Mission in the 21st Century is necessarily very different to the mission of yesteryear.
By Laurie Rowston
The preaching once heard from evangelists of the past such as Henry Varley, which was used so effectively to tell people about Jesus, has lost its persuasiveness in part because the language of religious experience is increasingly unfamiliar.
If we keep using methods that worked for them to talk to non-church attenders about Jesus, we might see some fruit. But we can be quite certain we’ll lose the vast majority, and we’ll lose the vast majority under age 35.
Further, even the great and thoughtful preaching of that era, such as sought after by Congregational Church preachers, will not fill a church, as much as we wish it would and think it should.
What is more, it is harder today to put together a good 20-minute sermon than a prattling 40-minute conversation. On the saw-dust trail, it was a case of bringing folk to Christian faith in a limited time frame.
Keeping the mission alive
So, in the post-Christian, post-modern age in which we live, the method of evangelism must change in order to keep the mission alive.
Here are a few pointers . . . and they have more to do with the subject of evangelism generally, than the week-by-week preaching in church. For these ideas I am indebted to Carey Nieuwhof, who is pastor of one of the most influential churches in North America.
Embracing the question is as important as giving an answer
Evangelism used to be mostly about helping people find answers but, often, in the process of providing an answer, we fail to really embrace or honour their question.
Steering the conversation is better than pushing for a conclusion
We should not step away from people’s questions. We need to learn to listen without judgment. We need to affirm a person’s intentions. Being open is more effective than being certain. We can be certain. Ultimately, we must be certain because our faith is certain. Our faith stands on a sure and certain ground. But, when talking to others, coming across as certain is far less effective than coming across as open. The person who is always certain thinks they’re being convincing, when the opposite is often true.
We need to learn to listen without judgment.
Arrogance, smugness and superiority are dead
For too long putting the case for Christianity has been carried with a tone of arrogance, smugness and superiority. It was the case with Billy Sunday. There was a triumphalism in his words. This triumphalism continued in “Moral Majority”, and today continues in the preaching of imaginative TV preachers. Arrogance is so ingrained in many Christian cultures that Christians don’t even see it or hear it anymore. Humility is attractive. Humility is what makes Jesus so much more attractive to people. Spreading the kingdom does not mean hell-fire evangelism; it means living a Christ-like life.
Humility is what makes Jesus so much more attractive to people.
The timeline is longer
We like to conclude everything in about 35 seconds; revivalists did, within the hour. Increasingly, evangelism doesn’t work that way. People who come to faith when pressured often leave it after a few years.
Conversely, the people who come to faith in their own timeline tend to be flourishing years down the road. It took the disciples three years to figure out who Jesus was, didn’t it? We need people and leaders who will take the time to go on a journey with people. But for the revivalists such as Billy Sunday, it all had to be done in the time frame of the particular revivalist meeting. People were there to hear the message, respond to the message, acknowledge their sin, repent and commit.
We need people and leaders who will take the time to go on a journey with people.
It is true we are not to lose our sense of urgency in the mission, as we should not raise doubts where there are none. But we need to give people space, and we need to give the Holy Spirit space to do His work.
Laurie Rowston is Tasmanian Baptists’ historian. His latest book, Tasmanian Baptists, Lessons from Our First Twenty Years, will soon be available.
To find out more about the book, or to place an order, please get in touch with him: lrowston@tassie.net.au
For just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.
Fostering Hope is a community organisation who work closely with Tas Baptists to encourage and support Baptist families and churches to provide loving homes and church community for foster kids.
Their work is inspired by the Bible and the teachings of Jesus 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 the neighbours in the communities.
Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.
Here is a way to live out your faith by caring for those in need. You can make a difference for a child in care by becoming a mentor.. Be equipped with training, connect with a child and be provided with ongoing support as you mentor your foster child.
The next training day is on Saturday, 1st October, in Hobart (Northern training will be available in 2023)
*EmpowHer is an activity of Tasmanian Baptist Women
Help Fight Famine Today
Write to your MP
Baptist World Aid’s Christian Partners have seen first-hand how devastating hunger can be to a person’s health and wellbeing.
In Australia, we’ve seen our own food prices skyrocket due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, climate disasters and most recently, the conflict in Ukraine. But in communities and countries where people were already facing life-threatening hunger, this conflict has pushed them to the breaking point. Right now, 49 million people are facing famine.
This is an urgent crisis that can’t wait. But we can make a difference. We can help save lives. We can help fight famine.
Baptist World Aid is part of Help Fight Famine, a new campaign calling on our government to urgently deliver $150 million to support the world’s hungriest countries, including communities in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria.
Write to your local MP hereand call on them to push our new government to do our part in responding to this urgent crisis. It’s really easy!
Library Aid International
USED BOOKS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES URGENTLY NEEDED
Students at Molumolu Secondary School in a rural area of Fiji in the school library.
Library Aid International Inc in Burnie, Tasmania is now filling a tenth shipping container for an overseas destination BUT have completely run out of incoming books and educational resources.
Please send any you no longer have a need for!
Boxed resources labelled ‘Library Aid c/- Burnie Depot’ can be left at any DeBruyn’s transport depot, and will be transported to us at no cost.
Educational resources for any age level are wanted for this next shipment and to keep our volunteers busy! Books used by your kids and grandkids and no longer use. High School, College and University textbooks are also needed.
For a full list of suitable educational and school supplies, please see the Books tab on the Donations page when you visit https://libraryaid.org.
In Australia, on average one woman is killed each week by a current or former partner. While men can be victims of DV, the overwhelming majority of victims are women. Children, too, experience severe trauma and developmental delay when exposed to domestic violence.
Aware of this concern, approximately 25 people met at Citywide Baptist Church recently to learn more about domestic violence (DV). Dr Wilma Gallet led us through a one-day workshop on how the church can respond to this serious social issue.
An ever-present help
We explored the myths and facts about DV, its prevalence in Australia, the different forms it takes, and the ways in which it impacts people within our church communities as well as more broadly.
In particular, we looked at the SANCTUARY approach as a framework to help the church be better prepared to provide appropriate responses to both the victims/survivors of DV and those who perpetrate violence in the home.
A sanctuary is a sacred place, a place of safety and refuge. Psalm 46:1 tells us that, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”. Churches can be places of sanctuary where all people can find rest and refuge as expressed in the Gospel.
