The first day of synod 2012 was a cracker. Sometimes it can feel that what should be side show items become the main game at synod. But the first day of Synod 2012, Archbishop Peter Jensen’s last before his retirement, focussed on what we are on about.

Our Archbishop’s love and priority for the Word of God and reaching the lost of our great city could not be clearer in his Presidential address. His decade of leadership of our Diocese has been marked by these things – standing for the truth even when it hurts, uncompromising theological integrity, and taking every opportunity to proclaim Jesus as Lord – whether it be one taxi driver or a national television audience.

It was helpful to be shown some statistics that help us crystallise how God has been working among us over the last decade. Much progress has been made on a range of fronts. But our Archbishop wanted to leave us with a legacy of looking to a future that centres around those who need to know Jesus, rather than anything he may have done.

It was in this light that he spoke about the growing individualism within our society. As insightful as ever, he made the powerful point that we cannot change the prayer ‘Thy Will Be Done’ to a desire that actually says ‘My Will Be Done.’ God’s will is that the truth of Jesus be proclaimed, whatever the cost, and that people be saved.

And it was these themes that echoed throughout the whole of the first day of Synod 2012. Each year I go to the Anglican Church League dinner on the first day of synod. Andrew Heard was speaking this year. He was warning of the dangers of compromising truth for the sake of growth. And at the same time, arguing persuasively from the book of Acts, he was offering a timely corrective for us that fruitfulness matters as well as faithfulness. And the dangers should not deter us from being concerned about ‘using our lifeboats to reach those who are perishing’, and pursuing as many as we can.

It was a stirring challenge that continued God’s theme for the day, a theme that was continued at the synod service in the evening. We all congratulate Kara Gilbert on her appointment to the role of Archdeacon for Women. She is an excellent choice. Rick Smith, speaking from 2 Timothy 4:1-4, encouraged Kara and all of us to guard the Gospel, maintain a heavenly perspective and discharge our human responsibilities both in and out of season.

Day 2 of synod will see some of the controversial nitty gritty, such as the proposed sale of Bishopscourt and discussion of a new levy to fund much needed land purchases.

But it is worth taking time to reflect on the stirring first day of synod. All were aware that we will greatly miss our Archbishop when he retires. And it would be hard not to be (once again) struck by his passion and model to see Jesus being made known to the lost. May this be a legacy we continue until Jesus returns.