Author: Kylie Chapman

Dear friends,

Our Church is a body of people who are committed to
– Proclaiming the good news;
– Remembering the good news together;
– Humbly responding to the good news; and
– Caring for others with good news shaped love.

These are of course the things our church has been on about for generations – since 1823 no less -and I am confident that these will be the things that our church is on about until the Lord returns. I am confident to say this because of the work of the Lord in your lives and in the leaders among you.

It has been an enormous privilege to serve with our staff team. One of the greatest sadnesses in leaving is leaving behind a team that is gospel-centered, cohesive, like-minded, creative, thoughtful, compassionate, and downright fun.

As I said on Saturday night, I have learned so much from each one of them and they have taught me to follow Christ, trust Christ, listen to the Word of Christ and pray. We have laughed and laughed, cried and struggled together under God and in God’s strength to build Christ’s ministry on the solid rock of the Word of God. I am so thankful for it all.

Leanne has been a tower of strength. She has taught me how to love and pastor people. She has demonstrated endurance and grace. She has modelled the Gospel and preached the Gospel with energy and perseverance. She has taught me that a cheeky smile gets anyone a long way and that ministry should be fun. Her prayer life is a constant reminder that Jesus is more reliable than anyone or anything. And her long ministry here that we have drawn alongside shows that Campbelltown is definitely an excellent place to serve, and do life and ministry.

Mick, Kylie, Michael, Sarah, Jason, and Simon have been wonderful servants of the Lord and I urge you to encourage them and everyone who joins in the work and labours at it in Campbelltown. They are carrying on the work of the Lord.

What happens now?
Our church will continue proclaiming, remembering, responding to and showing the love of the Gospel. In many ways, it is just business as usual. The work of the Lord goes on!

I am officially on annual leave from December 19 until February 23 and during that time Simon will take over responsibility for managing the Parish. In early February the Bishop, in consultation with the Wardens and staff will officially appoint a person to be Acting Senior Minister from February 24. The Nominators remain hard at work and your prayers for them and our future Senior Minister are important! They will report on progress when they are able.

Friends, it has been a joy and a delight to serve Jesus in your midst. May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.

With great thanks,
Nigel

Dear friends,

Being a ministry family can be a strange, strange thing. You are for all intents and purposes just an ordinary family who attend church and serve the people of God. But you are also the family of one of the leaders among the people and that often means higher expectations of behaviour, faith and works for all of you.

The whole “fishbowl” effect is largely unavoidable but the way the people of God in the church you serve act and react towards you makes an enormous difference.

It is with great joy that I can say that the way you have cared for us and loved us and prayed for us has been wonderful.

Life in the Fortescue house has not been all plain sailing for the last 10 years. Some of you will know all the stories and some will know a few, but like every family we have had a fair share of grief, sickness and trouble. I can say with great thankfulness that we have been loved through it all and allowed to just be a human family who follow Jesus.

When Michelle was rushed home from Fiji having suffered a stroke in 2016 we were overwhelmed with love, kindness and care. We were very aware that people were praying for her and us. We had meals and care packages delivered to our house. We had people offer to help with Megan, Brianna and Brodie who were all still at school. The staff team jumped in to take over responsibilities and to ensure that I had plenty of time to spend at the hospital and taking Michelle to appointments over the following months. The wardens were generous with their provision of extra time off. All of that was wonderfully generous and kind.

When Nicky’s mum and my Dad died at the end of last year, again the wonderfully generous and kind actions of many were gratefully appreciated. The staff and wardens were once again generous in their work to ensure we had plenty of time to recover and grieve. One of other things I noticed then was the way you rallied around our whole family. I was aware of people not just caring for Nicky and I but for all four of our children, for whom the death of grandparents was a terribly difficult time.

