In his recent presidential address, Archbishop Jensen outlined the progress of the Diocesan Mission and said:

"Seventh, we partnered. Parishes helped each other. Our organisations marshalled their resources as they never had, to make sure that they were witnessing to the gospel and that they were co-operating with each other and with the parishes. The whole Mission Area project is a challenge to make the outward look in partnership with others natural in our Diocese. Positive results have begun to emerge."

I heartily agree.

It's only the beginning of a long term project, but I have been encouraged with progress so far.

Our ministers, churches and organisations are helping each other look outward at the mission field which is the Sydney Diocese and seeing new possibilities. Each area presents different challenges, and that is why planning and strategy happens at the local level.

Some areas have focussed on helping senior ministers share, critique and develop their mission strategies resulting in a deepening trust and partnership with one another. In other areas, churches have combined efforts to make sure scripture is covered, or to run combined training programs and evangelistic events.

In one area, several churches have combined resources to employ a worker to minister across the parishes. I am also very excited seeing how organisations such as Anglicare, Mary Andrews College and many others are working with parishes.

In very busy parish schedules, it is a challenge to carve out time to meet together. Yet each church going it alone can mean each is 'reinventing the wheel' or that valuable insights are locked up. Mission Areas seeks to combine the best of both worlds - the creativity and initiative of individual churches, and the tremendous encouragement and evangelistic energy that comes from sharing experience and resources.

I think you see this positive dynamic beginning to emerge in the personal reflections of the Mission Area Leaders.

The booklet entitled 'Mission Areas - The Story So Far. Oct 2012' is available in pdf format here.