The DV Sanctuary Commitment is to create environments where victims of domestic violence feel safe, believed, included and loved. This includes:
Safe spaces
Acceptance and trust
Networks of support
Caring for children
Trauma-informed approaches
Understanding unconscious bias
Affirming personal agency
Recognising red flags
Yielding hope
Step 1 for Citywide Baptist Church has been to make us more aware of the domestic violence issues in the community. Our challenge now is to work through what SANCTUARY can look like in our particular church community.
With God’s help, we will be an inclusive, safe sanctuary where healing can occur.
NB: Another resource available to us is the SAFERSPACESTOOLKIT.COM.AU, developed by Australian Baptists.
Baptist Word Alliance Gathering
10-15 July 2022, Birmingham, Alabama USA
Gathering for the first time in person since 2019, over 600 Baptist leaders from more than 65 countries participated in worship, prayer, learning, relationship building, and shared ministry at the 2022 Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Annual Gathering.
Offered as a hybrid event, hundreds met on the campus of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, (pictured) with more than 150 others participating virtually.
Those gathered included Aussies ABM National Ministries Director Mark Wilson; CEO Baptist World Aid Melissa Lipsett; President Baptist World Alliance Women Karen Wilson; and President of Baptist Women of the Pacific Elissa Macpherson.
The focus for the Gathering was largely facilitated by the BWA Racial Justice Action Group which was launched in October 2020. At the gathering the Action Group embarked on a two-year journey to:
Focus the 2022 BWA Annual Gathering around the theme of racial justice.
Engage in theological reflection related to the call for racial justice today
Develop tools for ongoing engagement within the BWA, BWA Member Bodies, and Churches so that the pursuit of racial justice will remain an ongoing priority
Newnham Baptist closed its doors in April 2016. At that time the leadership team made plans for remaining funds in their bank account .
This year, all funds have been donated to mission work as agreed. Jit and Jan Yawan, and their work with Lanternlight Ministries in Thailand, were recipients of some of the funds.
Below are excerpts of the thank you letter sent to Jill Ashdown. Jill is a past member at Newnham Baptist, who has overseen the project.
Dear Jill and all associated with the former Newnham Baptist Church,
We have seen your support gift and also the letter you sent to Baptist Mission Australia to tell us about the gift. We have very fond memories of the breakfast gathering at Jill’s home. We loved the setting and felt a very warm acceptance at that session. We also remember our visits to the Newnham Baptist Church gatherings.
We have seen your support gift and also the letter you sent to Baptist Mission Australia to tell us about the gift . We have very fond memories of the breakfast gathering at Jill’s home. We loved the setting and felt a very warm acceptance at that session. We also remember our visits to the Newnham Baptist Church gatherings.
We want to take this opportunity again to say thank you for the support you sent for our work with people with disabilities through Lanternlight Ministries.
Our recent newsletter gives you a snippet of an update of some of the folk we have been able to visit to touch your hearts.
Jit and Jan Yawan
Stand Sunday 2022
Supporting Foster Carersduring September
On Stand Sunday, Christians unite on behalf of every child in care. They commit to pray for them to be restored to a forever family.
In Australia, we host Stand Sunday on the second Sunday of September to coincide with National Child Protection Week (4-10 Sept) and National Foster Carer’s Week (11-17 Sept). In 2022 that is on Sunday 11th September. However, your church is welcome to participate on any Sunday in September.
Each year, Fostering Hope provides a Stand Sunday Kit and video for you to use in your church, small group or community. These will soon be available.
Celebrate foster carers who STAND as carers and family for children who desperately need it.
For churches to STAND with carers to understand the beautiful and messy lives they live.
And for churches to STAND up with information about the need for more homes for vulnerable Aussie children.
This Stand Sunday, we ask Baptist churches in Tasmania to open up to those who need a home, a family and community – let’s find fostering families to fill this need in Tassie!
Mary with her two sons. For security reasons Mary’s foster sons cannot be photographed with them.
Become a Money Mentor
Christians Against Poverty calls on the Christian church community to consider becoming money mentors to meet growing demand.
With continued interest rate rises and the skyrocketing cost of living, it’s likely that more than 1 in 4 Australians will currently be living in financial distress and CAP says they need thousands of church-based money mentors to meet the growing demand for their services.
Rosie Kendall
CAP trains volunteers to walk alongside people experiencing financial distress. They give them the tools and support they need to see beyond their current financial challenges.
CEO of CAP, Rosie Kendall says, “We re working hard now to ensure that no Australian suffers financial distress, and we’ll need a lot of help to do that. Especially in the current economic climate. The fact that so many Australians are living in financial distress just shows that we’re all vulnerable to it, especially in times of uncertainty”.
Recognising that financial stress isn’t just about the dollars and cents, CAP has released a free Financial Wellbeing Scale to help people improve their understanding and measurement of all the different elements that make up their financial wellbeing.
For more information on CAP, including how to donate your time and become a money mentor, or to make a tax-deductible donation to support the work of CAP, visit: https://capaust.org
City Baptist (in Launceston) has been working hard as we transition Anthea Maynard (above) and Jenna Blackwell (below) as our Ministry Team, in time for Jeff McKinnon’s retirement at the end of the year.
The Ministry Team is guiding the church through a ‘makeover’ of ‘how we do church’. Simultaneously we are preparing to relocate! First to a rental venue at the end of August this year, then again after 3-6 months purchase a new property.
We may also potentially purchase an investment property so as to fund a third part-time member on the Ministry Team.
Housing Crisis
The severe housing crisis has drawn attention to out-of-control homelessness, and the difficulty of bringing new refugees to Launceston. The church and related groups have played a major role in bringing these issues to the fore, increasing the church’s civic and community profile.
Northwest
ULVERSTONE
Table Tennis Anyone?
After a two-year break (due to Covid), we once again have a Table Tennis competition in full swing. We have 25 participants who not only enjoy the rivalry of competition but also the social aspect of the group and a healthy bash of “round-the -table” before finishing the evening.
May Mission Month
On a personal level, and as a church, we were challenged by this year’s May Mission Month’s theme, “Crossing the Street”. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with our three supported missionaries whom we partner with, and to hear of their day-to-day life, challenges, and moments of joy and praise through videos.
A special morning tea of cupcakes was enjoyed with donated monies gifted to May Mission Month.