Campbelltown is a place we have grown to call home. Campbelltown is a place where we have grown significantly as a family both relationally and spiritually. Campbelltown is a place that we will forever remember for difficult times during which we were loved. And for that we give great thanks. Being in a great church where our family is loved and encouraged has ensured that we feel at home and now feel sad to be leaving. Nicky and I particularly give thanks to all those who have encouraged us and our children to stand firm with Jesus and to never give up.

Please don’t stop encouraging and caring for your ministry leaders. Please don’t stop encouraging them to stand firm on Christ. Please don’t stop caring for them and all those who will come after us.
For you know, that your labours in the Lord are never in vain.

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

There are many heroes of the faith – Paul, Peter, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Chappo – the list could go on. (And no doubt you are thinking of big names I have missed!)

But there are also billions of ordinary Christians who serve Jesus, who pray, who toil in the work of the Lord, whose names will never again be spoken. There are billions of ordinary Christians like Tychicus and Epaphras. Colossians 4 tells the story of these two men who wrestle in prayer, encourage hearts, strengthen the church and work hard for the Gospel. My suspicion is that the vast majority of us will never have given them more than a cursory thought.

But that is the shape of Christian ministry. You don’t serve to receive accolades or adoration. You serve because Christ first served you. You serve because all of your time, talents and treasures belong to the Lord and ought to be used to glorify him. You serve because you want to see Christ’s church built up and reach out so that other people may hear of the Lord Jesus and be saved. You serve because that’s just what Christian people do.

And thanks be to God that the Christian people of Campbelltown Anglican Churches have always done just that. Truth be told, throughout our time in Campbelltown I have had many moments where I have been blown away by the willingness of people to get in and serve the Lord. There are too many faithful servants of the Lord to mention and the risk of mentioning some and forgetting others would be too much to bear!

There are people who have served by teaching the Bible through preaching, growth groups, youth and children’s ministry, 1-1 ministry, accountability ministry, mentoring and more. There are people who have served by ensuring everything was ready for us to sit under God’s Word by setting up chairs, managing technology and sound, handing out books and flyers, preparing and providing food, playing music, leading in prayer and reading the Bible and more. There are people who have served by seeking to connect outsiders with the Gospel through Arvo Kids, ESL, Food ministry, Jesus is nights and more. There are people who have served in the background, where you will never see them, during the week and even in the dead of night when the alarms go off. There are people who have managed money, governance and policy to ensure we can keep doing
ministry through Parish Council, Safe Ministry and Risk Management. There are people who have chased up the missing, visited the sick and prayed for the lost. You get the feeling don’t you that this list could go on and on. What incredible servants of the Lord you are. Thank you!

If I must isolate one thing that has been of great joy to me, it is this: from time to time people have messaged or come and asked me, “How can I pray for you this week?” There is no greater act of service than to pray and bring requests and thanksgiving before the Lord. In what way will you be the Tychicus and Epaphras of 2020?

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

In this week when the Irish global super-band U2 are in town, I thought it was worth reflecting on the way I have seen you loving each other over the last ten years. U2 have more than a dozen songs that feature love. We have more than 700 people whose lives feature love, which has been delightfully encouraging.

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) These are remarkable words – it sounds like Jesus is suggesting the need to love one another was a new idea! But there were commandments in the Old Testament encouraging Israel to love others. So what is going on?

What was new here is the kind of love – note what Jesus says: this love is “as I loved you.” It is a love that originates and mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ. In Christ’s death something new happened, a new type of love was on display and this sacrificial love is to be replicated and displayed by us. Marvellously, when we do show this love, other people will recognise us as disciples of Jesus. If we love one another with Christlike sacrificial love, others will see Christ.

I have seen Christ’s love in the love that has been shown around our church and it has been spectacular. Let me share some examples.

The Wednesday Church crew are 30-40 faithful mature folks who know each other and love each other. They often chase people up, they know what is going on in each other’s lives and they visit each other when they are sick. They are not selfish with their time but use it for the benefit of others and warmly welcome new people into the fold.

