For a powerful explanation of the effects of this disorder on our society, check out this great Youtube video:

All the more reason to get outdoors!

We’re looking for:

Assistant Director of Programs

Groundsperson at Port Hacking

Hospitality Assistant at Port Hacking

Second Chef at Port Hacking

I’d love you to join me and my great team, or to let anyone you know who might be suitable. Click on the links for details!

Read my thoughts in my latest article at sydneyanglicans.net: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/are_you_using_questions_to_communicate/

In my presentation I made that point that our church houseparties (as we commonly refer to them) are often considered to be events that primarily develop community, rather than outreach.

Yet, thinking that defines an activity of the church as achieving only evangelism or discipleship is unnecessarily narrow.

Read my full thoughts in my latest article at www.sydneyanglicans.net

I, like many of my ministry colleagues, was aware of the school camps that were run by organisations like Crusaders, Teen Ranch and Youthworks. I knew these ministries had contact with thousands of school students each year.

But I didn’t understand the two major benefits of outdoor ministry.

Firstly, outdoor ministry is of great benefit for the school students.

Secondly, outdoor ministry is of great benefit to the outdoor minister.

Do you know anyone who loves Jesus, the outdoors, and youth ministry? Might that person be you? Don’t bypass this opportunity to connect with thousands of kids in this Word ministry, whilst enjoying cutting-edge training in theology and outdoor recreation… whilst getting paid to train!

And don’t forget that applications close this Friday for our 2011 intake of the MTS Outdoor Ministry Apprenticeship! Details here.

Read the full article at sydneyanglicans.net

I’d consider the idea of creating a purpose-built laser skirmish battlefield at Youthworks Outdoors with the latest simulation weapons for those who might like to take advantage of it, and to offer an alternative activity for groups whose leaders or teachers find this unappealing.

But, would it be grossly unpopular and potentially offensive to the majority? Would you let your school or youth group dress up in camouflage and play war games in the bush? Or would you find the very notion to be antisocial and insensitive?

Read the full article at sydneyanglicans.net and get on board with the comments!

From this challenge came a solution that we believe will work to see people well-trained and thoroughly-equipped for a lifetime of ministry, whether in the outdoor context or otherwise.

Instead of adopting the ‘normal’ academic year, we will now be offering apprentices the opportunity to spend most days in the warmer months bringing the Word to children and youth, and spend the winter months of their second and four years being taught subjects in the Diploma of Theology. To complement this theological training, apprentices will train for a Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation in first year, and then a Certificate IV in their third year.

Four years of ministry experience, coupled with training in the hard skills of outdoor recreation, and the soft skills of theology.

Check out the whole article at sydneyanglicans.net

PS: I’m looking for ten new MTS Outdoor Ministry Apprentices to start in September. Applications close in two weeks. Visit outdoorministry.youthworks.net for details.

We are also looking for a sales consultant to help sell our camps to public schools. It’s a part-time role, and would be ideal for a parent who wishes to work during school hours and terms. Details are here.

Yet, last year I prayed with my eyes open in a totally different context.

Read why and how in my latest blog at sydneyanglicans.net and join in the discussion.

My blog on this new Internet phenomenon is now live at sydneyanglicans.net. Have a read, and join in the discussion.