Crossing the Street! – Challenge Accepted
With the cost of living on the rise, the community of Ulverstone has come together to offer hope and a lending hand to those in need.
We are excited to partner with businesses, individuals and organisations within the Ulverstone community and host a space for The Ulverstone Community Kitchen to operate. This event is organised and run by community volunteers, providing a hot meal cooked in our kitchen and served in the hall.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and chat with people in our community in a safe and warm space.
From the Pulpit
Over the course of the last few months, we were challenged and encouraged by Pastor Louis Fife as he preached his series titled “Spiritual Identity” and “Reimagine”.
BURNIE
Supporting One Another
The Pastoral Search committee meets regularly in our search for a new Pastor for Burnie.
Our congregation is faithful in their support of each other, as with an aging congregation, sickness keeps many away during these colder days.
Our support of City Mission is ongoing as they provide hot meals from our kitchen for as many as 30 or 40 each week day, with the majority of those being homeless or disenfranchised is some social way. Jesus said, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Mat 14:16)
LATROBE
Farewell Iris
On 10th June, Mrs. Iris Walker passed away at the age of 91.
Iris became a member of the Latrobe Baptist Church in 1968, where she was an active member until the later years when poor health and Covid meant she was no longer able to join with us each Sunday. In the month leading up to her death many of her family members travelled from far and wide to visit her.
As Iris had eight children, 26 grandchildren and over 30 great-grandchildren, it was a large gathering to say goodbye on Thursday 16th June.
Iris left a wonderful legacy of a truly gentle, kind and caring woman of God, and a real witness to all her family and those she came in contact with.
At rest with her Lord now, but we know we will meet again.
South
CITYWIDE
Dinner Together
We are continuing our monthly Dinner Together events where people either host or attend a home for a Friday night dinner (pictured). Each month the mixes of people changes, so we get to know more people across our congregations and grow in our relationships and sense of belonging together. These are good fun nights enjoyed by all who attend.
Ministry Team Leaders’ Day
We recently held a Ministry Team Leaders day together with all the leadership of Citywide. A group of 25 attended and shared together. Everyone’s brief reports on their areas of ministry was very encouraging and unifying. Especially significant were the interactions with our Nepali ministry leaders, and to see how far we have come in integrating across our different cultures.
Prayer and Fasting Week
In the shortest daylight week of 19-26 June, coinciding with Dark Mofo, we held a Prayer & Fasting week where people were encouraged to seek God through prayer and fasting. In addition to personal resources, we encouraged all to do a neighbourhood walk praying over the homes and people as we passed; and we met on Rosny Hill on the shortest night to pray for and over our City (pictured).
CLAREMONT
Winter Dinner
On Saturday26th June we held our annual winter dinner – pictured, top.
This year our theme was CHRISTMAS, and entertainment was provided by The Jammers who led us in Carol-singing – pictured, below.
In all, 54 people attended, about half of whom where family of our regular Sunday worshipers. It was a wonderful evening of fun, food and relationship-building.
HOBART
Luminous Festival
Our annual Luminous Festival took place from 9th June until 3rd July. Luminous encompassed an art installation How lonely lies this land, once so full of people, by Michael Henderson; three significant “conversations”; and Christmas in Winter.
This was a cooperative exhibition, with three churches participating – St Georges Battery Point (REMEMBER), Hobart Baptist (WELCOME) and C3 Hobart (COURAGE). Each location told another part of the story regarding the non-indigenous response to reconciliation.
The sculptures provided powerful imagery to provoke conversation around the history of engagement with our first nations peoples, and provide a hopeful re-telling of the future.
Three Important Conversations
Truth Telling and Treaty with Tim McCormack, Kate Warner, Michael Henderson, hosted by Stephen Baxter.
Brave Leadership with Bec White, Wendy Quinn, Jenny Baxter, Ella Hickey, hosted by Stephen Baxter
Losing my Religion with David Knox (former Tasmanian Baptist pastor)
Christmas in Winter
This special celebration included two “Sundays in Advent”, as we anticipated the coming of Jesus’ light into the darkness as the winter solstice approached.
A Carol Service on Friday 1st July, was a fantastic event, including special guest artists Zoe Fitzherbert and Brett Budgeon (pictured).
Everyone was encouraged to celebrate Christmas by hosting a Christmas dinner in their homes. The dinners provided a place where people can easily engage with the Christmas story, minus all the trappings that come with Christmas in Summer.
There was also a well-attended Christmas Day Service on Sunday 3rd July.
It is only our second time to host the Luminous Festival, and we look forward to making it a special event when we can creatively engage with our community each year. Roll on 2023!
So far, we are encouraged by the strong start the new Australian Government has made in strengthening diplomatic relationships, especially at a time like this.
Straight after the election, the CEOs of Australia’s leading Christian international development agencies, came together under the banner of Micah to deliver this call for A Safer World for All.
One of the most worrying developments we see is the quickly approaching global food crisis. The climate crisis, accompanied by the war on Ukraine, has created the perfect storm for mass food security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and across the Middle East.
Micah is working on a significant response to this, with actions that you and your church can take to help fight famine. We will update you with these developments as they evolve.
In acknowledging the crises faced by our world, we hold firm to the hope we have in Jesus. Even amidst our fears and anxieties, we are called to: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” (Proverbs 31:8).
Please support the distribution of dry rations in response to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka Appeal. The focus is to ask young people to contribute to the need.
The past 75 days we have seen the youth of Sri Lanka rise and stand for justice, fighting against corrupt and evil leadership. This crisis brings thousands, if not millions of people, into life below the poverty line into devastation.
This appeal is launched by the Asia Pacific Baptist Youth (APBY) in partnership with the Asia Pacific Baptist Aid (APBAid), together with the Baptist Young People’s Auxiliary (BYPA) as part of relief efforts towards the current crisis in Sri Lanka.
Please circulate this to the Youth Ministries as the request is for this to be driven by young people.
The dry ration distribution program was initiated by the social hub of the BYPA, upon identifying the need of a mechanism to support the daily essential needs of 556 families from 21 key Baptist Churches and 8 Mission Points and their surrounding communities.
The total amount to raise by the end of July is $US12,000. Any small contribution you make towards this will reach people who are in dire need.
Your contribution of:
$US44 Will provide a family of 4-6 food security for a month
$US22 Will provide a family of 4-6 food security for 2 weeks.
This training day will be held in Hobart on Friday, 5th August and is designed to service anyone engaged in mentoring relationships, formal or informal.