There are a number of multi-generational families in our church who show sacrificial love across the generations. I see grandparents chasing grandchildren after church; I see sons-in-law offering to help at the homes of grandparents; I see the generations encouraging each other to follow Christ. I suppose that is what should happen in families, but it often doesn’t and I think you can look at these families and know they are Christ’s disciples.

Time and time again I hear good news stories out of Growth Groups as people put themselves out for each other to care for each other and show love to each other. Our Growth Groups are a critically important hub for love and care and knowledge of each other and I have loved every one I have been in.

And then I look around after our services and see people praying together, laughing together, crying together and growing together – not looking to serve themselves but looking to love others sacrificially and to see them grow. It’s often the simple, normal things that are most encouraging!

I could go on and on. I pray that you love for each other does just that into the future!

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

In this last series of newsletter articles, I am seeking to look back and give thanks for the great work God has been doing in our church over the last decade and beyond. My second observation about our church, that I have rejoiced in and given thanks for, relates to your passion to share the Gospel with others.

Seeking to grow the Kingdom is part of the DNA of our church. One of the many things that excited Nicky and I in coming to Campbelltown was the vision of previous ministers who started schools both onsite and later at Menangle. Coming first from the mouth of Governor Macquarie, the desire to operate schools here is almost 200 years old and the purpose of the schools has always been to educate children in the ways of Christ.

But running schools is not the only strategy for reaching our community with the Gospel. I have been so encouraged by the many who pray regularly for their unbelieving family and friends and who have invited them to come to church and various events to hear the good news of the death and resurrection of Christ.

It was Peter who spoke of Jesus when he said to the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to humankind by which we must be saved.” It has delighted me that the people of this church that bears the name of Peter (and all the congregations connected to it) believe the same thing. I have been so thankful for the way you quickly embraced many of the crazy mission ideas the staff have come up with. I am constantly amazed at the number of people who invite friends to our Jesus is nights and women’s events. Praise God that you are working towards people believing in and confessing Christ.

So let me encourage you: don’t hide your faith. Give answers for the hope you have. Tell people why you are a Christian. The only way to muck it up is to say nothing! Prioritise praying for people. Pray for God to do a mighty work and save people who are not Christian.

Work at naturally introducing your trust in Jesus into conversation – tell people you went to church, share something you learnt at church, share a Christian perspective on what is being discussed. A great way to bear witness to the glory of God and your faith in him is to offer pray for someone. Someone shares a trouble, a stress, a problem – just say, “Can I pray for you?” It’s a powerful witness to your trust in God.

Invite people to church. Every Sunday is a good Sunday to bring a friend!
Your DNA is to preach Christ and if I have encouraged you to continue doing that, I am thankful.

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

One of the delightful things about the last few weeks has been having conversations with people as they reflect on the last 10 years. A number of people have commented to me about how much our church has changed and I have enjoyed listening to their stories and recounts of the way things were and the way things are now. I count any change for the better as a work of God and anything else is the result of the frailty and failings of humans!

Over the next few articles I want to share some personal observations reflecting on what I have seen and rejoiced in as God has done a good work in you. The first one relates to your attitude to the Word of God.

In many churches, the Bible is read and even mentioned in sermons but it is not given a place of authority and importance in the lives of people. Paul commended the Thessalonians saying “We also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” It brings me enormous joy that I can say exactly the same thing about you.

One of the stories I love to tell is about the way the people of our church use the Bible in church. I remember during the first weeks of being here, many people would have the Bible open on their lap while it was being read, but once the sermon started, they would close it and place it back in the pew. We are encouraged to test what we hear (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and that is hard to do with the Bible closed. Some time later, I remember saying in a sermon “Look with me at verse 1” and a multitude of heads bowed to look at the Word of God. What a great delight that was.

Nowadays, I am regularly accosted by Bible wielding people after church who question my understanding of this verse or that. We have a rigorous and thought-provoking question time after 6pm church. Our regular Sermon Extra has been a great opportunity to explore the issues and applications that flow out of Sunday. Our Growth Groups are growing in number continue to be hubs for debate and discussion around the Word.

