Category: Writing


What do you think are the bare essentials of church music?

Filed Under: Music Ministry, Music Ministry Training, sydneyanglicans.net, TWIST, Youthworks Outdoors by Jodie — Leave a comment
8 February, 2011

At this year’s TWIST Away Conference on Friday 19th August to Sunday 21st August 2011 at Port Hacking, we’re focusing on getting the bare essentials right.

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.

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When “thinking of you” is not enough

Filed Under: Culture, Politics, sydneyanglicans.net by Jodie — Leave a comment
2 February, 2011

Last week I posted a blog on sydneyanglicans.net where I lamented the fact that most people now say “thinking of you” instead of “praying for you”. Here’s the link: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/when_thinking_of_you_is_not_enough/

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!

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Are you using questions to communicate?

Filed Under: Outdoor Ministry, Schools Ministry, sydneyanglicans.net, Youth Ministry, Youth Ministry Training by Jodie — Leave a comment
1 February, 2011

If asking questions is the way that youth (and often adults) learn, then why would we choose to miss out on the benefits of this powerful way of speaking the truth?

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

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Connecting through church camps

Filed Under: Outdoor Ministry, Sydney Anglican Diocese, sydneyanglicans.net, Youthworks Outdoors by Jodie — Leave a comment
16 November, 2010

Last week I addressed the new Mission Areas leaders of our Diocese to discuss the place of church camps as a tool for mission in our community.

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

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Outdoor ministry: much minsunderstood

Filed Under: Outdoor Ministry, sydneyanglicans.net, Youthworks Outdoors by Jodie — Leave a comment
26 October, 2010

I have a confession to make. I had been in church-based youth ministry for twenty years before I had any idea about the opportunities of outdoor ministry.

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

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