Link speaks to regional Bishop, Ivan Lee, about the challenges and opportunities ahead for Western Sydney
How do you see our region as part of the diocesan Mission?
Every region must be actively involved in the Mission. But because of the sheer size of the Western Region, both geographically and numerically, it’s vital that church growth and planting happens in this part of Sydney.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for our region?
The one that keeps me up at night wondering and praying about, is how to bring the gospel to the projected massive numbers of people who are expected to move into our new areas.
We’re not talking twenty or thirty thousand; we’re talking hundreds of thousands. Every time I drive through Kellyville or Rouse Hill I see new houses virtually rising up out of the ground before my eyes, and I ask myself, how will we reach all these souls for Christ? I am both daunted and excited by the opportunity.
What is your vision for our region?
I don’t think it’s quite right to talk about my vision for the region, because it’s something that will be worked out by many people over time. In fact, I expect to be wonderfully surprised by the creativity and imagination of local pastors and parishes.
Having said that, there are many hopes and dreams I have for the region: struggling congregations being revitalised; churches planting new congregations; parishes working together in a new cooperative spirit, culturally accessible ways of ‘doing church’ to reach a greater variety of people groups; biblically-based but creative children and youth ministry … I could go on!
How do you see your role as the regional Bishop for the Western Region of Sydney?
I see my role in basically three parts – people, pastors and policies. I get in the car and get out as much as possible to local churches, schools and fellowship groups to either encourage the faithful by Bible teaching, or evangelise unbelievers. I want to inspire and challenge pastors to be the best pastors they can be. If I can help one pastor preach or lead better, then I have indirectly helped a whole local church.
By policies, I mean being part of groups that brainstorm strategies or make decisions that affect others, such as Regional Council, Mission Task Force and Mission Property Committee.
What is your favourite Bible passage?
Ephesians 3:14-19. The love of Christ for us is so high and deep and wide and long that we need God’s power to grasp and experience it! Many Christians long for a deeper spirituality and want a greater experience of God, and that’s a good thing. But they look for it in the wrong places or in unhelpful ways. I think the ‘spirituality’ we should pursue is what Paul prays here: “to know this love that surpasses knowledge.”
What would be your message for all of us as we engage in our fellowship and labours?
In our very busy lives, it’s hard getting yourself along to church or your Bible study group. But please stick at it, because no one else is going to encourage you in your walk with Christ.
Get back to weekly church- going. The ‘two Sundays a month’ mentality is not good for us and shows lack of priority and love towards our brothers and sisters. As far as bringing the gospel to our unbelieving friends goes, remember that God is sovereign, and the Holy Spirit is, in the end, the one who convinces people of the truth about Jesus and their sin. So pray, and speak up. Tell people that you are a Christian, and why!
