chat n Choose 30 year anniversary at Wynyard

      READ Wynyard’s Church Profile >

      YOLLA

      BBQ Lunch

      Members from our congregation opened their home and provided a BBQ lunch on Sunday, 25 February at Hellyer Beach. The time together was enjoyable, despite the rather gusty conditions.

      • Yolla Baptist church BBQ lunch at Hellyer Beach
        BBQ lunch: Barry & Jann, Graeme & Debbie, Mark & Avril, Basil & Val, Jeff & Rosemary, Ann, Geoff & Maureen, Max, Annette, Vivien & Richard.
      • Lunch with a view
      • Enjoying lunch
      • Yolla Baptist church BBQ lunch at Hellyer Beach
        Strolling along Hellyer Beach
      • Yolla Baptist church BBQ lunch at Hellyer Beach
        Thumbs up

      ULVERSTONE

      Christmas Day Lunch 2023 

      It was a privilege for Ulverstone church to host a Christmas Day Lunch, with 58 people attending. Illness kept a few from coming. All who attended were well fed, with leftovers to take home. A Christmas message was presented, and a small gift, with a take home message, was given out to attendees. 

      Leadership Vision Day Retreat 2024 

      On Saturday 17 February Ulverstone held a Leadership Vision Day Retreat. Attendees were blessed by a time of praise and worship, and prayer. The group completed a survey, followed by a time of discussion. Nick Booth from Romaine Park blessed everyone with his sharing, then this was followed by a yummy lunch and further discussion. 

      Church Family News 

      As a church family, Ulverstone continue to enjoy the warmth of summer and fellowship as they gather each month after the Sunday morning service for a picnic at Fairway Park. 

      In November they celebrated with Abbey and Cameron Hingson with the safe arrival of their sweet son Rory Mac Hingston. Rory’s timely arrival meant that he was able to attend the celebration of his Great Grandparents, John and Glenys Preston’s 60th wedding anniversary in December. 

      From the Pulpit 

      A new catch phrase “Believing for more in 2024”, has seen the church be challenged. The church has been reminded, over the last few weeks – by Pastor Louis, Lyn McKay and John Sypkes – how each person has been called according to His purpose. 

      BURNIE

      View of Burnie; Around the Churches October-November 2023

      Farewell Ian Joyce

      Ian Joyce passed away on Friday, 23 February, aged 102. He was a long serving member of Burnie Baptist for many decades. Ian and his wife Fay moved away from Burnie to down-size and be nearer to family about 15 years ago.

      In 1983, Ian was made Life Deacon after serving as Deacon and Elder over many years.
      In 1984, he was inducted as Associate Pastor, a role he served for 10 years until his wife Faye took a position with Lifeline in Broken Hill. In Broken Hill, Ian served as Pastor of Broken Hill Baptist Church. He returned to burnie after four years. He continued to preach occasionally.

      After moving to nearby Penguin, Ian and Faye faithfully fellowshipped at the Penguin Uniting Church. Ian continued to be a faithful servant until his passing.

      Photo of Ian Edward Joyce

      Around the Churches February-March 2024

      South

      CITYWIDE
      Mornington, Lenah Valley, Nepali

      Citywide Church Banner


      Summer Teaching Series 

      Throughout January we were challenged and inspired by different speakers sharing from their faith journeyings.  We were blessed! 

      Finalising Carpet Replacement 

      Great rejoicing! We finished replacing the old, worn carpeting throughout the building at Mornington; As a result, the new carpet looks so much better.  Praise God for his provision through the generosity of his people. 

      Dinner Together

      Over 50 people gathered in various homes to share the first of our pot luck Dinner Together meals this year.  We will be changing the way we do this for the rest of the year, in that we are aiming to meet in our own suburb with Christians from other Baptist churches in our area – a way of getting to know others in God’s family who live near us.   

      Citywide pot luck dinner
      Potluck Dinner Together meals at Citywide

      Child Safe Workshop 

      Several of our leaders have joined with other churches in our area to workshop the changes in Legislation together. This is a significant area of risk for us and facing the compliance responsibilities is a challenge.

      Mission Foci 

      In January, our focus was on Aboriginal Day and the needs of our indigenous people of our land. February featured the 12 children we sponsor through Baptist World Aid, Compassion and REHOCH children’s home in Zambia. In March, we are centring on our support of two remote rural pastors in Nepal, and hearing of their work and the people they care for. 

