The Rev David Milne is hoping some ‘out of the box’ ministry ideas from his current church will take off with his new team of full-time ministry workers as he moves east to lead Panania Anglican Church.
"I hope to transfer ideas from Liverpool South like film nights and community barbecues to extend our influence and build bridges with locals."
Mr Milne has already spent some evenings looking around the area and visiting people in the church to get things up and running.
"I have turned up incognito to the church and met with wardens, parish councillors, and some lay people. I think it's important to get feel for the flavour of the church and kick start ministries before you get there."
Mr Milne is currently curate-in-charge of Holy Trinity, Liverpool South, where he has been since 1999 but he will take over as rector of Panania from January 18, 2007.
"When I was invited to be rector I was excited about the opportunities for new ministries there," Mr Milne says.
Mr Milne says the timing has been good for both churches.
"After seven years at Liverpool South, the church is now in a stronger position and ready to move forward with a new person," he says.
"They have come a long way in the last few years and can continue to grow under new leadership which is something to give thanks to God for."
Mr Milne will join the Panania ministry team with assistant minister the Rev Matthew Snelson and youth worker Nigel Vaux.
"I have been the sole minister with a good team of volunteer workers at Liverpool South but I am looking forward to the new opportunity of working with a team of full time staff at Panania."
Mr Milne says Panania lacks the multicultural community that is common in Liverpool.
"Panania has not been so quick to become multicultural, but the area is slowly changing," he says.
"It appears a lot of new people are moving into Panania. There is a rebirth with young families which brings the challenge of getting into the schools."
Mr Milne says he wants to be bold in connecting with schools " both with teachers and students.
"At Liverpool South I was able to connect with Lurnea High School and lead a weekly prayer meeting and Bible study this year with four of five teachers before school each Tuesday," he says.
"I'm hoping to extend this at Panania because there are at least three high schools that I know of there. It's a chance to spread the gospel and pray for and encourage Christian teachers in public schools."
Mr Milne says Panania already has a reasonably good involvement with six schools in the area.
"A positive thing I have observed with the people at the church in Panania is their passion for community outreach. They are very well taught and have a heart for mission," he says.
Photo: Amanda Keats/ AF photography
