We're in "mission mode" at our little church in Pyrmont. Some might deem our efforts decidedly old-fashioned. "1950's evangelism" is how it was put to me recently. But here's the thing; we're actually interacting with outsiders.

The way Jesus taught his disciples is a brilliant model for anyone who wants to be a Christian leader, and a useful topic for this first Pastors Brief. The time Jesus spent with his disciples, the way he called them to follow him, his personal authority and prayerfulness, his sense of calling and purpose, his encouraging of followers to count the cost"”all these and more tell us volumes about Jesus as a leader, trainer, and manager of men and women.

Triumphalism is an attitude rarely found in the writing of Tim Winton. More often than not his stories are tales imbued with regret and tragedy. Frequently unremarkable, even ordinary, his characters are scarred and broken people whose misfortunes are achingly obvious. Not that Winton is dismissive of those about whom he writes. Quite the opposite, this Australian author is a master at finding consequence in the ordinary. In this regard The Turning is no different.

What constitutes a good argument? And what does a good argument have to do with the truth of Christianity? I am a logician by trade. I spend time teaching and researching in the areas of formal and philosophical logic. I think that logic has important connections with reasoning and rationality, and that reasoning and rationality in turn have something important to do with understanding, communicating and shaping our beliefs and the beliefs of those around us.

If asked to describe myself I would have to say, 'A Christian and a scientist. I was, in fact, a scientist before I was a Christian. I had always been interested in all aspects of nature, long before it was fashionable. I have been a fan of David Attenborough since his early appearances on childrens TV in England as the 'zoo man. He has an infectious enthusiasm for nature in all its manifestations"from the gigantic whales to the tiniest insect"”and he reports it all in a way which is refreshingly free from sentimentality. He is not afraid to show nature 'red in tooth and claw.

On the 18th October the Windsor Report was made public. Although responses had already begun to be aired on the basis of prior leaks, these have multiplied following its release. The response from conservatives has been, on the whole, rather negative. The recommendations of this document contain many serious flaws and, despite the claims that it will have negative consequences if it is not accepted, it will have far worse consequences if its recommendations are ever implemented.

This remarkable book has many strengths and just one or two weaknesses. It is a well written and sympathetic account of five of the worlds great religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, by someone who consciously identifies himself as a Christian. John Dickson succeeds in his intention not to let his Christian faith stop him from dealing with each religion on its own terms and presenting us with an attractive and sympathetic portrayal of what it is clear he does not agree with. This is quite an achievement.

A Sydney Anglican think-tank is claiming tightening abortion laws will do little to save the lives of unborn babies.