Welcome
We live in challenging times. In our fast-paced and fast-changing social environment the Christian voice is just one among many. How are we making the Word of God fully known? In what ways are our churches, schools, agencies and other centres of ministry, a compelling and attractive Christian presence in their context?The 2017 Diocesan Ministry Conference addresses these vital issues. The Ministry Conference will provide a forum for the sharing of ideas, experiences and tools that will encourage and equip leaders in their mission. It will broaden and deepen our ministry capability and leadership of God’s people.
The three days will encourage, inspire and strengthen our faith. Our own ministry will be challenged and informed by presentations, participation in workshops, prayer, worship, and sharing over meals. The planning team have brought together an attractive and varied program. International speakers will bring perspectives on mission and ministry from diverse contexts in the Anglican world. There will be a range of opportunities for learning and the sharing of ideas and experiences.
Our time together will increase our ability, both individually and collectively, to make the Word of God fully known among the many people of our Diocese.
I look forward to being with you.
Grace and peace in Christ Jesus,
The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier Archbishop of Melbourne
Invitation to the Conference
Dear Conference Delegates,
The diocesan vision is to make the Word of God fully known. To fulfil this vision in the context of 21st Century Australia, our Church will need leaders who are equipped and prepared to proclaim the Gospel courageously, and effectively, in the post-Christian world in which we live and conduct our mission, by both word and example.
Primarily for this reason has the planning committee for the conference chosen the title of ‘Missional Leadership in the 21st Century.’ For more than a year, the planning team have been thinking, praying, and meeting to discuss and decide on a program that will embrace the full diversity and complexity of this topic. The program is, therefore, necessarily eclectic, including two keynote speakers from different parts of the Anglican world, Bible studies on a missional theme, a Q&A panel on mission in the New Testament and a variety of workshops to choose from.
The venue is again the Pullman Hotel Albert Park, which provides a central location with comfortable rooms and facilities, flexible meeting spaces, and plentiful opportunities for getting together with old friends and for making new ones.
I pray that our time together at the 2017 diocesan ministry conference will be a great blessing to all who attend.
My thanks and appreciation go to the members of the planning team - Ros Christie (BCC Management), The Revd Dr Hugh Kempster, The Revd Bree Mills, The Revd Daniel Bol Nyieth, The Revd Claire Morgan, Mr Christopher Roper, The Revd Matthew Williams, The Revd Dr Mike Bird, Ms Sophia Hoare, The Revd Malcom Woolrich and the Revd Peter Greenwood.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Brad Billings 2017 Conference Committee
