Tag: Jenna Blackwell

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Heartlands Autumn 2026

Heartlands Autumn 2026. EmpowHer News
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Welcome to Heartlands, the quarterly e-publication for EmpowHer, a network of Tasmanian women growing and encouraging each other in their God-given potential.

To find out about EmpowHer events and activities for women in Tasmania, subscribe to HEARTLANDS EmpowHer News.

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SAVE the DATE!

STATEWIDE EVENT: The Day of Abundance

Get your diary out and highlight Saturday 24 October, 2026

Save the Date for the Day of Abundance, Sat 24 October 2026 at Riverlands Longford

Yes! We’re gathering the women of Tasmanian once more, this time to celebrate God’s ever-flowing provision and extravagance. God creates all life AND sustains all things AND loves all humanity. Over and over and over. For all eternity.

Let’s explore that space.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:29 (NIV)

The Day of Abundance will take place on Saturday 24 October 2026 at Riverlands in Longford.

Tracy Valentine, President, Baptist Women of the Pacific. Photo by Glenn Valentine.
Tracy Valentine, President, Baptist Women of the Pacific – our region

Our guest speaker is President of the Baptist Women of the Pacific, Tracy Valentine. Tracy is based in Brisbane and is very excited to join us on the day.

The same as our previous gatherings, all women are welcome! As long you and your guests are happy to hear about God’s abundance in their lives, we’re ready to host them.

Next steps: Add the date to your diary, ask your friends/family and watch out for registration details, available soon.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Love,
The EmpowHer team

EmpowHer Regional Team
L to R: Jenny Baxter (State Leader), Jenna Blackwell (N), Heidi Brosch (NW), Leeanne Garvin (S), Ann Herbert (S), Anthea Maynard (N), Carolyn Smith (NW)

PROFILE: JENNA BLACKWELL

Continuing our series: Baptist women of Tasmania

Jenna Blackwell works with the Tasmanian Baptist team as the leadership coach and co-pastors City Baptist in Launceston.

READ HERE

MOTHER’S DAY Reflection

The Legacy You’re Leaving

A reflection for you by Jenny Baxter

LEARN FROM PAUL’S WORDS REMINDING TIMOTHY of the sincere faith of his grandmother and mother.


Excerpt from Jenny Baxter’s Courageous Womanhood reflections. You can check out Part One as her gift to you.

MAY MISSION MONTH

What’s Love Look Like? podcast series

With Nathan Reid

Baptiat Mission Australia, May Mission Month 2026, What's Love Look Like podcast with Nathan Reid

The What’s Love Look Like? podcast series is hosted by Nathan Reid, Baptist Mission Australia’s Mobilisation Manager.

Throughout the series, he connects with people around the world and in Australia who are seeking to embody the Gospel and share God’s love in relevant ways.

Be inspired and encouraged!

Check out the podcast here >

SOUL STORYTELLER

A new initiative

INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN by EmpowHer State Leader, Jenny Baxter

Soul Storyteller is a reflective space for faithful women. For those who carry responsibility with tenderness. Who want their inner life to grow as strong as their outer one.

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Jenny will soon send personal reflections and stories straight to your inbox, from her, directly to you. Of course, if that’s not your thing, every email will have an easy unsubscribe option.

You are reading Heartlands AUTUMN 2026.
You could also catch up with past issues:

Heartlands Autumn 2026

To find out about EmpowHer events and activities for women in Tasmania, subscribe to HEARTLANDS EmpowHer News.

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Jenna Blackwell

Jenna Blackwell "The more you hide, the less you heal."
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Tasmanian Baptist Women

The Many Learnings of Life

Jenna Blackwell works with Tas Baptists as the Leadership Coach and co-pastors City Baptist Church in Launceston

Tasmanian life

I grew up just outside of Deloraine, on some land looking out to Quamby Bluff. Growing up, we were always surrounded by animals. Horses, goats, dogs, cats, cows, sheep, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs were all part of my life.

Sometimes we even rescued tawny frogmouths or baby wallabies and cared for them until they were re-released. This taught me to be responsible, and to love and care for nature. The location was idyllic and we especially enjoyed wonderful sunsets. With three sisters and all the animals, the company was sometimes chaotic!

Working life

I worked as a medical receptionist for several years and I loved being able to welcome newly arrived refugees as part of my work. I learnt so many things during that time, I think I could write a book!

The key concpets that have stuck with me include realising that people are lonely. Most of us want to be seen, known and truly listened to. Also, kindness can go a long way, and a gentle, heart-felt welcome and a smile really can make someone’s day. 

I discovered that if you live out your faith authentically in the workplace, you influence culture far more than you may believe. 

These days, as the co-pastor at City Baptist, Launceston (Formation Pastor), my aim is to invest in people. I also have a role with the state denomination focused on coordinating the development of leaders. 

