Stuart P. Robinson, Home & Away with Ralph Bowles, rector, St Stephen’s Coorparoo, Brisbane
In 1970 Ralph Bowles’ father died. It was, says Ralph, a period of very great turmoil. In the midst of that pain and sadness, Ralph, aged 17, placed his life into the hands of his Heavenly Father. And Ralph couldn’t wait to share the good news. He recalls, “very early on I was active in bringing some of my school friends to faith and into the life of the local church.”
Ralph explains that teaching people about Jesus was “a passion that burned in [his] heart”. And other people recognised this passion. Encouraged by friends, Ralph entered Moore College and was mentored by experienced pastors including, Allen Blanch, Peter Jensen, Rob Forsyth and Ian Cox.
Prior to moving to Brisbane, Ralph served in the parishes of Broadway, Lalor Park, and Dundas. In 1989, prior to any formal invitation, Ralph felt a very clear “call” to serve as rector, St. Stephen’s, Coorparoo.
SPR: Tell us about the Brisbane “call”, Ralph.
RB: I believe I had supernatural guidance. I had heard that the parish of Coorparoo had become vacant and I knew immediately – with absolute certainty, that I would be the next rector. The conviction was so strong that in my mind, I began to “pack-up”. I told Sylvia, my wife that there was an opening at St. Stephen’s (without revealing my feelings) and she burst into tears and said, “we’re going to Brisbane, aren’t we?” She had that same inner certainty.
SPR: Give us a snapshot of Coorparoo, please.
RB: Coorparoo comprises some 15,000 residents, mostly middle class and comfortable. We are 10 minutes drive south east of Brisbane. Coorparoo has the highest proportion of young single adult females in the city. We believe this is a huge mission field.
SPR: And the church community?
RB: Well, St. Stephen’s has been a high profile evangelical ministry in the Diocese of Brisbane for many years. Indeed, we’ve been viewed as an ‘outpost’ of the Sydney Diocese – lots of transfer growth. Frankly, I don’t think this has been helpful.
SPR: How are you addressing this concern?
RB: We really need to become more of a local church that develops a mission strategy to effectively reach our immediate community. We are using the Natural Church Development model to evaluate the health of our church. My vision for the ministry is that we grow closer in love to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
SPR: Tell us more about the strategies to which you refer.
RB: Strategies are under review as we speak. I think we need to have a real prayer focus on lost people. We had our first 24-hour prayer vigil recently. Some are speaking about doing it again – for a week. There is a rising passion for mission in the power of God. We are planning an innovative outreach ministry off-site. It will be in a local club or coffee shop. True worship, passionate prayer, whole-life discipleship and the use of spiritual gifts drive effective outreach. I’m keenly looking forward to the next few years.
SPR: And does that future hold any challenges?
RB: It does. You know, a few years ago our church went through a period of deep conflict. Mistakes were made. Out of that pain came a new passion for prayer. The whole experience changed me. So, the challenge is to continue to build a healthy, godly Christian community. My personal challenge has been to grow through pain and failure and to creatively work in a theological culture that is very different to Sydney. I see myself as a Brisbane evangelical contributing to the life of the Diocese.
SPR: Sounds like you might even be enjoying yourself, Ralph!
RB: I am enjoying ministry, more than ever. I have seen God at work in new ways. I have so many encouraging friends. There is growing love and warmth. Out of difficulty God has revealed a range of new possibilities. I have seen him heal and transform lives. Being the rector here is really very exciting. It truly is. There has never been a dull moment!