You are hungry for the Word of God and this delights me enormously. You accept it as a Word that carries great authority. You accept it as God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). You are willing to sit under it and read it and be guided by it. This is wondrously important and you must continue in this. As I have said before, Anglicans all over the world are increasingly discarding the Word of God as a word of previous importance from which we must move on. The destruction such an attitude reaps in the church and lives of believers is tragic.

My friends, whatever you do, please continue to hold firmly to the Word of Life!

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

I wasn’t expecting to tear up but yes – and thanks to those who noticed and asked – I did tear up on stage at Megachurch! Towards the end, as we were reflecting on the interviews we had during the morning and the responsibility God has given each of us to serve his people and the world, I said something like: Given how awesome this church is, why would you ever think of leaving? My emotions caught me and there was a moment where I could not speak and my eyes became wet before I pulled myself together and carried on.

The question is a good one though: Given how awesome this church is, why would you ever think of leaving?

Being the Senior Minister of a Church is a wonderful and serious responsibility. I have been charged with being a messenger, watchman and steward of the Lord; to teach and forewarn, to feed and provide for the Lord’s family; to seek Christ’s sheep who are scattered abroad, and for his children who are surrounded by temptation in this world that they may be saved through Christ forever. I was exhorted to have printed on my mind how great a treasure is committed to my care. That treasure is you and I have sought to shepherd the people of Campbelltown under God with all my might. So why leave?

There is always a spiritual element to leaving a ministry and going to a new one. We entrust ourselves to the providence of God and his calling and I can say that we do certainly believe that God has called us to a new ministry at this time. There was no flash of lightning or word from God but as we prayed there were many confirmations that this is from God.

There is a gifting element to leaving a ministry and going to a new one. Sometimes this is because the ministry you are in is not one you are gifted for; sometimes it is because you have gifts that ought to be put to use elsewhere. St Ives is a large and complex church and the training and encouragement I have had from you here has prepared me and our family for this next challenge.

There is an Anglican diocese element to leaving a ministry and going to a new one. Our diocese needs people to lead churches and it needs people who are able assistants to take on Senior Minister roles. It needs Senior Ministers in small churches who are able to take medium size churches and some then to take on larger churches as their skill and capacity develops. The diocese is heading towards a crisis of leadership at this time and needs people to keep stepping up to leadership.

Then there is an opportunity element to leaving a ministry and going to a new one. At St Ives there is a very large group of young people who are ready, willing and able to be challenged to consider full-time vocational ministry. This is a work that I am passionate about the opportunity to shape a large number of people for the work of the Gospel in the next generation is something I am excited about.

There are a million other factors that went into this big decision but I want to assure you that we have not made the decision to leave lightly or carelessly but after much prayer and consultation with friends and mentors. We will depart thankful but with heavy hearts for we know how great a treasure you are!

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

You will no doubt have seen or heard the media reporting on the Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies’ address to Synod last week. In the view of the vast majority who were actually there, it was a brilliant piece of theological reflection that captured the Spirit of our age and the need for the Gospel to continue to go out into a lost world.

You would think, however, if you simply listened to the media, that Glenn asked anyone who thinks differently to the Bible on human sexuality to leave the church. Nothing could be further from the truth – but if you want to win an argument, you don’t focus on the truth or context of things that are said!

A month or two ago I wrote about the polarising tendency of 21st Century argumentation. We often find ourselves being forcibly isolated into camps such that on any question it is not truth or context that matters but whose side you are on. For this reason, on the matter of homosexuality, same-sex marriage and the Bible, whatever Glenn said, he was going to be lambasted. The way to win an argument in this day and age is not to reason, think, deliberate, consider, ask questions and weigh merits; instead you misquote, pigeon-hole, garner the troops and call people names.
You don’t need thought because you have decided a priori that every other view is wrong.