If anyone asks me what I do with my time, I often hesitate! It’s a complicated question for me to answer. Sometimes I bow to society and note my jobs. Often, I try to go against the grain and talk about investing in people and my love of being in nature, it’s not just about what I do. 

Comparison is the thief of joy

When we learn the most

I have discovered, too, that the most difficult times are the ones when I learn the hardest lessons. A couple of years ago I was very ill, resulting in months off work and minimal energy. That was hard.

But also, I think about the ups and downs of my relationships. They often provide our biggest setbacks and our proudest moments. We seem to learn the most during the pain of doing life with others, and the courage it takes to face our wounds. 

If I were to offer the best peices of advice I have received I think it would come down to these:

  • The more you hide, the less you heal. 
  • Comparison is the thief of joy.
  • Be yourself, everyone else is taken!
  • You never know what someone else is going through.

Praying for Jenna

To pray for Jenna as she does her work with Tas Baptists and City Baptist, here are some ideas:

  • Please pray she can be an effective vessel for God’s kingdom work, especially in the lives of others.
  • Pray that her sense of call becomes clearer, so she can faithfully follow, and serve in, God’s leading. 
Jenna Blackwell

Jenna Blackwell
Leadership Coach
Tasmanian Baptists
jenna@tasbaptists.org.au

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Jenna Blackwell

OTHER AMAZING TASMANIAN BAPTIST WOMEN



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Turning to Wonder

Turn, turn, turn to Wonder by Jenna Blackwell
Heartlands News

By EmpowHer team member, Jenna Blackwell

I was reading Acts chapters 3 and 4 recently. It tells the story of a middle-aged man who received a complete physical healing. It’s no surprise that the people who heard about this ended up totally amazed. They were filled with wonder (Acts 3:10).

As the story continues, the disciples asked the people, “Why does this surprise you?” (Acts 3:12). Jesus performed many miracles, and they heard of the miracles of the God of their ancestors, so why so amazed? Essentially, the point was that they shouldn’t show amazement – not because it’s not worthy of amazement and wonder, but because they should expect such amazing ways and acts from God.

What does it take?

This got me thinking, what does it take to amaze me, to make me filled with wonder? In our post-modern, post-enlightenment society, where rational thinking takes priority, how do I allow myself to turn to wonder? How do you allow yourself to turn to wonder?

The story continues in Acts 4, explaining how the traditional religious leaders of the day tried to squash Peter and John’s message of Jesus Christ. This message of Jesus’ resurrection and power was filling people with awe, wonder and excitement. You can sense the fear within the leaders, and their desire to control and minimise the stir of wonder. The religious leaders were at risk of losing control and influence. So, they tried to hush the messengers.

How often do we hush awe and wonder for fear that we won’t be in control? What about when we restrict ourselves and the expression or experience of our faith for fear of looking silly, or not knowing if God is good enough to trust? How often do we limit wonder, and our ability to turn to wonder?

Embracing Wonder

It’s risky to allow ourselves to see wonder. As well, it’s risky to allow ourselves to turn from the rational. Yes! It’s risky to take on childlike faith and potentially be seen as a fool in the eyes of others. Yet, I’m convinced that God delights in our wonder.

I wish I could tell you I have it all figured out. But I don’t. In fact, if I did, it would mean I wasn’t really open to wonder. But one way that I like to embrace wonder is to ask wonder-full questions—questions that stir wonder in another and in myself. I spend a lot of time sitting with people, and I like to wonder what God is up to in their life. To do this, I try to ask open questions that don’t have an assumed answer. These allow us both to turn to wonder and see what God might be stirring within them.

How do you allow yourself to be turning to wonder?
How could you be turning to wonder every day?

Jenna Blackwell

EmpowHer team member Jenna Blackwell is one of the pastors at City Baptist Church, Launceston. She is also a leadership coach with Tasmanian Baptists and is available to coach leaders in Baptist church leaders, especially women and young people.
jenna@tasbaptists.org.au

To find out about EmpowHer events and activities for women in Tasmania, subscribe to HEARTLANDS EmpowHer News.

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turning to wonder

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Two things I’m seeing, One thing I know

reCharge Blog Header for Jenna Blackwell article

Jenna Blackwell Report from the MALD

Two things I’m seeing, One Thing I Know

From the field:

1. People are engaging in deep transformation, 

2. People are hungry for spiritual conversations, especially young adults,

Known truth: God is over it all.

People Engaging in Deep Transformation

I think I have one of the most privileged jobs. I get to sit with people as they wrestle through the ups and downs of this journey we call life – through truth and scars, opportunities and failures, hopes and disappointments.

There isn’t a greater privilege than being beside people in some of their most vulnerable processing. I’m not a counsellor; I’m a coach, a pastor and a friend. But ultimately, I’m a child of God and co-heir with Jesus, and none of this is possible without that being the foundation.

