Why the CBD?
The series of Inspiring People events is underway in the CBDs of Sydney, North Sydney, Parramatta and Wollongong.
The first event was a well-attended breakfast in the city, with an emphasis on the legal profession and a twist of humour provided by entertainer Colin Buchanan.
Part of Connect09, Inspiring People is also linked with the Jesus all about Life media campaign with the involvement of JAAL frontman Karl Faase and Dr John Dickson.
Justice Ken Handley of the Court of Appeal, barrister Anne Robinson joined Buchanan on the panel which Connect09 executive director Andrew Nixon says received ‘excellent feedback’.
Mr Nixon says “It was a great start and there was a really good atmosphere. We’re already fielding calls from people who were there who want to book for the next events. People should get in as early as possible.”
Inspiring People and the LOUD youth event in December, are the only events being run by Connect09 - the rest are church-based around the diocese.
So why this departure to reach the CBD?
Andrew Nixon answers questions about the strategy for Sydneyanglicans.net
SydAng: Connect09 is a global/local campaign through parishes around Sydney, so why are CBD’s being singled out for events?
Andrew Nixon: Yes, it is and although we are conscious that most of our city is covered by local churches, there are half a million people who go into the CBD areas to work every day, most have no contact with a church - how do we connect with them? So the idea formed to put on high profile events that we could market direct to non-christians, that we could advertise so that non-christians who may not know a christian or may not have any contact with one, could come. That’s been happening.
Photo: Colin Buchanan shares a laugh with fellow panellists Justice Handley and Anne Robinson
SA: So how did the theme “Inspiring People” come about?
AN: We met with some Christians in the advertising industry to talk with them about the kind of events non-Christians might be interested in attending. They were clear that successful people, high profile people in our community, were of interest and that people would want to come and hear what household names, people they know and respect, have to say and that if we could have christian people sharing about their life and about their experiences that would be attractive for non-Christians to attend.
SA: How does this tie in with Jesus all about life?
AN: The campaign was timed to coincide with Jesus all about life because we wanted to make the most of the media buzz and the awareness out in the community that would be generated by JAAL. We though that would help kick along the conversation and the opportunities for people in workplaces to talk more about Shristian things and to invite a colleague or a mate along to one of these events.
SA: But you are hoping that non-Christians might come along of their own accord?
AN: We think its both. We’re hopeful that non-Christians might come direct to these events, and indeed they have. But at the same time we wanted to provide an opportunity for Christians who work in the city and live in the city to invite their friends along to a great event.
SA: There are something like 15 or 16 events and 40 different people. How did you choose the people?
AN: Well obviously it is not an exhaustive list or even a representative one. But these are people who we thought would take part and be attractive for people to listen to. I’m sure there are more out there we could invite and if this became regular, I’m sure we would.
SA: What do you want Sydney Anglicans to do?
AN: I want christians to make the most of this opportunity. More and more people that I talk to are really excited about these events and can see that they have friends or colleagues that they could easily invite but often it doesn’t get past that. Often we have good intentions but we never actually get there in terms of praying and inviting and committing to come, so I just want to encourage Christians to do that. I don’t know how long it will be till we ever have something of this magnitude again.
SA: There are high profile events, like the lunch with Peter Costello, which are popular.
AN: Yes, the function with Mr Costello, Dr Michael Spence from Sydney University, and Champion windsurfer Allison Shreeve is popular. There are still tickets left but people should book now. But there are other events with people who might not be the household name that the former Treasurer is, but they are well known in their own areas such as medicine, finance, business, defence and so on - they are great christian people with a great story to share.