As an Anglican Synod, we try not to do that. In fact we were urged throughout the week to read, think, consider, weigh up and look at the merits of all arguments around human sexuality. We were all given a book to read containing opposing views.

Despite what you may have heard, Glenn’s address did not urge dissenters in the pews to leave the church. Glenn did not urge anyone with a different view to leave any Sydney Anglican church. But he did urge Anglican leaders who have abandoned the long held truths of the Anglican Church to leave the Anglican Church and start a new church. You can read the whole speech for yourself (www.sds.asn.au) and you will see this clear as day. But the truth of what is said does not matter in arguments anymore. In this day, you win an argument by lambasting the person not their argument.

So what’s the point? Just imagine that the Victorian branch of Greenpeace or Extinction Rebellion started arguing that pouring a little bit of crude oil into the ocean is fine and that more coal fired power stations should be built. I’m pretty sure they would be kicked out of their organisations pretty quickly. This is exactly what is happening in the Anglican Church. Leaders in Wangaratta, Perth and Newcastle are arguing against numerous basic principles held by the Anglican Church and claiming they can stay in that same Church. And the media says Glenn is the bad guy!

At the heart of this whole question is the way you understand the Bible. Does it contain eternal principles for the way we should understand ourselves and God? Or does it contain an expression of the way humanity viewed itself and God, such that we need to find a new expression for this day and age? If God has spoken, are we not to listen?

In Christ
Nigel

Dear Friends,

I am always excited about and look forward to our whole church gathering together for our annual MEGACHURCH SUNDAY. This year we will meet on Sunday October 20 at 9.30am in the St Peter’s Anglican Primary School Hall. Our annual MEGACHURCH SUNDAY gives us the opportunity to give expression to our unity in Christ, our unity in mission and our unity in caring for one another. It is a great opportunity to be reminded about what our most important work is.

Our world, hopes in lots of things, but such things are always hopeless hopes. Sure they might make you feel good for a time, even a long time! But none of them provide you with an everlasting hope. None of the world’s offerings provide you with a sure and certain hope in this life. None of the things people hope in can really, truly satisfy.

But God does. God satisfies us by forgiving our sin, empowering us by the Spirit, adopting us as his children and giving us to each other to share his vision for the world.

What God offers is hope that works. What we as a church do, is offer that hope to the world. We offer this hope because every person in the world starts this life without hope – and God’s desire for each one is that they may be able to approach him with confidence and freedom as their Father and friend. That each person may be gathered into God’s people and gather with member’s of God’s household and grow into holiness by the work of the Spirit.

MEGACHURCH this year will be focused on the way God has equipped his church for
works of service. We will celebrate all that we have done over the last 12 months and look ahead to new opportunities to proclaim the saving word of Christ. It will be a day to remind us with great clarity that we have a God who has spoken to us by his Word and that we can serve him with our whole selves.

Join us for MEGACHURCH Sunday as we call on God to do a mighty work in Campbelltown.

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,
I have just finished reading Stan Grant’s latest book Australia Day. I have been devouring his books in the last three months, prompted by his thinking on identity.

Our world is in love with identity. Having a sharp definition of who you are is said to provide you with greater understanding of and comfort with yourself and a place to stand in the world. Sexual preference, gender selection, family position, occupation, racial history and a myriad of other factors can all be used to define your identity. You only need to look at our fingerprints to know we are unique, but a sharply categorised identity ensures you can proclaim that uniqueness to the world. I heard this week that Sam Smith (famous singer) has asked all his fans to use “they” or “them” when referring to him from now on. His identity is now de-gendered and corporatised.

Stan Grant takes a contrary and profound view to the current cultural milieu. And it is fascinating given he is proudly a Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man. Grant’s view is that pursuing our own sharply individualistic identities will only divide us from each other. He constantly critiques the (well meaning) identity warriors and draws on a myriad of historians and philosophers to make his case. The more we define the “I”, the more I am separated from the “us”.

