Greetings from the Baptist Mission Australia team. We are so grateful for the partnership of Tasmanian Baptist churches as we share in God’s love for the world together.
As a state leader and missiologist for Baptist Mission Australia, I am keenly aware of cultural diversity throughout the world. What I am learning about, however, is the significance of our rising intercultural Baptist family right here in Australia. We believe this presents us with a significant opportunity to join with God in mission across cultural difference here and abroad.
Here’s the wonderful news. Our gospel does not need to be understood in English to be authentic. Sounds obvious, but how often we really contemplate the multicultural genesis of our faith? Unlike many other faiths and some religious traditions, we have no holy language reserved for our spiritual message. The Good News for us as Christians is the fact of the incarnation – God meeting us in our own places, cultures and languages.
This world altering Christmas event has profound implications for our mission.
Jesus arrives in a diverse context, layered with different languages, world views and mythologies. Jump forward in the story and Pentecost is a breakthrough in human religious experience.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:4 (NIV)
Imagine the scene when, in this multicultural setting,
…each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:6-12 (NIV)
We are Intercultural Australian Baptists
What does this mean for us in Australia as we pursue mission near and far? Just last month the leaders of the Baptist State Intercultural Communities met together. They confirmed that the growth and vitality of these communities is part of the transformation of Australian Baptist demographics.
Here are some numbers to illustrate the percentage of Intercultural Communities in state Baptist churches:
More research needs to be carried out across our Baptist communities, but these numbers should pique our interest about what God is up to in our movement.
We may well echo the question asked by those present at Pentecost – What does this mean? I’m coming to the belief that it means we have an opportunity to learn from our non-English background brothers and sisters about how to meaningfully engage their kin here in Australia and in their countries of origin. It means we have an opportunity to trust new pathways of mission partnership that increase sustainability and impact. It means we can all better anticipate – and perhaps even experience a foretaste of – the magnificent future described in Revelation:
I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing…and heartily singing: Salvation to our God on his Throne! Salvation to the Lamb! Revelation 7:9-10 (Message)
We celebrate the fact that God has given us family across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We look forward to learning together about what all this means for God’s mission in the world – a world that God so loves!
As the State Leader for Tasmania, it is my privilege to relocate to Tasmania for the month of May to walk alongside* our Baptist churches.
First and foremost, I seek to listen and learn what God’s people in Tasmania are experiencing as they step out in mission – across the street and around the world!
I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May and attending pastors’ gatherings and Tas Baptist events throughout the month.
I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May
I would also hope to visit with anyone interested in intercultural mission (local and global) or curious about the work of Baptist Mission Australia as we adapt our organisation to a rapidly changing world mission context.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with a phone call, text or email to arrange a time with me. I will be in the North West for the first 10 days, then around Launceston for the next 10 days, finishing my time with just over a week in the South of the state.
In the Northwest (Ulverstone). 30th April to 10th May
30.4.23—Wynyard Baptist Church
5.5.23—Tas Baptists Assembly (Newstead)
6.5.23—Tas Baps Assembly (Newstead)
7.5.23—Ulverstone Baptist Church
In the North (Launceston – Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies). 10th to 22ndMay
10.5.23—Launceston Pastors’ coffee catchup
14.5.23—Newstead Baptist Church
17.5.23—Launceston Pastors’ coffee catchup
21.5.23—Gateway Baptist Church
In the South (Hobart). 22ndto 29thMay
28.5.23—Citywide Baptist Church
I am looking forward to meeting with as many Tasmanian Baptists as possible, and walking alongside during May.
VIDEO: Watch below to find out more about Alongsiders.
*ALONGSIDERS
Baptist Mission Australia is intentionally developing an “alongsider”approach.
We do this around the world as our intercultural team members come alongside people in their local communities and embody the good news by word and deed, in ways that make sense in that culture.
We’re also committed to doing this as we come alongside mission partners across the world and in Australia. This is identified in our 2021-2025 Strategic Roadmap where we envisage “new dynamic missional-focused partnerships with Baptist associations and churches across our Australian movement.”
Following conversations with Tasmanian Baptist leaders, engagement with churches and our own discernment processes, we sense God’s Spirit encouraging us to make ourselves available to journey with Tasmanian Baptists on your missional reimagination journey.
[From the ‘Tasmanian Baptists Alongsider Statement’, May 2022]
As the Baptist Mission Australia State Leader for Tasmania, it is my privilege to relocate to Tassie for the month of May to walk alongside our Baptist churches.
First and foremost, I seek to listen and learn what God’s people in Tasmania are experiencing as they step out in mission – across the street and around the world! I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May and attending pastor gatherings and association events throughout the month.
I would also hope to visit with anyone interested in intercultural mission (local and global) or curious about the work of Baptist Mission Australia as we adapt our organisation to a rapidly changing world mission context.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with a phone call, text or email to arrange a time with me. I will be in the North West 30th April-10th May. Then around Launceston 10th May to 22nd May. And will finish my time in the South of the state from 22nd May to 29th May.