Recently, I had a very odd encounter with a stranger that left me feeling quite perplexed (to say the least). On my way to my next meeting, I was praying, “God, you need to have this, because I don’t – I’ve got nothing – I need you to lead this session.” I tried to listen to Holy Spirit, I followed leads, and as we went around in circles, I felt I was leading them on a wild goose chase that would not be useful. But God knows what He’s doing, even if it makes no sense to us.

Maybe you’ve experienced ‘a-ha’ moments when things suddenly start making sense.
You understand why you get annoyed about something that shouldn’t bug you, or you realise how your perspective on something is hindering the very change you wish to see.

Or you simply see the various unrelated threads that all come back to a core issue or belief.

God’s work as Counsellor

This is the privilege I get to see on a regular basis. The Holy Spirit prompting something in someone that takes them to a deeper level of insight, understanding and wisdom.

It is a privilege to share a moment in that person’s journey. I say a moment, because God’s work as Counsellor is continuous. We rarely change suddenly. Change happens through a continuum of opportunities to go deeper with God, and I love walking with people as they embrace these opportunities.

Women’s Collective

One space that I get to see this, in addition to individual coaching, is in the Women’s Collective. This initiative started in 2023, co-created with my friend and housemate (Gabi). The Women’s Collective is collaborative and non-denominational. It seeks to encourage and equip women to lead.

Our vision is to create a safe and empowering space for women to process life, leadership, and ministry. We gather in homes, with intentionality and vulnerability, and we share a space to process life and leadership as women in our various contexts. This is a collaborative collective that is deeply encouraging and inspiring for all involved.

We had a hunch there was a need… We didn’t realise how right we were!

People are hungry for belonging and community; but they are also hungry for spiritual conversation.

Last year, some friends and I gathered with a shared heart for people to have a space to wrestle with questions about life and faith. For people to have a place to belong – a community – where no question was too silly or naïve or wrong. A place where their experience and the world’s culture could be challenged. A place that would be an initiator of community, transformation, hope and faith.

So we joined together, from different churches, with a shared heart and a hunch that maybe there was a need for this sort of space, especially among young adults. We didn’t realise how great the need was. Since starting in February, we’ve had 20-30+ young adults coming each night. We’ve had friends bringing friends, new people at each gathering, and a core group returning.

The process is simple, really. We share a meal, we offer a ‘thought’, and we invite discussion. It’s not rocket science. It’s genuine hearts with a genuine hope for genuine transformation through genuine community.

Do you get the emphasis? It’s genuine. Maybe it is radical, if that’s not your norm.

But younger generations (in particular) smell ‘fake’ and ‘programs’ from a mile away. If their radar senses you’re not authentic, you’ll only see the back of them. But genuine connection – real hearts of love and compassion – this is what they’re craving.

Young people are hungry for spiritual conversations. The great thing is that you don’t need to facilitate a group like this. It doesn’t have to be a big thing.

Over to You

Who do you know that you could come alongside? Who are some people you can invite over for dinner? Or have a cuppa with? Who are the young people you know? Invest in them.

A Few Points of Advice:
– Listen more than you talk
– If you don’t agree, wait, listen, ask ‘wondering’ questions
– Avoid yes/no questions
– ‘Could you tell me more about that?’ is a great invitation

Two things I’m seeing, One Thing I Know

God is Over it All 

This shouldn’t have to be stated, but let the record show:

It is God who works in us (Phil 2:13) and,
It is not by works, so that no one can boast (Eph 2:1-10)

We have the privilege to partner with God; we have the invitation to know God.
And, we have the responsibility to reveal God and God’s heart.

Jenna Blackwell


Jenna Blackwell works part-time for Tasmanian Baptists and is responsible for Leadership Development. She is a Christian Coach, with a particular interest in spiritual and personal formation. Jenna also pastors part-time at City Baptist Church Launceston, as their formation pastor. She’s currently involved in the Women’s Collective and Re-Imagine – the two initiatives mentioned in this article.

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Tuning in to the Heart of God

Tuning in to the Heart of God-Jun23
Heartlands News

Being Transformed

For us. For everyone!

Jenna Blackwell, a member of the Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission and Leadership Development Team, gives insight into God’s amazing heart of grace.

Inner Critic: Why don’t you have everything together?
Jesus’ gentle voice: Did you hear about the disciples I chose?

We are all too familiar with our inner critic. And in the midst of our humanness, Jesus whispers, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). God’s grace is not sufficient for just some people. It’s sufficient for you.

This might seem like an odd transition to talk about hospitality, but if we can’t accept God’s hospitality toward us, I fear we have little hope to offer the world.

