JourneyOnline
Rev Duncan Macleod has been appointed to the new Vision for Mission Advocate position by the Queensland Synod.
Synod Secretary Rev Jenny Tymms said the appointment of a Vision for Mission Advocate is part of the Synod’s strategy to seed new mission ventures which will build intentional relationships with people of the wider community. “We are looking to establish new initiatives which are outside more traditional church ventures.”
Mr Macleod will have a pivotal leadership role in assisting the church to implement this vision which was approved by the Synod meeting at Carrara last year.
“We were looking for someone with ideas and expertise in identifying and growing creative ventures and who could provide encouragement for those who are working at the innovative edge of the church,” Ms Tymms said.
An ordained minister with a background in youth work, horticulture and congregational ministry in New Zealand, Mr Macleod worked as minister of youth and families at Robina Uniting Church on the Gold Coast before joining the Queensland Synod as a Mission Consultant in 2002.
He has taken responsibility for the development of the Seeds of Hope church planting movement and, with his family, is involved in Pacific Parks, a UCA house church network on the north Gold Coast.
Mr Macleod is excited by the opportunity to serve God in this new role. “I am strongly interested in pursuing the vision of seeding and supporting fresh, new and culturally relevant missional communities in Queensland,” he said.
“A strong part of my motivation is the desire to share the gospel in fresh ways that make sense to the unchurched.”
Although Mr Macleod will no longer be a part of the Synod’s Mission Consultant Team his passion for empowering local congregations and faith communities to reach out to their communities will continue to find expression in this new role.
“At the heart of the church is its call to share the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that is faithful to the biblical witness we have received.”
The advocate will work closely with a small team of creative and energetic people who are experienced in working outside traditional Uniting Church structures.
This Vision for Mission Facilitation Team will work with Mr Macleod to offer support and guidance for the establishment and development of mission initiatives across the Synod.
Described by his colleagues as a promoter and networker, Mr Macleod intends to work across the Synod encouraging all kinds of people to vision new ways of being church.
“I believe that the Synod’s vision will need to allow for a wide variety of models operating alongside each other,” he said.
Read more about the Vision for Mission at the new website http://www.visionformission.unitingchurch.org.au or call Rev Duncan Macleod on 07 3377 9809.
Photo : New Vision for Mission Advocate Rev Duncan Macleod. Photo by Osker Lau
