JourneyOnline
ANDREW LEE, a farmer in Fernlees, near Emerald, is one of the stars of Mission Stories, the Queensland Synod’s new DVD discussion resource.
Mr Lee takes us behind the scenes of a three week trip to Papua New Guinea with teenagers and their parents.
On returning to Queensland after a two year stint in Papua New Guinea, working alongside local farmers in an agricultural project run by the Lutheran Church, Mr Lee realised how important it was to spend quality time “discipling” the young people in his district.
Bruce Mullan from UnitingWorld prepared Mr Lee and his team for their trip.
Duncan Macleod, whose role as Vision for Mission Advocate finishes in July, worked with Peter Armstrong and Jason Bray to develop Mission Stories, the sequel to Faith Stories.
Duncan Macleod said he has been energised by the process.
“It has been inspiring to interview so many people from grassroots Queensland.
“Jason Bray and Mike Crowhurst, the Red Earth Films team, have created a visually appealing resource that will equip church leaders here in Queensland and across Australia”.
The new resource helps local churches learn from the insights gained from new initiatives associated with the Vision for Mission project.
The DVD provides inspiring footage and discussion resources for church leaders who want to grapple with growing a congregation’s effectiveness in mission.
The six sessions explore the changing shape of mission, the gospel focus for Christian communities, discipleship, local and global partnerships, entering cultures and subcultures, and holding together the many aspects of God’s work in the world.
The stories feature Queenslanders from Townsville, Emerald, Maleny, Caloundra, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with commentary from guests such as Trinity Theological College Director of Studies in Systematic Theology, Geoff Thompson, Pilgrim Learning Community Director, Rob Bos, and Blue Care Director of Mission, Colleen Geyer.
Each session includes processes for discussion, Biblical reflection, prayer, and engagement with the Basis of Union (an additional option for Uniting Church contexts).
At the end of each session groups are provided with a chance to assess their effectiveness by researching their own commitment, achievements and mission stories.
Mission Stories will be launched at the Signposts of Hope conference being held at Alex Park in the two days before the Synod, 19-20 May.
Click here for information about the Signpost of Hope conference.
Photo : Andrew Lee. Photo by Red Earth Films