Following conversations with Tasmanian Baptist leaders, engagement with churches and our own discernment processes, we sense God’s Spirit encouraging us to make ourselves available to journey with Tasmanian Baptists on your missional reimagination journey.
A call for prayer via Australian Baptist Ministries
The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation condemns in the strongest terms possible the recent aerial bombing of civilian villages in Pazikyi, Kanbalu of Sagaing region in Myanmar, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 innocent civilians.
This attack is a gross violation of international humanitarian law and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life.
As members of the Baptist World Alliance, who stand for justice, peace, and respect for human dignity, we are deeply saddened at this heinous act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, homes and belongings in this inhumane attack.
We ask our member conventions and churches to pray for the people of Myanmar during these difficult times and to stand in solidarity with them as they seek justice and peace.
There is so much going on at Longford! To find out more, or to attend/participate in any of these ministries please check their website (riverlands.org.au), call 6391 2202, or email admin@riverlands.org.au. Office hours are 9am-12pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.
10-11am Mondays and Tuesdays, Libraries Tasmania, Adult Literacy – during school term)
11am-12pm Mondays, Prayer Group
10am-12pm Tuesdays, Threads of Friendship
5.30-9pm Tuesdays Young Adults Group – off site
10am-12pm Wednesdays, Bible Small Group
9.30-11.30 am Thursdays, Stay & Play – during school terms
3-5pm Thursdays, Girls Youth Group – during school terms
11.30am-1.30pm. Thursdays, Bible Discovery Group
7-8.30pm Thursdays, Bible Small Group – fortnightly, off-site
10.30am-12pm Fridays, Neighbours – fortnightly
7-9.pm Fridays, Riverlands Youth group – 3rd Friday of each month, during school terms
11am-1pm Fridays, Meals on Wheels – operate Monday-Friday each week
Snr Pastor Rodney Marshall, Meals on Wheels, Stay & Play, Associate Pastor Liam Conway
Grief Companion Training
Do you know people who are grieving? Would you like to learn how to support them? You could attend this seminar, being run by New Mornings at Ulverstone Baptist.
WHEN 9:30am-430pm, Saturdays 20th May AND 3rd June 2023 COST Day 1 only – $75 (Conc. $55) ) | Days 1 + 2 – $120 (Conc. $85) WHERE Ulverstone Baptist Church Hall, 60 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone, 7315 INFO Contact New Mornings: griefsupport@newmornings.org.au | 03 6411 6212 OR download the flyer:
More than ever, the people of Myanmar need to know that others stand with them. They need to know they are not forgotten.
Two years on from a military coup, Myanmar is rocked by violence, oppression and instability. The economy has collapsed, there are severe shortages of food, fuel and other basic supplies. Families are forced to separate, churches continue to be damaged. Pastors have been arrested. The military continue to ignore basic human rights.
Since the coup, more than 3000 people have been killed and 16,000 people detained. Almost 1.6 million people are displaced within Myanmar and 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar live in refugee camps on the Thai and Indian borders and within other towns in Thailand and India.
Please invite your faith community in sacrificially giving to ourStand with Myanmar appeal, so that together we can make a tangible and practical difference in the lives of people who continue to live with trauma and uncertainty.
What’s Going on – City Baptist
City Baptist Church in Launceston has people, as well as activities that people can connect with relationally.
Street chaplain (Stephen Avery), coming alongside those in need on our streets
Advocacy
Housing provided for refugees (Ivan James)
The homeless and those fleeing Family and Domestic Violence (Kay Hunter)
Climate activism (Sally Staley, Wendy Miller and friends)
Drop in Centre in the Red Dove Café 6pm-7pm Saturdays, 52 weeks per year (Jeff McKinnon).
City Baptist Community Garden – 69 Station Rd, St Leonards (Steve and Marie Pearce)
Learning Circle (hosted by Garry Billing and Jeff McKinnon) for those wanting to grow in discipleship, spirituality and mission (three-week sessions)
Young adult dinners with Jenna Blackwell
Friday Frolics – Intergenerational social outing on last Friday of the month (Merelyn Briton)
Friday/Saturday 5th/6th May, Newstead Baptist (NB new venue!)
The May Assembly is coming up very fast! All Tasmanian Baptist churches are eligible to have at least two voting delegates in attendance, plus pastors and Tas Baptist Council Members. As well, interested individuals are welcome to attend. However, all attendees do need to register.
Assembly papers will be sent to Church Secretaries via email on Thursday 6th April.
Payments and registrations will be due to the Tasmanian Baptist office by Monday 5th May 2023. As well as the regular registration process, we are trialing an online payment/registration system. So watch out for that!
This Changes Everythingis an Easter series that’s ready to go. There are message outlines that you can take, leave or adapt. But the bonus is the artwork for promoting and inviting, easily editable to include your church details. All free, because Crossover is here to help you share Jesus.
