Tag: Tas Baptists

Posted on

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.

Read More ReCharge!

Two things I’m seeing, One Thing I Know

Read More ReCharge!

Recharge Articles 2024

Posted on

Why I Value Professional Supervision

Blog Header for reCharge article Why I Value Professional Supervision

Michael Henderson Leadership Development

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

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

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

Being People Carers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo of woman talking in group

A Self-Care Posture

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

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

Michael Henderson

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

Read More ReCharge!

Why I Value Professional Supervision

Recharge Articles 2024

Posted on

Healthy Church Audit Time

Photo of hands on papers with blog article title for reCharge Blog Header

Rodney Marshall Healthy Church Audit

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

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

Why Audit?

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

Covid Safe Plans  

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

Pastoral Registration and Accreditation  

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

Church Financial Health

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

Church Financial Information Form

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

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

Photo of Rodney Marshall

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

Read More ReCharge!

Recharge Articles 2024