A Vision For Mission

The General Synod Standing Committee has agreed to deploy the Revd Stuart Robinson as a mission facilitator for the church nationally following a recommendation by the Task Force on Mission.

The Task Force, chaired by Bishop Andrew Curnow (Bendigo), recognised that while all dioceses are deeply committed to mission nevertheless the task of building a mission-shaped church could fall short because of a variety of implementation issues.

"This is an exciting initiative aimed to help bishops and their diocesan teams sharpen their strategies, processes and practices for mission", said Bishop Andrew.  "It is a practical step that will help our dioceses engage with and implement the issues in mission identified at the last General Synod meeting."

In October 2004, the General Synod agreed to Resolution 67/04 which focussed attention on the need to improve the health and viability of existing parishes and to develop new communities of faith throughout the church nationally.

Mr Robinson says he is humbled and challenged by the appointment.  "We're now working and thinking nationally across the whole church nationally," he says.  "The idea that a person will be deployed to provide help to dioceses when and where they need assistance is a new idea and a significant advance."

Fellow Task Force member, Bishop Trevor Edwards (Canberra & Goulburn) observed, "it's all about resourcing and building partnerships.  We really wanted to encourage the kinds of things that Stuart has been doing for some time now.  This is an opportunity for dioceses to work together in God's mission." 

Mr Robinson is well respected across the church and he has been working closely with the senior leadership teams of several dioceses including Ballarat, Bathurst, Canberra & Goulburn, Melbourne (Docklands), Newcastle (Central Coast), Tasmania, and Sydney (South and North regions).  He has had personal experience starting new churches in three significantly different contexts " in western Sydney, in the city's CBD and in Belgium.

Most recently, Mr Robinson has been acting CEO of Evangelism Ministries in Sydney where he has been assisting parishes with strategic planning.  Next month, he will start life in a new parish, St Paul's Chatswood, which will release him for 60 days each year to fulfil this new national role.

Media Contacts:

Wayne Brighton 0407 408 333
Stuart Robinson 0439 340 088