"God’s grace is not sufficient for just some people. It’s sufficient for you." Jenna Blackwell

In my recent ponderings about hospitality, I have felt God’s invitation to stretch and challenge my preconceived ideas. I am still learning a lot, but I offer to you a few key thoughts thus far:

Hospitality is a heart posture, not just an act or series of acts

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Hospitality is not just having some friends over for a meal. It is welcoming the stranger with the love of God. It is listening to one another’s burdens with the compassion of Jesus. And it is creating margin to be interrupted by Holy Spirit.

All our human effort cannot make us do this with longevity. It must be an overflow of the heart of God.

Our God is the King of hospitality

God’s heart is for the stranger and the outcast (in other words, for everyone). We particularly see this in the life of Jesus.

I love Jesus’ interaction with Peter in John 21. Peter, who boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah, also denied knowing Jesus in his time of betrayal. But here, resurrected Jesus meets Peter once more on the shore. Following a failed fishing trip, Jesus shares a meal with Peter, restores his identity and invites Peter into greater transformation.

Jesus’ heart is for Peter.

If we want to extend hospitality, we must learn how to receive.

Like Peter, we must learn how to receive from God. Similarly, Martha’s sister, Mary, gives us an example. Luke 10 invites us to wonder: What was so good about sitting at the feet of Jesus?

But we must also learn how to humbly receive from each other. When we learn what it is like to receive grace without merit, gifts without the ability to repay, and hospitality when we feel like we have nothing to offer, then we can learn to extend hospitality with humility, gentleness and radical love.

All of this has me wondering, if the people of God embraced ‘radically ordinary hospitality,’* how might our wider communities be transformed with the love of God?

Radically ordinary hospitality can indeed be used by the Lord to grow his people in grace and sacrificial living, to preserve practices, ideas, and cultures… to change the world… but (it) must be rooted and steeped in grace.

Rosaria Butterfield

When you think about it, we all often have opportunities to share radically ordinary hospitality – in a friend’s home, for a colleague having a rough day, for the stranger on the street, for your neighbour … for someone in need of God’s radical grace.

God’s gentle invitation

I’m learning how to practice hospitality in community. But in a simple way, I see the hospitality of God in the people I mentor and coach. In my privilege of being present and creating space, people find invitation to show up courageously. And as they do, they experience God’s gentle invitation to deeper transformation. They experience the whispering invitation, “my grace is sufficient for you, my child.”

It’s quite simple, quite every day, but it’s far from ordinary. In fact, it ends up being quite radical.

* Termed by Rosaria Butterfield in her book The Gospel Comes with a House Key.

Jenna Blackwell

Jenna Blackwell
Mission and Leadership Development Team

If you’re interested in exploring coaching, Jenna welcomes you to reach out: jenna@tasbaptists.org.au

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June/July 2023

Printable (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

Tuning in to the Heart of God

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How Did We Do in 2022?

How did we do in 2022?

Leadership and Growth

Wins for Tasmanian Baptists

During 2022, the Mission and Leadership Development Team were very busy, supporting Tasmanian Baptist churches.

So … how are Tas Baptists going? Read on to find out.

Click for a MaLD Reflection
    Mission Director

    STEPHEN BAXTER

    On the Front Foot

    As I look forward to 2023 it is with great hope and with a deep sense that significant challenging times lie ahead of us. These challenges are reflected in the significant change to the religious landscape of Tasmania over the past 20 years.

    • The latest Census figures show how those nominating as “Christian” has dropped from 69.9% in 2001 to 38.4% in 2021; and over the same period, those nominating as “no religion/secular belief” has risen from 17.2% to 49.9%.
    • In the five years between the 2016 and the 2021 Census, those of “no religion/secular belief” overtook “Christian” as the largest religious grouping.

    This is such a dramatic change, I’m sure I cannot fully appreciate what it means for our mission and ministry. Nevertheless, I’m convinced God has been preparing us for this moment.

    God has been preparing us for this moment. Stephen Baxter How did We Do in 2022?
    How Tasmanian Baptists are responding

    These changes have not caught us by surprise. More than a decade ago we deliberately embarked on transitioning to become a mission-shaped movement. More recently, our focus has been on building a team of new generation pastoral leaders. Although there is still more to do, we are making significant gains.

    So, where to from here?

    The Tas Baptist Council is currently in the middle of a review. They want to listen to our churches in this moment, and hear from God, to clarify our next steps. It is hoped a report will be ready to present to next year’s Mid-year Assembly in May.

    My encouragement to us all is the words God spoke to Joshua, “be bold and courageous”.

    Given the changing nature of society, complete with some significant economic challenges thrown in, I suspect the years ahead will be quite demanding and tough. Yet, God is with us, and this turns any threat into an opportunity. We are not caught on the backfoot, but are instead progressing with confidence.

    So let us move ahead full of faith, hope and love.

    Stephen Baxter

    Stephen Baxter
    stephen@tasbaptists.org.au

    Mission And Leadership Development

    MICHAEL HENDERSON

    Focus on Joy

    Every year feels big (and small) when thinking about church, community, and leadership.