Ally & Sally is the shortest soap opera you’ve ever seen! 3x 1-min episodes you can show in church, or embed in your weekly email, or both. Each episode can stand alone, but the story builds – and twists – with a positive encouragement to share our great news. Perfect for showing right before promoting the Easter Offering in the three weeks leading up to Easter!
Geoff began his work as the Tas/Vic Global Interaction state rep in early 2021. So it’s time we caught up with him!
What makes him tick? Read on . . .
Where were you born and what was it like growing up there?
I was born and grew up on a dairy farm near Yackandandah (North-eastern Victoria). My dad was the fourth generation Maddock in our valley, and it was in many ways, an idyllic rural upbringing. Riding motorbikes, trout fishing in creeks, shooting at rabbits, and learning how to care for animals and land.
My parents were also church planters and worked with ministries from bikers to prisoners. So our home was constantly visited by weird and wonderful city folk. Never a dull moment!
Tell us about your family?
My wife, Sherry, and I met in the USA studying in the same Missiology program (we studied together, fell in love, and married in 2000). She is from Atlanta, Georgia. We have an 18-year-old son named Isaac.
My mum and dad have been in ministry all their lives as pastors, counsellors, and chaplains. Dad served for over 50 years as a chaplain for Prison Fellowship in Victorian jails. Mum trained as a nurse then went on work as a chaplain at a cancer hospital.
My sister and her husband served as MAF missionaries for many years in Africa and PNG. My brother became a high school teacher and lives with his family in Queensland.
How did you become a Christian?
Gradually. Growing up as a child of pastors made me aware of the challenges and obvious blessings of Christian living. It was important to my parents that I didn’t simply inherit my faith but took it seriously and claimed it on my own terms.
I can name several key moments where my relationship with the Living God was instrumental, but I have no Damascus story. It some ways I think it is true that we are all becoming Christian, gradually, each day, as choose to follow Jesus.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
“It is better to inspire hope than to be admired”. From one of my brilliantly humble Seminary professors, A. H. Mathias Zahniser.
When people ask you how you spend your time, what do you say?
I spend it with people, one on one or in larger meetings sharing in the joy, surprise, and challenge of God’s love for the world.
AS “Geoff maddock, Global Interaction” you must have worked in overseas mission. Where did you go, and what did you do there?
I worked and lived in an historic African American neighbourhood in the city of Lexington, Kentucky. We lived and worked for 18 years, loving neighbours, seeking justice, practising kindness, and sharing in the blessing of God’s mission.
Much of our work was helping welcome and settle refugees alongside urban agriculture initiatives. We planted a missional community, and learned how to offer and receive hope and forgiveness. We started non-profits and helped people learn what the world feels and looks like across cultural, racial, socioeconomic and religions difference.
What is your role with GIA?
I am honoured to serve as the Global Interaction State Leader for Tasmania and Victoria. I love the opportunity to learn from our Baptist family in both states – how they are discovering mission as a way to grow in faithfulness and maturity, personally and collectively.
I’m especially inspired by the way Tasmanian Baptists are forging creative and innovative pathways in mission across the state. I came away from the May Assembly this year inspired and challenged. It is my privilege to help churches grow in missional imagination and practice across the street and across the world.
What excites you most about what you do?
I’m excited to see in very practical ways how the Gospel is a reality that travels across cultures and contexts and reveals God’s very particular love for all people and places. I’m thrilled to learn that the Christianity I am familiar with takes on new character and nuances, depending on the cultural context.
God made the world with such beautiful diversity. And then honours that diversity by ensuring that “all tribes, tongues, and languages” are part of our eternal future. What could be more exciting!
What challenges do you have as you do this work?
The challenges moving forward include being faithful to God’s mission. But also, re-aligning strategy to fit a radically and rapidly changing world. Change always comes with challenges, but we can be assured that the Gospel message is translatable.
Change always comes with challenges, but we can be assured that the Gospel message is translatable.
Geoff Maddock, Global Interaction
How can we pray for you and your work?
Pray for me as I help churches recognise the mission opportunities in their own neighbourhoods. Mission is for each of us, in every place, as well as for particular people called to a specific context. There is a continued need to share our resources and energy to take on certain challenges. So I ask and pray for our organisation to have the wisdom to know what to prioritise.
Short and Sweet
I am looking forward to . . .travelling again after lockdowns in Victoria.
I am worried about . . . the asylum seekers detained in a hotel in our city
I am confident that . . . “grace abounds all the more”
Iam joyful about . . . God’s love for the world continuing through God’s people
I would like to change . . . Australian policy on asylum seekers to reflect Christian values
I am at my best when . . . wandering around an unfamiliar city with my camera (I’m an avid photographer)
READ MORE IN THE NOV/DEC 2021 ADVANCE | STEP BY STEP
NEWS: Need to Know Global Interaction name change | Safer Spaces Toolkit | Christmas poetry | Big Hearted Gifts | Tas Celebration Launch | Converge 2021 | Book Review | Faith and the Arts | BWA Ethical Fashion Guide 2021