This year’s event focuses on working in difficult times, supporting people through experiences of trauma. The day will be an opportunity for networking as well as learning.
Guest speakers: Lacey Holloway and Maria Hutchison
* EmpowHer is an activity of Tasmanian Baptist Women
Try Alpha In Tasmania!
Online and In-person Alpha courses will begin soon at Baptist churches in Tasmania. This is such a great course for enquirers, new Christians, AND mature Christians.
Why not invite a friend or family member to attend with you? Whether you attend online or in-person, ALL ARE WELCOME!
Hobart Baptist Church from Sunday 31st July, starting at 12pm
Citywide Baptist Church from Monday 8th August, starting at 7pm
Check out Alpha’s Annual Impact Report celebrating over 78k people who explored Jesus last year (AU), many within our churches! Contact Ryan Vallee, our national Alpha Baptist rep, if you’d like to explore how to make the most of Alpha for you and your church.
Watch this video to Tasmanian Baptist churches from Ryan Vallee, the Alpha rep for Baptist churches nationally.
Pictured Above: Worship time at the Mid-year Assembly, May 2022
Table of Contents
APBF Hybrid Congress
5-7th September – online
The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Congress meets regularly every five years, touching thousands of Baptists every time. APBF has witnessed the faithfulness of God in Asia and the Pacific over the period of 40 years as they have grown to almost 40,000 churches today.
The 10th APBF Congress calls Baptists to gather with the theme Stronger Together in its first Hybrid Congress (available to both in-person and online attendees) and witness yet again God’s faithfulness. In-person in South Korea will allow delegates to interact face-to-face with the speakers. While the online version will provide a seamless flexibility to join the Congress from your location.
During the shortest daylight week of 19-26 June, coinciding with Dark Mofo, Citywide people were encouraged to seek God through prayer and fasting.
In addition to personal resources, everyone was encouraged to do a neighbourhood walk, praying over the homes and people as they passed.
As well, they met on Rosny Hill on the shortest night to pray for and over the City.
Maybe you could organise a time for your church to pray for your town or city?
Library Aid International
Just 10 boxes to go!
Burnie, Tasmania
We are ecstatic at Library Aid International in Burnie. Ten more boxes will fill our ninth shipping container of teacher resources, school supplies, books and computers that will head to Zimbabwe (see picture at right). It was expected to be ready in September but will now be in the next month or so.
Our greatest need
This container is looking pretty empty
We want to make a start on our tenth container, but our inwards goods container is pretty empty, see picture below.
Our greatest need IS NOT for finances! It is for books and school supplies as per the attached list. Please pray for these to come our way, especially via school and public libraries that we have good contact with.
The Values Project is designed to help organisations, churches and groups reflect, talk and learn about our identity and values as communities of faith within the Australian Baptist movement.
As we are reminded of the values that underpin the historical and cultural backbone of our movement, we reflect on how these values impact our attitudes, practices and decisions in our unique contexts.
The Values Project strengthens our sense of identity, encourages connectedness and community across our movement, and informs decision making and leadership.
Four free episodes are available, along with corresponding Scripts, Facilitator’s Guide, Discussion notes, and sermon ideas.
The 4-5 minute videos each focus on one of our four values: 1. Jesus-Centred 2. Community 3. Mission 4. Freedom. They are a great basis for discussion and understanding Baptists, particularly for those new to the movement.
Tuesday 26th July (start with lunch) to Wednesday 27th July (end with lunch)
The July Muster will be held in Burnie and is themed around the idea of PROXIMITY.
Proximity is about living close to people so you see them, love them and can listen to them. It will build on from our exploration of Courage at the March Muster.
Over the past 50 years or so, pastors have often been trained to keep people at arm’s length – in our programs and systems and organisations. This is quite strange given that Jesus became like us and “moved in to the neighbourhood” (Jn 1:14 MSG).
At this Muster we will focus in on being driven to get to know people as people, rather than as demographics, target markets or workers.
WHEN Tuesday July 26 (start with lunch) to Wednesday July 27 (end with lunch)
VENUE Burnie Baptist Church
THEME Proximity
ACCOMMODATION Attendees are responsible for their own accommodation. If you need assistance, please let us know.
COST $95 – Covers lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on Tuesday and morning tea and lunch on Wednesday
9.30am to 4pm, FRIDAY 1st July Campbell Town – Memorial Oval Function Room Lunch and snacks provided. Registrations close 20th June 2022
TCC Emergencies Ministry deploys faith-based volunteers to care for affected people in situations such as evacuation centres during fires and floods. To train for this ministry no formal qualifications are required but a positive reference from your faith community leader is essential.
The Federal Government is funding the training scheduled training, so the usual day-long Personal Support training is now offered at the very reduced price of $20+GST (usually $100+GST).
The training day is for both new volunteers and for current volunteers who are due for a refresher course (due every three years).
Topics covered include:
Understanding the emergency setting
Tasmanian Emergency Management Arrangements
The impacts of emergencies on individuals and communities
Psychological First Aid principles
Emotional & Spiritual Care principles
The role of a TCC Emergencies Ministry volunteer
Stamps for Overseas Mission
Help raise funds for Baptist Mission Australia
Your Used Stamps Can Make a Huge Impact
For more than 50 years, Australian Baptists have collected and sold stamps to raise money for Baptist Mission Australia. This simple fundraiser generates about $70,000 every year!
With electronic mediums replacing much of our posted mail, used stamps are becoming harder to source. Thankfully, they are becoming more valuable owing to scarcity.
Jill Ashdown, of Gateway Baptist, oversees this ministry for churches in Tasmania, and she invites anyone to assist by collecting stamps. Stamps received from our churches can be delivered to the Tasmanian Baptist State Office at Riverlands Longford.
Accumulations, old stamp albums, postal history and other stamp memorabilia are also very welcome.
What to do:
Prepare the stamps by cutting the stamps off the envelope, leaving a 5mm border around the edge.
Collect a bundle in a box, envelope or bag.
Drop them off to Riverlands Longford, 159 Wellington St, Longford. The office is open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm. Or else, call to arrange a suitable time: 6391 2202
Everyone needs it. God provides it. We sleep, eat and live in it.
But how do you live in the SHELTER of the Most High God?