    It’s like thinking about family. There is no winner. Just the time-period of a year spent sustaining a community, growing leaders, deepening relationships, and dealing with setbacks.

    I find it simultaneously rewarding, and challenging. As well, it is easy to let the setbacks dominate any discussion, because they are the easiest to remember. 

    Which is why at the end of every year I focus on what brought me joy. 

    Tas Baptist Pastors and LEADERS’ Musters

    Courage | Presence | Proximity

    I loved our March get together in Hobart, and our discussions on Courage. They set me up for the year in so many ways. I particularly loved our end reflections, and conversations I had with many, as we mutually encouraged one and other.  

    As the year has gone on, our conversations around Presence (Burnie) and Proximity (Launceston) have felt large. It feels like it is a constant conversation at the moment, where we are calling each other into presence and authenticity.

    We are calling each other into presence and authenticity. Michael Henderson How did We Do in 2022?

    It brings me joy to spend time with you.

    How we have carried courage, been present, and responded to our calling is something that gives me great hope as we head into 2023.

    Blessings and Grace and Peace to you this Christmas.

    Michael Henderson

    Michael Henderson
    michael@tasbaptists.org.au

    Mission And Leadership Coach

    JENNA BLACKWELL

    God’s Invitation to You

    As I reflect on 2022 …

    There is a deep, quiet, and joyous sense of gratitude in my spirit about our Tasmanian Baptist community and what God is doing among us.

    This year I have had the privilege of noticing an increased sense of team among our pastors, and walking alongside people as they courageously choose to follow God and his ways. I have seen an increase in bravery and vulnerability, understanding of self and of God, and a willingness to listen to and follow the promptings of Holy Spirit.

    There is a stirring that God is doing something fresh, and we get to participate and co-create. No doubt there will be more challenges ahead, but what a privilege this is!

    God is doing something fresh. Jenna Blackwell. How did We Do in 2022?
    As we turn to 2023 …

    I sense an invitation for us to know God better through the presence of Holy Spirit.

    There is an invitation to find guidance for better ways of engaging. To find guidance to better engage with our communities and those around us with hospitable love and transformational grace.

    I sense courage (bravery + vulnerability) and deep friendships will be integral to leaning into the kingdom of God, with patience and perseverance. I also sense an invitation to lovingly and prophetically speak into younger generations. To pull down the barriers in ourselves and our faith communities as we learn to know God and each other afresh.

    Questions for you to ponder …
    • What is God’s invitation to you for 2023?
    • What does it look like for you to carve out time to dwell in God’s presence?
    • Who are the safe people that you can increase vulnerability with?
    • How can you build relationships with people of different generations?
    Jenna Blackwell

    Jenna Blackwell
    jenna@tasbaptists.org.au

    FIND OUT MORE about the Mission and Leadership Development Team and how they can support you and your Tasmanian Baptist church.

    Read ReCharge

    November/December 2022

    Christmas Events Tasmanian Baptist churches celebrate! (from 14th December)
    Deep Thought Dec 2022 The Change Makers by Melissa Lipsett BWA
    CROSSOVER Christmas Resources Helping Baptists share Jesus at Christmas
    AROUND THE CHURCHES November 2022 Find out what’s been going on!
    ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Anthea Maynard reports
    FAMINE In the Horn of Africa Be Informed by Baptist World Aid

    NEWS: November 2022 | December 2022

    Printable (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

    How did We Do in 2022?

    How did We Do in 2022?

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    Being Strong and Courageous

    Mt Field Crossroads Tas. Photo credit Jo Sinclair (Being Strong and Courageous)

    reengage | reimagine | realign

    Tasmanian Baptist Leadership Development Coordinator Jenna Blackwell grapples with being strong and courageous in our new paradigm.

    Can you remember a time where you found yourself at a crossroads?

    You know the path you think you should take, but you find yourself reverting to a familiar one, with well-worn tracks, common distractions and quite possibly even the same destination that you’ve been to before.

    Sound familiar?

    It takes courage to move beyond your experiences and presumptions and enter something new.

    The Courage to Change

    Mt Field Crossroads Tas. Photo credit Jo Sinclair Being Strong and Courageous
    “There is always inherent risk when stepping out of the known.”

    Over the last year, Tasmanian Baptists have encouraged individuals and faith communities to reengage, reimagine and realign with God’s mission.

    This is a nice concept, but to implement these in our lives takes a lot of courage!

    Even fearless entrepreneurs, and those who love change, find themselves tripped up. Maybe the path is different, or a replica of a previous one. But regardless, the formation of experiences, beliefs and values impact the current experience and the end result.