In Australia Day he shares the story of the 30 steps that exist between the Australian Constitution and the Larrakia Petition delivered to the Queen in 1972 requesting a treaty in Australia. Those 30 steps are paradigmatic of the way identity as currently formulated divides us.

Grant calls us to eschew the unending grievance that is caused by separatism, and to get on with the “serious business of healing the memory of wounds, resolving the Australian settlement and connecting us all”. Elsewhere, he points to the need for synthesis through struggle; I think that’s how Grant would describe his own Australian identity. He is in an ongoing self-battle to be neither black, nor white but Australian. He also suggests that pursuing love as our paradigm will bring us together. His are wonderfully challenging and profound books and I would commend them to
anyone wanting to know more of the mind, experience and life of indigenous Australians. I think he is close to helping us chart a course through the rampant racism that still exists in our time.

What’s interesting is that the teaching of Jesus is littered throughout his books. He loves the mandate to love and the way Jesus was towards outsiders. Sadly, Grant misses the most profound point that flows from the Gospel – when we recognise that we are all united by our being made in the image of God, we find our true identity in the one who is love – Jesus himself. If we were all to come to Jesus as loving King we would find both truth, identity and love. Ultimately, being united as Australians would be good, but being united in Christ is best.

In Christ
Nigel

(This piece was written by Archbishop Glenn Davies)
There is no doubt that the subject of abortion is an emotive topic. When discussing this issue we need to be mindful of those who have had an abortion. It is never an easy
decision, and it is one that we should only discuss with compassion and care for those
who have chosen to have this procedure or are facing the prospect thereof.

Yet, it takes two to conceive a child, and therefore in my view it should not be the decision of the mother alone. The child is not part of her body, as some would argue with the misleading and vulgar slogan of “My uterus, my choice!” The baby in the womb is a distinct, genetic entity temporarily living in its mother’s womb.

This is where we all began – in our mother’s womb. We were vulnerable, but safe; we
were alive, but dependent; growing but not sufficiently grown; awaiting the day of our birth and our entrance into the outside world.

The intentional death of a child outside the womb is not just a matter for the mother or father to decide; it is a matter that concerns all society. A few months’ difference in gestation does not change this perspective.

The Bible is very clear about the value to God of a child in utero. The psalms speak
eloquently of our formation in the womb and of God’s knowledge of us.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16

Likewise, David recognised not only his personhood from conception, but also his
culpability as part of rebellious humanity (Psalm 51:5). There are dozens of places where the Scripture regularly uses the same language of those in the womb as would apply to those already born (cf Genesis 25:22; 38:27ff). We do the same when we declare: “You’re having a baby”.

Christians have long recognised that where the life and safety of the mother is
jeopardised, then the removal of the baby, the unintentional aggressor from within, justifies abortion. While some Christians may wish to expand the categories of exceptions, the inherent value of the unborn must not be minimised, even if the child does not fit the expectations of a “perfect baby” without chromosomal deficiencies.

Life is God’s gift, and the taking of life should be in God’s hands alone. We honour God in the public arena when we reflect his virtues and stand up for the most vulnerable in our society, and in this case, the voiceless and unseen.

Dear Friends,

At the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, after his resurrection, he said to his disciples:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20

One of the things that disciples of Jesus do is get baptised as a public and visible sign of the grace of God that is towards them in Jesus. Simply, people who are Christian get baptised.

For many people, we were baptised (christened) when we were children as we gathered with the church to hear the Word of God. And this is a good and right thing! As a child of Christian parents you are introduced to Jesus in the same way you are introduced to your grandparents. Jesus is not an optional extra, he is real and he is your King and you are his child who will get to know him more and more each day.

I was baptised as an infant and I thank God that all the time and effort I put into that special day serves as a memory of all the time and effort I put into being saved by Jesus. Perhaps you have the same memory! Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solis Christus!! Of course, baptism doesn’t save you but it is a moment to look back on and give thanks for as it reminds us of the grace of God. Somewhere I have a silver baptism mug. I was also baptised in a dress! The dress was used for our three girls as they too were baptised as infants. We spared our last born from wearing the dress!