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1
Led by Denise Stephenson (LifeWay) and Jenny Baxter (Hobart)
$45/person Covers food and materials. (This is a non-residential retreat.) Contact us if you have hesitations about cost. There are other ways you can contribute.
Nonviolent Direct Action on the Streets of Launceston
In April, Extinction Rebellion Northern Tasmania (XRNT) held a street theatre, Unholy Matrimony, in the centre of Launceston. It aimed to light-heartedly draw attention to the ‘love affair’ between the Australian Government and the fossil fuel industry.
Sally Staley and Jeff McKinnon from City Baptist Church were amongst four who were arrested that day and face court on 8th June. In all about ten people from City Baptist were involved.
Recharge: What did XRNT hope to achieve by presenting Unholy Matrimony? Jeff:Despite 30 years of formal reporting by climate scientists and lobbying by concerned citizens, XRNT believes the response of the Australian government has been far too little. Since 2019, XRNT has held mildly disruptive events at which volunteers may be arrested. XRNT maintains an excellent relationship with Tasmania Police.
ReCharge:Why participate in XRNT events given you face the risk of imprisonment? Sally: Imprisonment is not something I think about. Many Christians throughout history, starting with Jesus himself, faced court, imprisonment and more. I am nothing like those great saints. But when there is an issue so important as what we face today, with the degradation and destruction of our Lord’s creation, there is a drive within me to alert people to the need to stop polluting creation. The thought of imprisonment does not enter the frame!
The Hobart Vision (Korean ) Church is a Korean-speaking church which was accepted into Tasmanian Baptist at the May 2022 Assembly. Usually, 60-70 people (including about 27 kids) meet at Hobart Baptist on Sunday afternoons, as well as a smaller number for early weekday prayer meetings.
The church also streams their services, which are picked up in Hobart, across Australia and also in Korea!
About Pastor Samuel at Hobart Vision Church
Pastor Samuel Jo has been with Hobart Vision Church since July 2019. Samuel has five children. The oldest son, Abraham, is in Melbourne for his 2nd year at Monash University. The youngest is five years old in kindergarten. Pastor Samuel graduated from Hillsong Leadership College majoring in worship-leading.
Samuel is pleased to tell ReCharge about Hobart Vision church, saying, “First of all, I am very grateful to introduce our church, and thank Tasmanian Baptists for giving me this opportunity.”
How it all began
Hobart Vision Church dates back 28 years, when it started with one faithful family of an ordained deacon under the name of ‘Hobart Cheil Church’.
The church was without a pastor and the Sunday service was all about playing a tape brought from Korea, and having a meal together after the sermon. For those who missed Korea, meeting Koreans once a week, and eating Korean food, was a time to experience their hometown.
At this time, regardless of their beliefs, the non-Christians who shared a longing for Korean food with Koreans later became truly valuable leaders.
The church had a pastoral ministry and gathered in Sandy Bay to serve Korean Christians for over 24 years as a part of the Uniting Church.
Worship service and sharing a meal
Making moves
However, four years ago the current Hobart Vision Church left the Uniting Church as a result of theological differences over sexuality. Consequently, it planted again as an independent church, without a pastor.
Finding a church building wasn’t easy, but the church was able to rent and use St Stephen’s Church (the Red Chapel church, Sandy Bay), where they have worshiped for the past four years. Then, earlier this year, the meeting venue changed to Hobart Baptist Church.
Hobart Vision Church children sing in the Red Chapel, Sandy Bay
A place to come back to
Meeting in the Hobart Baptist “Tab”
Since 2019 the church has seen steady growth. The church originally planted with 70 members, and shrank to 30 within a year. It then grew to 70 again within a year. Pastor Jo Sung-min once confessed that all of this was God’s grace, saying, “I’m really happy that it is a church where the members, who have forgotten the church before, can come back to Christ!”
The church is so pleased to have been accepted into the Tasmanian Baptist Union. To determine the denomination we would join, our members needed a firm biblical position in relation to sexuality. However, the biggest reason is the member-centred voting policy of the Baptist denomination. And further, rather than insisting on white Australians, the Baptists opened wide doors for us to become one with them.
Vision and Mission
Hobart Vision Church has a grand vision. The goal is to grow the Korean diaspora into influential believers in Korean and Australian society, trained in Hobart. That is why we are doing our best to provide Sunday School and Korean Language School for the next generation.
The goal is to grow the Korean diaspora into influential believers in Korean and Australian society, trained in Hobart.
Hobart Vision Church is closely connected to the Korean community in Hobart by serving and supporting elders in Hobart, and helping the Hobart Korean community committee. The church also uses the parent network through schools to create opportunities for connection.
We regularly stream our services such as our weekday early morning services, and Sunday services. There are not great number of viewers in Hobart yet, however there are many more viewers in Melbourne and Sydney, and also in Korea who are support our eMinistry.
Pictured Above: Citywide helped organise ANZAC Day in the Park, in Lenah Valley
Table of Contents
Family Faith Rhythm Cards
The Australian Baptist Ministries Next Gen team have created a set of cards families can use to dig deeper in discipleship practices.
“It’s a really good resource for households.”
Jenna Blackwell, Tas Baptists’ Mission Leadership Coach
This set of cards has been designed for families of all types and stages.
The twenty included activities fall into four broad categories – discovering God’s big story, experiencing Jesus, showing God’s love and remembering and celebrating.
GET HOLD OF A SET!
Download Here > OR Order printed cards from the Tas Baptist office: (03) 6391 2202; info@tasbaptists.org.au
Hybrid Conference
BWA Annual Gathering, 10-15 July 2022
It’s less than two months until the 2022 Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, hosted in the United States for the first time in 40 years, and the first in-person event since 2020.
Gathering on the beautiful campus of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama (USA), Baptists will unite July 10-15 for a strategic time of prayer, fellowship, learning and planning together with a special emphasis on racial justice.
Committed to make participation possible for as many Baptists around the world as possible, the event includes:
1) Affordable Accommodation: Through BWA’s partnership with Samford, convenient and affordable lodging includes meals on campus. However, space is limited, so it’s important to reserve your spot today. The deadline for accommodation reservations is May 31.
2) Virtual Registrations: Understanding that travel is still difficult for many, the Annual Gathering is planned to be the first hybrid BWA event. There is a virtual registration option, which includes streaming access to key corporate sessions, the online event networking platform, and unique on-demand content. ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE on June 30, 2022.