    Often we don’t know what stops us getting the desired outcomes. Other times, we might know why we’re getting those results (or not getting), especially in personal leadership and spiritual development. However, we can lack the courage to face our fears and failings needed for different results. The fact is, we usually delude ourselves with defence mechanisms and excuses.

    It takes courage to move beyond your experiences and presumptions and enter something new. There is always inherent risk when stepping out of the known. But, isn’t this the faith journey?

    What does it look like to walk with courage?

    A decade ago,  “courageous faith” probably meant talking to a stranger about Jesus.

    While this still takes courage, many people are coming to realise there is courage required to lead oneself to God. This is where it all starts – personal leadership and spiritual development. No matter what your daily life looks like, these are foundational aspects of courageous faith.

    So then, what is meant by personal leadership and spiritual development?

    It is taking ownership for our contribution to a surrendered life to God. This includes personal times of stillness, practicing listening, inviting others to journey with us (especially in our brokenness), and loving our families and those around us.

    This is by no means an exhaustive list.

    Being Strong and Courageous

    Like a weaned child I am content... Being Strong and Courageous
    Like a weaned child, I am content

    Lately, I have reflected on Psalm 131. Verse 2 reveals a picture of a trusting child coming into the loving embrace of a loving and trustworthy parent. This provides an example of how we can come into the arms of God – to rest, to be still, to be loved. 

    But I have calmed and quietened myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.
Psalm 131:2

    But allowing yourself to be truly loved takes courage.

    It requires entering the desert and owning your brokenness in order to realise how dearly loved you are. In that stillness, you are (maybe after a time, if you have run without reprieve), strengthened for the journey ahead, by coming into your identity in Christ Jesus.

    As it is a journey for the glory of God and the sake of others, this journey also takes courage, which requires surrender.  

    The Courage to do it with others

    Tas Baptist Assembly Oct 2021 Photo Credit Gabi Dunn Being Strong and Courageous
    “There are some very courageous people in our Tasmanian Baptist community.”

    It is also a journey requiring other people. You are not called to a life of individualism, but a life of community. It is in loving one another and doing life with others, that we are sharpened and find a more full picture of God.

    It is difficult to make changes without the support or community of others. But changes do occur when other people are invited into the journey. This takes immense courage, for it requires revealing your brokenness. Without such courage, it is possible to remain on familiar paths with familiar outcomes. The wheels keep turning but the endpoint remains the same.

    There are some very courageous people in our Tasmanian Baptist community. No doubt you can identify people in your community who you would call courageous. The question is, how do you walk with courage as we reengage, reimagine and realign with God’s mission?

    Where to begin

    Perhaps it begins with being still – coming into your identity as God’s beloved; entering the desert and facing your brokenness; and quietening your soul. By doing these things you are strengthened for the journey ahead, which is for the glory of God and the sake of others.

    If this article has left you challenged, encouraged, or questioning, the Mission and Leadership Development Team would love to hear from you.  

    We encourage you to invite others on this courageous journey as you digest the implications of this article.  

    Jenna Blackwell


    Jenna Blackwell
    jenna@tasbaptists.org.au
    Tasmanian Baptists Mission and Leadership Coach

    Read More!

    April/May 2022 ReCharge

    May Assembly Overview
    Around the Churches
    Pastoral Profile: Dan Evenhuis
    Fostering Hope: Respite Carers needed!
    Deep Thought: Mike Frost – Becoming wise
    Wynyard Baptist Food Drive
    Church Profile: Citywide

    April 2022 NEWS | May 2022 NEWS

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    Being Strong and Courageous

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    The Man (or Woman) in the Mirror

    Man in the mirror (or woman)
    Advance Header

    youth and young adults:

    A Check on your own attitudes and responses to the world. Who is that “Man in the Mirror”?
    By Jenna Blackwell

    Do you listen to Michael Jackson? It can be difficult not to sing along to songs like Beat It, I Want You Back, or Man in the Mirror. A friend recently played a Jackson song as a trivia night question, and while it didn’t create an uproar, it certainly started discussion!

    Not sure what I’m talking about? Welcome to cancel culture – the culture that ‘cancels’ a person, group or organisation due to a conflict in values. It is now at work in our community today.

    Michael Jackson: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC Man in the Mirror

    Predominantly, it happens when there is a perception of immoral or unethical production, content, or in Jackson’s case, inappropriate behaviour with young people.

    A Growing Awareness

    People in today’s society, especially younger adults, are affected by mistrust, abuse and non-transparency. It may be because of their own experiences or learnt second-hand from the experiences of their parents. It includes the unbridled use of the planet’s resources, often fuelled by greed and unsustainable practices. Young people have an awareness in their hearts of the need for justice, equality, and fairness.

    People in today’s society, especially younger adults, have been affected by mistrust, abuse and non-transparency.

    The rise of clothing companies who value ethical practices and sustainability is a response to the is a concern of many, including the younger generation. This is because consumers boycott companies due to unethical treatment of workers. And more younger adults switch to ethical banks and superannuation funds.

