Moore College students who have spent years learning the art of evangelism will be expected to put their pen-strokes into practice as they head out on Moore College’s Mission Week.
"Mission is crucial", says Moore College faculty member Archie Poulos, commenting on the training value of the days ahead.
"You can't separate education from ministry. That'd be a disaster," he says.
The students are plunging themselves into all sorts environments in a variety of churches scattered across Sydney and beyond.
Students say part of the challenge will be adapting their approach as they assist church-goers in congregations from fashionable Neutral Bay, to working-class Mt Druitt, to leafy Springwood, and even across the Tasman to New Zealand.
"Mission hits you like a sledgehammer", says second-year student Brett Peatman.
"I know it'll be fairly intense. But that's all part of the fun."
Different Strokes
Mr Peatman is leading a team running scripture at Colyton high school, near Mt Druitt.
"I'm excited about the chance to meet new people, and spend a week talking about God with everyone", he says.
"My focus is on youth. I want to tell them about Jesus in a way that's exciting and relevant to them."
Innovation is the order of the day for the team at St Mary Magdalene's, in the suburb of St Mary's.
"Someone in the congregation has a home-built sports car", says team member Tho Luu, "and he also teaches cooking at TAFE. So, combining the two interests, we're having a car and pizza night!"
Kellie Nicholas is visiting St John's Minchinbury, also in Sydney's western suburbs.
"I hope we'll learn a lot", she says.
"I'm looking forward to hearing Mark [Tough, the Rector] explain why he does things a certain way. I'm also keen to see how women's ministry is done in this church."
John Guyer is visiting St Augustine's, Neutral Bay.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how a suburban church gets involved in mission", he says.
"We'll have plenty of chances to tell people about Jesus. I also want to introduce people to the church, so they can learn more and grow."
New Zealand - we’re coming over!
The New Zealand team will be guests at two Anglican churches in Christchurch, St John's and St Saviour's.
"The diocese of Christchurch is having their 150th anniversary this year", explains team member Geoff Robson.
"The Bishop asked all the churches to do something special. And these churches decided that the mission will be their special thing!"
Archbishop Peter Jensen will be speaking at the final evangelistic service, to be held in Christchurch Cathedral.
"We could have nine hundred people at this event where the Archbishop is speaking!" says Mr Robson, enthusiastically.
In addition to church events, the New Zealand team will be involved in outreach at the local schools, polytechnic (like TAFE), and university.
"The University is a real example of post-modernism", says Mr Robson.
"Not only do we have to explain to people what the gospel is, we're gonna have to fill in all the other categories of truth and reality.
“It's no use talking about sin if people don't even have a category for it, if all they say is "that's nice for you, but that's not my way, so who cares what you think.”