5pm to 5pm, FRI/SAT 24-25 June 2022, Blackmans Bay
SHELTER …
Everyone needs it. God provides it. We sleep, eat and live in it.
But how do you live in the SHELTER of the Most High God?
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1
Led by Denise Stephenson (LifeWay) and Jenny Baxter (Hobart)
$45/person Covers food and materials. (This is a non-residential retreat.) Contact us if you have hesitations about cost. There are other ways you can contribute.
A unique 12-part video series unearthing stories of faith that have impacted Australia was released by Olive Tree Media on Wednesday, 4th May.
Faith Runs Deepunearths stories of more than 40 Australians past and present who have been impacted by Jesus and have gone on to have a significant influence within the Australian community.
The series is produced by Olive Tree Media, makers of the award-winning series, Jesus the Game Changer and Towards Belief. Olive Tree CEO and former Senior Pastor of Gymea Baptist Karl Faase, worked with their experienced production team, as well as Karl’s wife and series producer Jane Faase.
Musical guests performed, and Will Graham offered a message of hope. Will, the grandson of the late evangelist Billy Graham, has shared the truth of the Gospel with more than one million people on six continents.
The main event was preceded by Kidzfest and Youth events.
KIDZFEST
Kidzfest with Dan Warlow
Tailored for primary school kids but the whole family is welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult/carer.
Featuring: Dan Warlow: a leading Australian Christian Kids’ Music artist and entertainer performing in schools, churches, festivals and community events. The Quest: A new, 20-minute interactive video Gospel presentation, that combines live action and animation to share the hope of Jesus with children.
YOUTH!
Youthfest ran into the main event with PlanetBoom at 6pm
For Highschool kids up – suggested age range (12–25). Youth under 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible person 16+.
Featuring: PlanetBoom – a Youth band and ministry of Planetshakers. + Youth activities | FREE food and more! Youth ticket (Hobart) includes main Celebration with Cass (Cassandra Kanda), The Afters and Evangelist Will Graham.
Hobart Wrap-Up
Attendance for the Hobart Celebration over one day: (Kidzfest | Youth | Celebration) was over 2000 people
Over 220 people responded to the call for salvation.
Almost 50% of responses were young people (10-25 years)
Over 70% of responses were 1st time salvation
Plus over 1100 viewed online with 24 responses
Launceston Wrap-Up
Attendance for the Launceston Celebration over three days: (Kidzfest | Youth | Celebration) was nearly 4000 people
Over 450 people responded to the call for salvation.
Over 80% of responses were young people (10-25 years)
Nearly 60% of responses were 1st time salvation
Plus over 4600 viewed online with 79 responses
Support Refugees in Kyev
The main Evangelical Free church, in Kyev Ukraine, is one of many hubs assisting refugees out of danger zones.
Refugees are brought to the hub, fed and tended to medically if necessary. Then they are taken on buses to various other cities in Ukraine.
Director of City Networks, Kelvin Smith (Hobart Baptist) is friends with Anton, a pastor with the Evangelical Free denomination. Anton’s father, Antonoli, is Bishop of that denomination which represents about 80 churches. Both men have remained in Kyev throughout the invasion.
Thankfully, the church was donated two 51-seater buses, and have two drivers and a van to aid their efforts. A free medical service is stationed at the hub. More than 3000 refugees have been moved in this manner.
The cost of fuel for continually running the buses is about USD$1500 per week. The cost of food at the shelter is about USD$1000 per week.
If you contribute, 100% of proceeds will go to fuel and food for refugees.
Tas Baptists would like to make you aware of a new resource from ABM called the Safer Spaces Toolkit. A team of Australian Baptist women created the toolkit to equip churches to address domestic abuse, and help build relationally healthy cultures.
Domestic abuse continues to be a significant issue for our nation, and it’s an issue that doesn’t discriminate. Sadly, domestic abuse occurs in every ethnic, social and economic group throughout Australia, and it also occurs within our churches.
Domestic abuse continues to be a significant issue for our nation, and it doesn’t discriminate. It occurs in every ethnic, social and economic group throughout Australia, including our churches.
Despite this, we are not a people without hope. Churches can be (and often are) at the forefront of providing safe and caring environments for victim-survivors of abuse and can build cultures that model healthy and respectful relationships.
We are grateful for the work our churches have already done to address domestic abuse in their churches and communities. The Safer Spaces Toolkit helps pastors and church leaders continue on that journey.
Sermons: A trauma-informed preaching lens Videos: Subject matter experts on various topics related to domestic abuse and building healthy relationships Training modules created specifically with church leaders in mind Resources: Links to a number of other resources
As followers of Jesus, he calls us to cross the street, step out, build bridges and meet people where they are. The call is to live alongside our neighbours with the hope of Jesus. That’s what our intercultural teams around the world do! And it’s what church communities in Australia are called to as well.
The theme for May Mission Month 2022 is ‘Crossing the Street’.
Resources are available for your faith community to engage with mission and Baptist Mission Australia’s ministry in a new way.
City Baptist in Launceston has been heavily involved in discussions with Launceston Council and the Tasmanian Government regarding the housing crisis as it relates to the street community, those fleeing domestic violence and refugee settlement. Our street chaplain, Stephen Avery works hard amongst our street community. And Associate Pastor Kay Hunter relates to a number of women at risk.
Ethnic community update
Our Hazara community garden at St Leonards is flourishing, pictured at top. Sadly we have not been able to hold combined services with our Nepali congregation due to Covid. We hope these can resume soon.
The “Makeover” continues
Anthea Maynard and Jenna Blackwell have been seeking to build connections with young adults and considering what model of being ‘church’ our Makeover process might lead us to. This is still a work in progress. Our Do N Chew craft program was celebrated in April when it decided to close after 34 years in operation.
Other news
Steve Cooper continues to lead our worship times most Sundays, pictured below. Settlement for the sale of our current property falls in mid-September. Around that time we will consider relocation in earnest.
PERTH
Our Easter services were very encouraging with strong attendance at both our Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services. On Easter Sunday we had a community Easter egg hunt and morning tea before our service.
We are gearing up to get as many from our community to the Tasmania Celebration with Will Graham. We’re inviting the community to meet us and travel with us to the Sunday service, and then come back to our Hall for supper. We are praying for a good response.
GATEWAY, Launceston
David Madden was welcomed to Gateway Church Council and commissioned in prayer during Sunday morning service recently.
