Category: Writing


All should do Year 13, says Archbishop

Filed Under: sydneyanglicans.net, Year 13, Youth Ministry by Jodie — Leave a comment
12 October, 2010

Over these past few days I’ve had three independent reminders of the significance of gap years.

Firstly, whilst directing an HSC Study Conference last week, I was overwhelmed with the popularity of gap years for students finishing their Year 12 study.

Secondly, an article in yesterday morning’s Australian Financial Review made the observation that the gap year concept “is taking hold” in Australia, and that “research suggests students who take a gap year come back better prepared for study.” (p. 27)

Thirdly, and what was the primary motivation for me to write on this topic, was the recognition by our Archbishop during last night’s Presidential Address of the importance of our own Sydney Diocesan gap year program.

Read my full article at www.sydneyanglicans.net.

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Liturgy needs an apology

Filed Under: Music Ministry, sydneyanglicans.net, TWIST by Jodie — 2 Comments
28 September, 2010

As a result of many attempts to ‘contemporise’ our services of corporate worship, we have ended up with a casserole of theology and a soup of subjectivity.

Yet, attempts have not gone smoothly as we have sought to restore liturgy to its rightful place as a common word from a common people. There is still resistance to having our prayers pigeon-holed and pre-fabricated by prayer book poets.

Ironically, our latest generations are happy to sing pre-written words and tunes with feverish repetition, but are not comfortable speaking pre-written prayers. Even praying prayers from the Bible is seen as rigid and uninspiring.

Yet, if people are happy to express their feelings to God through pre-written song words, then why are they unhappy to express their feelings to God through pre-written prayer words?

Read the full article at sydneyanglicans.net

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Should Christian kids play soldiers?

Filed Under: Gadgets, Outdoor Ministry, Schools Ministry, sydneyanglicans.net, Youth Ministry, Youthworks Outdoors by Jodie — Leave a comment
7 September, 2010

Many people like the idea of using laser skirmish to provide a technological ‘upgrade’ to classic wide games such as ‘Capture the Flag’. However, some people have raised concerns at the idea of promoting shooting games in a Christian environment.

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!

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Market-driven music undermines church

Filed Under: Music Ministry, sydneyanglicans.net by Jodie — Leave a comment
10 August, 2010

Imagine if you could split up the church into different venues for the singing time, and then have the same sermon delivered at the same time to all groups of people?

This exact scenario is what I encountered at a recent visit to Saddleback Church, in California.

It was great to see that this church is so keen to meet people where they are at that it seeks to deliver music that meets the needs of the congregation. It was also a clever way to deal with the need to provide overflow seating for their overflowing venue.

However, I couldn’t but help that this was market-driven ministry that had gone too far.

Read my full article at www.sydneyanglicans.net

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When a two-year apprenticeship is too short

Filed Under: MTS, Outdoor Ministry, sydneyanglicans.net, Youthworks Outdoors by Jodie — Leave a comment
6 July, 2010

The rhythms of the calendar are quite different for an outdoor ministry than a parish ministry. In NSW especially, the lion share of the ministry happens in the warmer months, leaving the winter months ideally suited for more intense training and preparation.

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.

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