For many others, you were not baptised as an infant and having become a Christian as an adult, perhaps you would like to be baptised. We would love to give you that chance.

On Sunday 3rd November, we are holding a Baptism Sunday. This is an opportunity for anyone who has never been baptised to declare their faith publicly before their church and family and friends. We will have baptisms at St Andrew’s, 10am and 6pm.

If you are keen to be baptised, please contact a member of staff or speak to your Growth Group leader. We would love to rejoice in the work of God in your life with you in November.

Some people wonder if they can get baptised a second time or wish they had the opportunity to be baptised as an adult. I respond to these enquiries by asking, “How many times did Jesus die for you?” I do understand the appeal of being able to declare your faith publicly and going through Confirmation is one option for people baptised as children. We will have confirmation again in 2020!

I look forward to a great Sunday rejoicing in the grace of God.

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

I simply do not understand weeds. Nothing is growing anywhere in Campbelltown at the moment due to the lack of rain – except the weeds! And at the Rectory they are prolific and amazing. The colours and designs are an incredible array of tragic beauty.

The weeds are growing through tiny gaps in the concrete and bricks. The weeds are growing where the ground is so hard you need a pneumatic drill to get through it. The weeds are growing next to plants that are dying. The weeds are growing in places I sprayed last year and thought nothing would ever grow there again! They are insidious and annoying and I will have to spend a lot of time getting rid of them! Aargh

But I ought not complain as I look out my back windows, but rather give thanks for a reminder about the world we live in.

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches a parable about weeds. A farmer plants out his field with wheat but weeds grow up and sprout in their midst. The servants suggest pulling them all up but the farmer says to wait and divide them at the harvest time lest they damage the wheat. So the weeds and the wheat exist together in the field. 

Jesus explains the parable saying;
“The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:38-39)‬

Jesus point is clear. In this world in which we live, there will be people who follow the Kingdom of God and people who follow the Kingdom of darkness. The consistent challenge for those who will live following and being a part of the Kingdom of God is that evil will surround us throughout all our lives. There will be temptation on every side, all the time. There will be the constant voices of those who do not regard Jesus as anything more than an idea telling you to turn from him. There will be a constant stream of such things that look healthy and delightful (like so many weeds do) until the end of time when Jesus comes again to judge the living and the dead. 

This helps shape our expectations of life. Life will not be easy just because you follow Jesus. Life will be a constant battle between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of darkness that wants to draw you into its shadows. We need to stand firm and keep trusting Jesus. Where else have we to go. Jesus himself finishes the parable saying, Whoever has ears, let them hear! 

May we be those who see our weeds and hear the reminder that life till Jesus comes is going to be a challenge; so keep walking, trusting Jesus and he will strengthen you to persevere. 

In Christ 
Nigel

PS. Jesus parable does not count as horticultural advice. Go and weed your garden!

Dear friends,

Upon reflection, we should have attended the protest against abortion outside Parliament House last Tuesday night. We should have joined with 1000’s of others to make a noise and let our State know we cared. Living in Campbelltown gives you 1000 excuses to stay away – it’s too far, it’s too late, it’s too cold. Our culture gives us 1000 reasons to stay away – I’m too busy, protests are useless, I’m tired, I’ve got other things on. But there is one compelling reason we missed – Life is that important.

I wish I had gone.

Christians have been at the forefront of protecting the vulnerable and bringing about social change since the time we were first called Christians. In the first century, Christian people picked up disabled babies left on the street to die, rejected by a culture that demanded infantile perfection. Christian people started the first hospitals. Christian people drove change to slavery laws. Yes, Christian people have done some evil things too, but it is in our spiritual DNA to care for the vulnerable and protect society from itself and point people back to God’s wisdom and God’s ways (James 1:27).