RIVERLANDS, Longford
Our Stay and Play Playgroup began for 2022 on Friday May 6 for children aged 0-5 years and their mums/carers.
Associate Pastor Liam Conway and Hannah are hosting a young adults group every Tuesday evening in their home, and Liam has started a once a month youth group at Riverlands on Friday nights.
NEWSTEAD
At the end of February we held a dedication service for Boaz Daniel Hutchison, pictured at top.
At Easter, many attended our Good Friday service and our Son-rise outdoor services. It was a day to celebrate the greatest news ever!
We have also turned on our Jesus lights to be a beacon to the community as the nights get darker. Pictured below.
Northwest
ULVERSTONE
Food, fellowshipand Easter
After our Sunday church services over the summer months, we frequently joined together at Fairway Park for church family picnics. This was a great time of enjoying each other’s company in the open air. Now, as the weather is cooler and with the easing of Covid restrictions, we have resumed our regular post-service morning tea.
Over the Easter weekend we reflected upon the events of the cross, Jesus’ love for each of us and His gift of salvation. Our own Nerrelie Cann and Carolyn Smith shared their hearts and brought us the word on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. And of course, we enjoyed hot cross buns and Easter eggs with our tea and coffee after the services.
With certainty!
Over the course of the last few months, we were challenged and encouraged by Pastor Louis as he preached his series titled “Spiritual wholeness”, and “How to be certain in uncertain times”.
In March we celebrated with Cameron Hingston and Abbey Cunningham as they became husband and wife, We also welcomed Greg and Helen Venz into membership.
LOWER BARRINGTON
Lower Barrington Church had a time of encouragement on Sunday 3rd April, with the baptism of Helen Phillips after our Church service at the indoor pool at Silver Ridge resort Sheffield.
This was followed by Lunch, with a great time of fellowship and sharing. Praise God.
WYNYARD
Reaching the needs of the Wynyard and Cooee communities
Pastor Owen Muskett (middle) with volunteer Food Hub Coordinator Aileen Charles (left), and volunteer Jacki Harman
The Wynyard Baptist Church and the local Lions Club ran a Food Drive to raise food and donations for the Community Food Hub that runs out of the ROC hall (formerly known as the church hall). For those enquiring minds ROC stands for Redeeming Our Community.
Over the two-day period, 21 crates of food were collected, as well as $1,239 in donations. This was a great achievement and will support the continual work of the community food hub. Wynyard Baptist took on the program after they were approached to take over “Grow, Gather, Give”.
Since then, they changed the name to the Community Food Hub, and the church has experienced continued growth in the program. The local community supports the food donations as well as farmers, Woolworths supermarkets and local bakeries. The hub runs out of the ROC hall on Mondays and Fridays, and on Tuesdays and Saturdays from the Uniting Church Hall in Cooee.
A group of volunteers from the community as well as the church runs the Food Hub. The church has found this to be a wonderful outreach to the community and it has given many opportunities of witnessing for Christ
At our recent AGM, the Levendale fellowship was formally embraced as a church plant under the umbrella of Citywide. We are in process of establishing Wi-Fi and IT functions there to enable streaming and sharing in our services.
Nepalese
Pastor Paul Rai from our Nepalese congregation spent February in Nepal visiting family, re-connecting with his former refugee camp and encouraging rural pastors and outreach missions. We are in discussions with Baptist Mission Aust to partner with them and formally bring our mission endeavours in Nepal under their covering.
Community focus
For Clean Up Australia Day (pictured, top), we closed our Mornington service and encouraged our people to join in three different community clean-up areas (Warrane, Lindisfarne and Lenah Valley). Over 80 of our people joined in. Some older folk prayed together in homes, and others met at Lenah Valley campus where link-ups with the sites were shared and streamed online.
Again focussing on the community, our Anzac Day Celebration in the Park in Lenah Valley (pictured below). This year, with Dan Evenhuis’ encouragement, we ‘stepped up’ the event and served the community with a range of free activities and food to enhance the Anzac Day spirit. An event very welcomed and enjoyed by the Lenah Valley community.
Prayer and dedication
Prayer has been a growing focus at Citywide. We have recommenced our monthly Prayer and Healing services. We have joined with all the Eastern Shore churches in a combined prayer time – well attended and participated in – our unity growing – and ministry interactions developing. There is a work of grace God is growing among us.
CLAREMONT
Here at Claremont Baptist we are delighted with our recently completed outdoor entertainment area. We enjoyed our first BBQ in beautiful weather, and look forward to many more opportunities for eating and sharing outdoors. Hopefully, in time, our neighbours will also want a piece of the action as the smell of onions wafts out!
Many thanks to Alan Firth for his hard work in making this project a success.
HOBART
Harmony Day and Easter services
In March, Hobart celebrated Harmony Day. To encourage and affirm our ethnic diversity, people dressed in various national costumes (pictured, top) and the Karen choir sang.
We held two very special Easter services which included a guest singer on Easter Sunday, and a moving montage displaying some Easter themes (pictured below).
After Easter, we began a new sermon series, “Hope in the Darkness”,exploring how darkness is no enemy to God’s purposes. You can watch all our sermons on our YouTube channel.
On Sunday 8th May we enjoyed hearing guest speaker Scott Pilgrim (Baptist Mission Australia) as he preached about “Crossing the Street” for May Mission Month.
Fostering Hope Seeks Assistance from Tasmanian Baptists
Tasmanian Baptists have a strong relationship with Fostering Hope, who are intentional about supporting foster carers. Together, we look toward a better future for Tasmania by recruiting suitably trained foster carers, placed in supportive church communities.
Fostering Hope partners with radio stations ultra106five and Way FM with a state-wide awareness and recruitment campaign for respite foster carers.
There is a huge shortage of respite carers in Tasmania and Fostering Hope believes this is a need the Christian community can rise up to meet. Respite care gives full time carers a break AND offers extended family and community for foster children.
The best respite care situations are where the respite carers are on the team around the child, and the children don’t even realise they are going to respite, but look forward to hanging out with their friends, ‘foster grandparents’, ‘cousins’ etc.
Respite carers can be any age or stage of life, and get to be the fun people in the kid’s life!
Full Training Offered
To ensure safety for foster children, respite carers receive the same formal training as full-time carers. Fostering Hope is there to support people through the training and next steps.
