Since people can download podcasts from great Bible teachers, and since people can access great libraries of theological books and articles at their digital fingertips, it is more important than ever that our small groups enable people to connect with each other as a context for enjoying and understanding their connection with God.

People need people more than ever.

Find out my solution by reading today’s blog here at sydneyanglicans.net

For this reason, I want to TWIST the arm of the congregational leaders in our churches. I want to TWIST the arm of the rectors, assistant ministers, wardens, and anyone who has a key role in our churches.

I want to TWIST your arm to encourage your church musicians to be a part of one of the TWIST (‘The Word in Song Together’) music events this year run by Emu Music and Youthworks.

To read the full sydneyanglicans.net article, click here.

For more details about TWIST, click here!

If we think that it’s easy to be an excellent athlete without pain and struggle, then we’re deluded.

For some of us, we make the choice to take on a challenge. We might decide to train for a marathon, or study a new language, or learn a new musical instrument.

But for many of us at many stages, the challenge to grow is not one that we choose for ourselves.

In the letter to the Hebrews, the readers are reminded about how some of the great and often painful difficulties we face have come from our heavenly Father.

Read the rest of this article at sydneyanglicans.net

Yet, the right thing for us to do in our youth groups right now is to lead our kids through a sober reflection on the global crises facing us, and to show the students how to respond appropriately to these events.

So what is your youth group going to do this weekend in the light of the Japanese disaster?

Read my further thoughts (and contribute your comments) in my latest article at sydneyanglicans.net

Should we run some sort of wilderness experience where we get fathers and sons to learn about manhood and to mark the occasion of a boy turning into a man?

Read the article (and join in the controversial comments) by visiting http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/rites_of_passage/

He shared with me the joys and the challenges of this great ministry, and in turn, I shared with him a few tips that I thought I’d also give to the friendly readers of sydneyanglicans.net

So, click through to my latest article to read my tips, and respond in the comments section if you’d like to add some thoughts.

Here’s the URL: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/three_high_school_sre_tips/

As we put together the various hands-on training seminars, I’ve been trying to reflect on what the various issues are that our everyday, garden-variety church bands need to grow in.

Have a read of my sydneyanglicans.net article to see my list, and feel free to add any suggestions in the comments, or email me directly.

Here’s the link: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/the_bare_essentials_of_church_music/

Plus, if you’re keen to find out more about the conference, then visit www.twistconference.com for the details. It will be a great weekend of encouragement plus practical training in music ministry.

The reason I share this with you is that I’ve just heard Prime Minister Julia Gillard speak about the terrifying threat of Cyclone Yasi, where she not only spoke of “thinking” of the people of Far North Queensland, but said that the Australian people were “united in spirit”, another example of a an attempt to rebirth and recommission a typically Christian expression in this time of pain.

I really want my friends in Townsville, my family in Port Douglas, and everyone in Cairns and FNQ to know that God truly answers the prayers of those who speak to him, and that I am speaking to God on their behalf, that he might reduce the power of the storm, protect human life, and through this, show his glory in the way he intends.

In this time of trial for Queensland and Australia there is no better time to seek the mercy of God for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life.

Australia, get down on your knees!

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