    Recently, our Mission Director, Stephen Baxter wrote, “The challenges facing churches are not due to the Church gone wrong, but a world grown different . . . God uses times like these to reform and renew his Church.”

    Actions Speak Louder

    So, what does this have to do with ministry for children, youth, and young adults?

    These days, character speaks more than competency, and trust must be built and maintained. We have a message that needs to be heard by those who have never heard it, and by those who have heard a different variation of it.

    We have a message that needs to be heard by those who have never heard it. "Man in the Mirror"

    It is a message of hope in Jesus Christ – not just for eternal life, but for transformation, change and love – here and now.

    In these days of cancel culture, when character, integrity and aligning actions speak volumes (and the lack of such speaks even louder), we have a message that needs to be heard.

    Since I started working for Tas Baptists a few years ago, several youth groups have shut down. Two new ones started, but overall, the youth scene has significantly decreased. This is sad and frustrating. And, while I am prone to take responsibility upon myself, we all have a part to play.

    If younger people are willing to pay more for something that has a greater impact, what’s stopping them connecting with the cost of following Jesus?

    Ponder these Points

    As we imagine how to re-engage with younger generations (or any of society), let me present you with some points to ponder:

    • Following Jesus is costly. If younger people are willing to pay more for something that has a greater impact, what’s stopping them connecting with the cost of following Jesus?
      • Is it purely a lack of knowing or hearing? Or is it not being exampled?
      • Is it a lack of trust based on history – how we’ve treated people and the planet?
    • How well do speak of, and example, our Jesus of compassion, mercy, truth and forgiveness?
    • Do we value their voice? Are we too caught up in our well-known and well-loved songs?
    • Quite practically, is our tea and coffee ethically produced and traded? In other words, do we care more about Kingdom values or dollar values?

    Checking that Man in the Mirror

    Two questions for you to consider as you go about your work today, your church meetings and your Bible study. "Man in the Mirror"

    So, I have two questions for you to consider as you go about your work today, your church meetings and your Bible study. Let me challenge you to check yourself in the mirror.

    1. What are you doing with Jesus’ message of hope?

    2. How can you (and your church) share it, and example it, with the young people in your life?

    Maybe today, you can take one small step towards sharing that message of hope with our young people.

    Jenna Blackwell

    Jenna Blackwell was, until recently, overseeing the Baptist youth and young adults’ ministry in Tasmania. She is the Tasmanian Baptists’ Leadership Development Coach, and a member of the AB Next Generations taskforce.
    jenna@tasbaptists.org.au

    READ MORE IN THE NOV/DEC 2021 ADVANCE | STEP BY STEP

    Posted on

    Being an Imperfect Missionary

    People

    Heartlands Spring 2021

    Heartlands News

    Being an Imperfect Ministry by Jenna Blackwell (scroll down)
    Walk | Pray | Love Events during November 2021
    Baptist World Day of Prayer for Women by Elissa Macpherson

    food for thought:

    Mission in Tasmania

    Jenna Blackwell ponders her frustration about mission in Tasmania

    A friend once asked me when I first heard about mission or “felt the call”. I fumbled for words, speechless. No recollection, just compounding moments and realisations through teachings, coaching and mentoring.

    It made me wonder: Am I a missionary?

    I looked out the window at the blistering wind and thought of the people in my city, Jenna Blackwell, Food for Thought

    Recently, I was sitting in my lounge room on a rainy morning, heater on, cup of tea in hand. I looked out at the blistering wind and thought of the people in my city – those without homes, without food, without heating, without safety, without peace.

    Without.

    I sat there in my frustration, guilt, and sadness.

    Is it as easy as just going out into the streets and filling my lounge with people for a night, so they can get out of the ice and wind? What about the next night? What about the people fleeing domestic violence? What about those who are grieving loss?

    There is so much hurt! How can I call myself a follower, while I sit in my comfort? Please, tell me you’ve wrestled with this.

    Called to GO

    As I reflected, I was reminded of my friend’s question about mission. We often think mission is about being overseas, or just for ‘really special’ people. But aren’t we all missionaries?

    We are called to go – to the hurt, to the broken, to the lonely, to the messy. Jenny Blackwell, Food for Thought

    My workplaces are mission fields – full of opportunities to show the character of God, and to connect people to the Kingdom. But I so often fail my own expectations. There is still something in me that desires perfection.

    While there is a balance needed, and while I cannot do everything, I also cannot excuse my own laziness and selfishness.

    We are called to go – to the hurt, to the broken, to the lonely, to the messy. While I know this to be true, it is uncomfortable. So many of our churches are full of middle-class people. Have you wondered why? Have you considered how to change this? Do you even want to?