Each term a ‘Preparation for Fostering’ course is offered. As well, new carers are buddied-up with existing carers. Of course, all carers join Fostering Hope’s awesome group of existing carers. Carers agree that one of the best parts about the carer journey is getting to hang out with other carers!
Training will be provided by BaptCare on Saturdays 7th and 14th May at Wellspring Anglican, Sandy Bay. Attendance by Zoom is also available.
Fostering Hope ask that Baptist churches download one or more of the images below. Please use them in your bulletin, on your website, or in your social media posts.
As well, one of the Fostering Hope team members can visit on a Sunday, mid-week event, or anything else!
How to pray …
The Prayer: By 2023, all foster children will have respite care, and there are plenty of carers in Tasmania.
Kidzfest begins with music guests and “The Quest,” an interactive presentation with a fun Gospel message. There will be petting zoo, games, balloon animals and other fun activities all for free!
KIDZFEST LAUNCESTON
KIDZFEST HOBART
Tickets are requiredto attend Hobart events: (not for Launceston!)
Led by Denise Stephenson (LifeWay) and Jenny Baxter (Hobart), this retreat will focus on sheltering in God’s presence.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
If you are weary and burdened with life, and need some time to enter God’s presence to reflect, restore and rest, then come along!
INFO: The retreat is non-residential, and will be held in Blackmans Bay. COST: $45/person NB. There are other ways you can contribute if money is an issue – so get onto us! ARE YOU IN? Call or SMS to reserve your spot, and we will send you more info: 0401 652 566 BROCHUREDownload here
Ministry Training at WEC
Cert IV Christian Ministry and Theology
Eastern College Australia are offering accredited units at its delivery site in Launceston. Worldview Centre host evening classes where you can complete units towards a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology.
The Tuesday evenings include catered meal breaks.
Unit Costs $300/unit
Where Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies, 41 Station Road, St Leonards, TAS 7250
5pm-8:30pm 14 June-30 August (10 weeks): Christian Ethics 5pm-8:30pm 13 September-29 November (10 weeks): Discipleship
Tasmania Celebration
Since 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has held Crusades across the globe to proclaim God’s love to people who need Jesus Christ. Today, Will Graham Celebrations continue this life-changing mission.
A Celebration is not just an evangelistic event; it is a process of prayer, training, outreach, and follow-up that takes place over a 12-month period—and it begins and ends with the local church.
The Tasmania Celebration is scheduled to take place in May 2022, just a few short weeks away.
In Hobart, the Tasmania Celebration will be held at the My State Bank Arena on 21st May. In Launceston, the main events will be at the Silverdome on 27th-29th May.
PRAY for the Events
Commit to praying; privately, within your Connect Groups and prayer gatherings. Click HERE to download prayer points as we pray together in unity.
Perth Baptist is running a bus to attend the 29th May event at the Silverdome. For more info, please email info@perthbaptistchurch.org.au or call 0418 130 221.
Advocating for the Most Vulnerable
Micah Australia is a coalition of Christian aid agencies who lobby the government on behalf of the world’s poor, vulnerable and oppressed. Micah Australia’s Executive Director, Tim Costello, is one of Australia’s best-known community leaders and a sought after voice on social justice issues, leadership and ethics.
The 2022 federal government Budget, released on 31st March, revealed some major wins. This included the announcement that the government will increase the intake of Afghan refugees.
Watch the video from National Director, Matt Darvas, to find out more:
There were also some incredible outcomes for Micah’s End Covid For All campaign. This is the direct result of months of campaigning for Australia’s neighbours in crisis.
You can take action
Please spread the good news and thank Minister Alex Hawke (Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) for responding, by sharing this Facebook post.
Through Micah’s latest campaign, A Safer World For All, the momentum will be sustained in the lead-up to the federal election. It’s an unmissable opportunity to call on Canberra to support our neighbours in crisis.
Since the formation of the Asia Pacific Baptists Federation in 1975, and the first historic gathering of Baptists in 1979 in Hyderabad, India, the APBF Congress has met regularly every five years. As a result they have touched thousands of Baptists through the Congress.
APBF has witnessed the faithfulness of God in Asia and the Pacific over the period of 40 years as the Baptists of Asia and the Pacific has grown to almost 40,000 churches today.
The 10th APBF Congress again calls Baptists to gather with the theme “Stronger Together” in its first Hybrid Congress (available to both in-person and online attendees). Attendees will witness yet again God’s faithfulness. In-person will allow you to interact face-to-face with the speakers, while online will provide a seamless flexibility to join the Congress from your location.
STOP PRESS! Due to an overwhelming response, all registrations for in-person attendance have now closed.
Here’s some exciting news: if you stop by the Baptist World Aid website, you’ll find a new look and a new visual identity. The look might be new, but they are still committed to ending poverty so all people can enjoy the fullness of life God intends.
(Even now, BWA’s Ukraine appeal is helping Christian Partners care for displaced families.)
BWA will also print a new quarterly 16-page magazine for supporters, Better World Magazine, which will hit mail boxes in the next few weeks and includes news updates, inspiring features and even a column on ‘Curly Questions’.
A heads-up that our next Tasmanian Baptist Assembly will take place at Riverlands Longford on Friday night 6th May, and Saturday 7th May.
As always, Assembly will be an inspiring time of challenge, encouragement and connection.
On Saturday, Scott Pilgrim of Exec. Director of BMA will speak. “Business” is kept to a minimum, and the focus will be our theme for 2022: (en)Courage.
If you are not a regular attendee and would like to attend you are very welcome. It is important to note, however, that only official church representatives have voting rights.
Church Secretaries watch out! Information for Assembly, will soon come your way to distribute to delegates.
Crossover Easter 2022
History has shown that nothing transforms lives, communities, the world, like people coming to know Jesus. Sharing Jesus is so vital, what if we had more confidence, more wisdom, suitable methods and more really useful resources. Crossover passionately focusses on helping Australian Baptists share Jesus.
Will Graham will be in Tasmania in May for the Tasmania Celebration. Let us make sure we cover the entire event in prayer before, during and afterwards!
Prayer meetings are scheduled in the north and south of the state over the next few months.
Do you want to know how to easily share your faith with others? Or perhaps you would like to be a prayer partner/counsellor at the Tasmania Celebration?
Then look no further! This 3 x 2-hour-session course is being run in Hobart and Launceston, and you can pick up missed sessions online.
