My final week of being CEO of Anglicare Sydney reminds me of my first week here, but with some important differences.

Then, I arrived at a good organisation that had lost its focus, to coin a recent political phrase. Now, thanks to the efforts and prayers of hundreds of outstanding staff and committed volunteers I depart a truly excellent, refreshed and focused organisation that is deeply committed to honouring the Lord Jesus Christ.

Over the last 10 years Anglicare Sydney has struggled to gain trust from the Diocese and the Diocese has struggled to understand why Anglicare deserves it. There were good reasons for this; Anglicare’s unclear articulation of the Gospel and unwieldy structure butted up against prejudice and scepticism from some in the Diocese about the value of Christian social action.

I believe those days are long gone, though they are certainly not forgotten. The important thing now is to consolidate on the gains we have all made and maintain our focus on being united in Christ.

Clarified priorities: Fruitful worship
Jesus tells us that the first priority for every Christian is to love God with all their heart, mind and soul. And of course, the second priority is like it – to love their neighbour as themselves.

In view of these greatest of all commandments I am convinced that the truly ethical and Godly life, the life that is brim-full of worship, cannot help but overflow with acts of loving kindness to those who are disadvantaged and suffering; first for those within the Church and then pouring out to all in need.

Works of mercy and kindness are not options for those who love Jesus; they manifest joyful obedience and thankfulness.

Clarified purpose: Partnering in trust and service
Anglicare’s parish partnerships are fundamental to helping every church love those in need well and to serve God in doing so.

These parish partnerships reflect the diverse strengths in the body of Christ and offer a chance to more fully care for the spiritual, material and physical needs in our community.

Whether it be providing respite for older parents looking after a son or daughter with a disability, dementia day programs, family and relationship counselling or mental health support services parishes and Anglicare are together working toward changing lives and growing communities by care through Jesus Christ.

I have also been encouraged by the mutually beneficial relationships between Anglicare and churches through Anglicare Shops and food drives.

Increasingly local churches are using their local Anglicare Shop as a venue to meet the community, and even to run ministries like Simply Christianity.

Likewise, churches keep telling us that partnering in the Anglicare food drive is a great way to get out and meet the community and speak clearly about Jesus.

It's a team effort
As Grant Millard takes the reins of Anglicare Sydney in August he will be seeking to further build relationships with parishes to help them better care for, and reach their local communities.

It is only through energetic and trusting partnerships with Parishes that Anglicare will be able to effectively serve and equip the Church for good works that glorify God and tell of the great news about Jesus.

So I leave my role praying fervently that the world will see the good works that we do together and will indeed praise God. By God’s grace may He continue to use Anglicare to serve the Church and care for a broken world in Jesus name.

Peter Kell is retiring as CEO of Anglicare Sydney