Archbishop Peter Jensen revealed last night to Synod, that church attendance could have grown by as much as 5 percent during 2009, thanks to the Connect09 program.
Given the size of the Diocese, this means membership of Anglican churches across Sydney and Wollongong grew by about 3,000 people during the year. This is also well above NSW’s population growth rate of 1.7 percent, while the city of Sydney grew by 1.9 percent in 2008-9.
Later, the Rev Andrew Nixon, Executive Director of Connect09, told the 48th Synod that Connect09 "was God's campaign, in God's time, with God's people sharing God's grace".
"We have heard many success stories, but for every story we know about there are hundreds that we don't," he said. "So many ordinary people stepped up to do extraordinary things [during Connect09]."
Mr Nixon briefed Synod on a survey of rectors conducted by Anglicare’s research unit after Connect09. The survey found that 97 percent of Anglican churches in the Sydney diocese distributed Gospel resources throughout their parishes.
Mr Nixon explained that a "Make Jesus Known' campaign was undertaken by Synod three years ago, with the seemingly impossible task of making contact with every resident in the Sydney diocese.
"During 2009 between 40 and 50 percent of households in the Sydney diocese were contacted by their local church. That means that 1.75 million people were contacted and know that we want to connect with them," he said. "That's not just a good start, it's a million good starts."
Synod heard four people give real stories from Connect09 because Nixon said that the "real business of Connect09 happens with real people, real conversations and real relationships".
Lay worker Paula told a story of how God had worked in her personal trainer during Connect09.
"The motto "pray, connect, expect' struck a chord with me," she said. "I thought the least I could do is to pray for God to put someone in my path whom I could share the gospel with" you have to be careful what you pray for because He answered my prayers!"
Paula went on to describe number of interactions she had with Trish, who would often ask her, "How is God today?'. Paula made a number of sacrifices to stay in contact with Trish, including buying 10 extra training sessions, much to the dismay of her husband. While Paula admitted to not losing much weight from these sessions, she was able to have a number of really encouraging discussions with Trish, who is now regularly attending church and Bible study.
Paula also advocated the power of prayer, saying that all her Christian friends and Bible study members were praying for Trish and that it was clear that God has answered those prayers.
Synod also heard the story of a house that was broken into and the three Colin Buchanan DVDs that were stolen.
Nixon encouraged churches to continue the great work they have started during Connect09 by working together through Mission Areas.
"Our churches are full of people doing extraordinary things," he said. "When we work together we do benefit enormously."