      READ Citywide’s Church Profile >

      CLAREMONT

      Claremont Baptist church

      Church Growth

      In the past few months Claremont Baptist has been quietly growing in numbers. This is a great joy and answer to prayer. 

      READ Claremont’s Church Profile >

      HOBART

      Esteem Cafe

      Esteem Cafe, operated by Kelvin Smith, is bringing a quiet but steady stream of people into the new space at Hobart Baptist Church. After the success of the Long Table dinners and Market Stall days, Kelvin is now turning his attention to starting weekday groups, between 8am and 2pm. Groups include English Conversation and Story Telling. Esteem is still waiting for kitchen approvals before progressing to being a full cafe.

      Long Table dinner at Esteem

      Luminous

      The year began with an Info Session and pre-planning session for Luminous 2024 festival, held in June every year. Luminous seeks to open a space for discussion, develop thought and shine a gentle and welcoming light on profound and foundational questions in a way that is life-giving and unifying. 

      The festival brings art and conversations together through the theme of Christmas within its original context of the dark and cold of winter. This provides and opportunity to celebrate the rich themes of light and hope, which often go missing in an Australian summer Christmas.

      Luminous Sacred Tasmania poster

      READ Hobart’s Church Profile >

      Around the Churches February-March 2024

      Read More ReCharge!

      Around the Churches October-November 2023

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      Around the Churches October-November 2023

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      Gender Diversity

      Gender Diversity. Theology and Culture - a new column in reCharge

      Theology and Culture

      A new regular offering in reCharge

      Your daughter is wearing pants, your son wears nail polish, and you’re not quite sure if the person behind the counter was a man or a woman. Scare tactics and confusion around the younger generations focus of gender is everywhere. How we handle that as Christians matters for the mission of Christ.

      By Liam Conway

      Gender is the broad characteristics of women, men, girls, and boys that are socially constructed. It includes social rules for what a man does, what a woman does, what toys we give children, and who takes whose last name when we’re married. Gender bumps shoulders with sex, and sexuality, but it is primarily social, the rules and scripts for who does what. Different cultures will have different rigidity between sex and gender, and that rigidity is presently very loose in modern western culture.

      A lot of our gender rules come from Victorian era or post-WWII understandings of what men and women do. Men work, women stay home; men do public things, women deal with private things; men are protective, women are nurturing. And whilst there is some biological basis in these divisions, the main reason we have these rules is simply because we have them.

      Biblical Context

      The Bible’s context for gender is bound in culture. Whether that be the context of Ancient Israel, or the Roman Empire, there was a gendered understanding of family. The Father was the head, and the rest of the family was subordinate. Men could contemplate God, woman were at higher risk of being unclean. Rarely did both sexes mix in religious contexts.

      Until Jesus. Jesus is often seen in womanly spaces like wells (John 4:4-42) and he encourages women to sit with him and learn (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus scandalously broke from purely male spaces, and he sat in them, such as the courts of the Temple debating pharisees.

      Early Church

      In the early church, women sat as deacons, Paul sends greetings to the woman Junia, “apostle with them” in Romans 16:7, women learnt and spoke alongside men in services, a practice unheard of and bizarre to the Roman world. In the early church, some gender norms were upheld, but others were able to be rejected for the sake of the kingdom of God.

      For early Christians both men and women all needed Christ, so all were welcome. Many of the earliest followers were women, giving the Faith a sense of being womanly, and unbecoming for the Roman Man. Gender roles and rules have their place, but they have always been flexible within the faith.

      What is our Call?

      Theologically speaking, our call is to serve and live with God and be conformed to God. Gender can be an element of that. For some of us, it is very important that we are conformed to the rules that our body aligns with most. For others these rules can highlight the effects of sin in our world as they discriminate the image of God, and conforming to them would diminish the ability to conform to God. We should trust in God, and remember Romans 14 that we should not judge, and trust in God’s work in the hearts of those we may disagree with.

      Liam Conway

      Liam Conway is Associate Pastor at Riverlands, Longford.
      He was born and raised in Hobart, graduated from UTas with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology. He is now the associate Pastor of Riverlands community church and is studying his Master of Divinity.

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