    Recently, Denise Stephenson challenged us to consider “unfiltered” selves, and an unfiltered church. Maybe there’s a connection between this, and our comfortable churches. I like comfort. I like safety.

    But God does not call us to be comfortable. He calls us to follow the feet of Jesus, who did life with those who are messy, who others thought were unworthy, and no one wanted to be around.

    The hard work of WRESTLING

    I am an imperfect missionary.

    As I’ve sat in my lounge over the last few weeks, soaking in Luke 10 and contemplating all of this complexity, I have wrestled – with myself and with God.

    After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:2 (NIV)

    It’s been uncomfortable. But I have resolved to not be unattached and ignorant of those most vulnerable in this city. I may not have the right words or actions to understand this fully yet, and it is terrifying! But there is nothing about me that makes this easy or special. Just a hesitant willingness to follow God into the difficult, heartbreaking and vulnerable places.

    I don’t know what it is to live and relate without privilege, and I don’t have all the words, or a 12-step plan. But I know following God must mean changes.

    My next step is to learn to be in the places my privilege resists, and do it out of an overflow of God’s presence. To be an imperfect missionary.

    God’s presence is key

    After spending time in Luke 10, it suddenly hit me one day that immediately following Jesus sending the 72 out with power and authority, he told a story about a foreigner/outsider being the one to sacrifice and help someone in humiliating need. (Luke 10:25-37) In so doing, he challenged the one who thought he was right to take that same position of vulnerability and humility.

    Doing is not the goal. Rather, it is about doing as an overflow of being. Jenna Blackwell, Food for Thought

    Jesus then challenged the balance of being and doing. He reinforced that being at his feet was most important. To take the position of a humble learner who spends time and their teachers’ feet is to know the teacher and the ways of the teacher, so much so that everything one does is an overflow.

    If life consisted of only being at Jesus’ feet, I think I would be at peace with that. It is my natural reflective state, and I could spend days in God’s presence. The challenge for me is to act, to do. But as I have been challenged to do, God has reminded me that doing is not the goal. Rather, it is about doing as an overflow of being – spending time at the feet of Jesus, in God’s presence, so that my life and actions may be an overflow, an extension, of the One that I live for.

    Your call

    I am an imperfect missionary, drawn to safety and familiarity. I am someone who, without compounding understanding, would not have called themself a missionary. But we are not on this Earth for ourselves.

    We are called to be an extension of the Kingdom of God here on Earth – to spend time at the feet of Jesus so we may be filled to overflowing and transformed by his grace, ready to go about our daily lives, extending transformation to those around us – in our workplaces, in our homes, in our streets, in our cities and towns.

    How is God calling you to be an imperfect missionary?

    • How is your balance of being and doing?
    • What does being look/sound/feel/taste like?
    • What does doing look/sound/feel/taste like?
    • What’s your next step?
    • Who are you doing the journey with?
    READ Jenna’s POEM, INSPIRED BY THIS ARTICLE
    Jenna Blackwell

    Jenna Blackwell is the Tasmanian Baptist Mission and Leadership Coach
    jenna@tasbaptists.org.au

    Read more in the July/August 2021 ADVANCE | step by step

    Posted on

    Without

    Without. A poem by Jenna Blackwell
    A poem by Jenna Blackwell
    Jenna Balckwell
    WITHOUT

Heater on, tea in hand,
Curtains just ajar.
Pen at the ready,
I sit, I watch, I wait for you.

The trees, like fits of rage on a drug-induced night,
Bend every direction in the gusty wind.
They are but shadows against the dark sky,
Mere blurs, not close to human.

The sky has been crying all night,
The fields are flooded in its tears.
My eyes on this city prompts my heart,
As a ten-tonne truck sits on my chest.

People. It's always people.
Without homes, without safety,
Without warmth, without family.
Without weighs on my chest.

Does without have a name?
We hide them away, buried in darkness.
We wish someone else would jump in the muck
And bring them to the light.

My heart rages at injustice.
But my outward eyes turn in on me
And the truck reminds me of its weight.
What am I doing?

Comfy, warm, safe, peacefully alone
I too have flooded tears, but not over this.
"Disconnect!" my mind screams
But I refuse to let this be another too hard basket

I don't want to sit in comfort,
Disconnected from those without.
I don't want to say "I'm yours, God,"
And not break for what breaks you.

I love comfort, but I don't want to live it
If it's outside of your reign.
I don't want to be another Sunday-goer
Who isn't transformed by you.

I want people to know your goodness,
I want lives to be transformed.
I want connection, not disconnection.
I want... to be without?

That's too scary to say aloud,
I wrestle with the discomfort.
But they say to live is to die.
To die to self is to live for you.

Without, they cry.
Without, I surrender.

Jenna Blackwell © 2021
    Without. A poem by Jenna Blackwell
    Inspired by Jenna’s article Am I An Imperfect Missionary?