The Archbishop Peter Jensen says Sydney Anglicans have reached a spiritual mountain of scepticism and secularism that must climbed if the Diocesan Mission is to succeed and the city won for Christ.
"What lies before us is not a mountain caused by our laziness or inaction or incompetence," he 400 clergy and lay representatives.
"It is because we have come so far that we have arrived at the mountain, that we are even able to contemplate our tough ascent."
The Archbishop reported that the Sydney Diocese has seen a steady forward progress over the first five years of the Mission.
An estimated 5,000 adult members have joined congregations since 2002, and the more telling financial results show a 33% increase in offertories.
"Our church population has expanded " it's expanded, no doubt," Archbishop Jensen says, "But there is no general breakthrough as yet."
"We have gathered our strength but we have not yet used it fully. If we wish to see exponential growth, the work of these years must be incorporated into an even greater and more determined move forward."
Catalyst to reach out, reconnect, refocus
Data presented to the synod shows the scale of the mountain facing Sydney Anglicans " 60% of the non-church attending Australians have no close friend involved in a church.
The Connect 09 mission announced earlier this month is the central route by which the Archbishop hopes to see Sydney Anglicans reconnect with their city.
The scripture distribution plan seeks to use Bibles as the bridge for building new relationships.
"Connect 09 plays to our strengths. As Sydney Anglicans we've got the people, we can cover the ground," Archbishop Jensen says.
"But [Bible distribution] is not enough. The purpose is to connect with people and connect them to Jesus Christ."
Three new initiatives
The Archbishop has announced three plans to support Sydney Anglicans in this new phase of the Mission.
The Archbishop is calling on representatives to support a parish donation of $1,000 a year for three years, combined with further funds found by Standing Committee to meet the substantial costs associated with Connect 09.
However he also announced the establishment of the Archbishop's Mission Partnership Fund, which will use donations to augment funds raised by parishes.
The second initiative announced is The Centre for Ministry, a three-week training program to help senior ministers reposition their churches to connect with their communities.
The Archbishop's third initiative is The Sydney Anglican Prayer Network, aimed at uniting the diocese in prayer for the Mission.
"I am summoning us all to make next year and the year after special years of sustained private and corporate prayer for our community," Archbishop Jensen challenged synod.
"Our national problems are spiritual," he reminded delegates.
"Where are those who are willing to pay the price of vision?"
