Two things have shaped our life together as Sydney Anglicans in 2009:
- Connect 09; and
- the massive financial losses.
What will shape us in 2010? That was the issue Synod reps faced tonight. Synod endorsed the radical reshaping of Diocesan operations set out in the Mission Board report The Diocesan Mission: strategic directions 2010-2012. (For FAQ on the Report see here).
The budget was cut from $11.5m to $7.2m. Many great ministries have been cut or cut back. It was a difficult night as people saw the death of dearly loved ministries. But the sheer scale of the losses has forced us to make tough decisions. Peter Kell and the Mission Board have obviously worked very very hard to produce the Report we had before us. Behind every line item there must have been many conversations with stakeholders wanting good ministry to continue. The mantra has been repeated: ‘We can’t waste a good crisis’. I think tonight showed the wisdom of that mantra. We’re left with a much leaner budget but one that is more sharply focused on the Diocesan Mission and connecting with unreached Sydney.
So what happens on 1 Jan 2010? Do we shelve the undistributed Essential Jesus Gospels alongside the Bicentennial Bibles in the overstuffed junk cupboard in the Choir Vestry? NO! Instead:
- Fight the urge to think Connect 09 finishes in 09. This is just the start. If you’ve worked hard at connecting, don’t lose that momentum. I’ve spoken to a few people over Synod who’ve said they’re only now hitting their strides. For some its because they’ve had to work hard to get their house in order. For others its because of the decision to time big things around the Jesus all about Life campaign.
- Andrew Nixon urged people in his report to Synod that we should maintain the active Connect 09 campaign through to Easter 2010. The materials are designed not to date. If your parish plan for Connect 09 ends in December then re-write the plan.
- 2010 should be the year to follow up the people you connect with in 2009. As God brings people to himself we’ve got to work hard to get alongside them and see them grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus. For others who have been challenged to read the gospel for the first time - what will you do in 2010 to help them come to know Jesus? We’ve got to keep praying for the people in our parishes.
- We must keep reforming the way we do church in light of the mistakes and lessons we learned from Connect 09.
How will the momentum of Connect 09 across the Diocese be sustained in 2010? Mission Areas. The Archbishop explained them like this:
We begin not with Mission Directors, but with Mission Areas. That is, we begin not with the workers but with the work; not with who will do things, but what needs to be done. In my vision, we look at our mission field, together. We capitalize on our research in locating deserts and tribes. We commit to each other in partnership. We collaborate in our work. We pray together. Each local area has its own peculiarities, its own special quality known only to those who live there. In my vision, I see that a mission area will acknowledge that even within its boundaries there are sub-areas which require attention. Local churches are often too weak to do new work alone; regions are too large for effective action.
Will Mission Areas do for us in 2010 what Connect 09 did in 2009? I hope so. Its local. Its outwardly focused. Its simple.
Best of all, many people don’t seem to be waiting for the Diocese to draw up boundaries or for Mission Area directors to be appointed! I’ve overheard the dinner time conversations in the Pitt St Mall Food Court this week:
- people sharing insights and lessons from Connect O9
- rectors and lay reps of neighbouring parishes praying together for the lost in their mission field.
- people kicking around ideas for collaboration on cross cultural ministry and for better ministry in Anglican schools.
No line item on the budget to show for it - but all the more powerful for that.
What will 2010 bring? God knows. We’ve got to commit it to him as we pray, connect, expect.
