Mustering ministry

Weekends like the Rural Muster raise, equip and nourish rural church ministries in all their forms, run by both lay and ordained people. Rev Suzy Sitton reports.

Representatives from small and regional congregations across Queensland mustered from 2–4 August in Biloela to reflect on what it means to be church in the often challenging context of regional Australia.

Rural Muster coordinator and Callide Valley Uniting Church pastor Donna Muston described how Uniting Churches in rural areas face unique challenges including natural disasters and the increased stress on communities by the mining industry. Small, ageing congregations need to work together to continue their ministries.

“The concept of the Rural Muster was initiated to provide an opportunity for those in small and rural congregations to gather together for mutual support, encouragement, learning and sharing our resources and stories,” she said.
Dawson Valley Uniting Church member Gail Johnstone reflected that gathering together helped her realise her community in Banana, west of Biloela, is not alone in the challenges it faces.

“Numbers are few, and many congregations are ageing and have no minister. I feel that when you put your problems into words, you also put them into perspective. You do what you can with what you have where you are. The Rural Muster is great fellowship,” she said.
Group discussions, led by Principal of Trinity Theological College, Rev Dr Malcolm Coombes, focused on the practicalities of conducting worship services in rural areas where resources are often minimal, overcoming the challenge that the places where ministry is most needed are often where it can be least afforded.

Ms Muston was optimistic, saying that strengthening the links between rural communities in all their forms continues to benefit local churches and the Uniting Church in Queensland generally.

“At this Muster we heard the story of our shared faith—stories of regret and sadness, celebration, community, tradition, history, hope—and we were reminded that while we may be geographically distanced, our stories, actions, practices, and we ourselves are still part of the diverse community of faith which is the Uniting Church,” she said.