The proposed changes to Abortion law in NSW are barbaric. There is no other word for it. Under the cover of decriminalisation our parliamentarians cheered their decision to allow babies born alive after a botched abortion to lay on a table and die. They cheered their decision to allow perfectly formed 35 week old children to be killed. And many Christians, me included, stayed home or did other things last Tuesday night. I’m not saying you don’t care; I’m just saying we could have cared more.
A few thoughts to ponder:

1. We should have protested because our State should know that more than 1000’s are appalled by this new law. The majority of people don’t know a Christian person and don’t know what Christians think on any issue (except perhaps homosexuality!). Here was an opportunity for us to say together with a loud voice, “Life is that important”.
2. We should have protested because silence or inaction is always interpreted as agreement or adiaphora. In our families and amongst our friends, do people know what we think on abortion? Going to the march says something. It says we stand for vulnerable individuals and we oppose the autonomous culture of our age.
3. We should have protested because we need to wake ourselves up to the importance of keeping ourselves from being polluted by the world. Here was an opportunity to actually say with our time and energy “I am against your thinking!” Here was an opportunity to show real concern; to move beyond hitting the like button. To be countercultural and stand for something.
4. We should have protested because it would have provided us with gospel opportunities galore this week and greater credibility for sharing our point of view.

So, I wish I went. Life matters.
What have I done instead? I have written to every member of the upper house. I have purposely tried to engage in conversation with unbelievers with respect and curiosity. I have tried to encourage Christians to stand for stuff they believe.

How about you? Will you join me next time?

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

From time to time, important things can get missed! We like to keep everyone in the loop so here are 9 things worth knowing this week.

1. We have had many people campaigning on various fronts against the NSW Abortion Bill. I was so glad to go with three women from our church to see Greg Warren MP two weeks ago and hear their stories. Seeing the Gospel in action as we seek to protect the vulnerable is wonderful.

2. James Massey recently took over from Nick Ford in directing Friday Night Youth. James has been a part of the team for about 5 years and is both a qualified teacher and is studying at Youthworks College towards his Advanced Diploma of Theology. Please pray for James and the team.

3. The Wardens of St Andrew’s have begun a fundraising campaign for Olivia Greenwood, a young member of our church with a rare cancer. A fundraising event will be held on Saturday 24th August at 5pm at St Andrew’s. All welcome. $10 entry.

4. The Wardens of St Peter’s are continuing with complex and intricate background work on a potential building project on the St Peter’s site. A recently completed heritage report has been sent back to the Master Planning Architect for consideration. It all takes time but our Wardens are being careful and frugal.

5. The Parish Council recently agreed to take on a Student Minister from Moore College in 2020. We will hopefully be making an offer to a current student to take up this training position in the week ahead. 

6. We are hoping to make some announcements about progress towards a Youth and Children’s Ministry Pastor next Sunday. Thanks to all those people who have pledged towards this campaign thus far. We are hoping to make an appointment with a view to 2020 but more about that next week!

7. We have begun Ministry Planning for 2020 and are really excited about all the opportunities that God has laid before us. We particularly want to see people’s gifts used for ministry in whatever way that is possible. If you have ideas for how you would like to be serving in church, or just know you want to but don’t know where, speak to a member of staff!

8. MEGACHURCH is always a highlight of the year and we will be gathering as one on 20th October at 9.30am. I am so thankful for this annual event where we all do church together. There are no other services in our church that day!

9. As a church, we are starting to engage more significantly with the online world. We recognise the dangers that exist there but we also recognise that many people use social media to start and drive relationships. We want to allow the Gospel to be present there so that people might start and drive their relationship with God. We now have a weekly Sermon Extra and other projects that are about to launch.

Thanks for your prayers and partnership in the Gospel in Campbelltown.

In Christ
Nigel      

Dear Friends,

Prompted by a short but poignant book by Natasha Stott Despoja called On Violence, I wrote last week about the problem with the solutions offered by the world. Essentially, the world needs Jesus if it is going to solve the problem of Domestic Violence.

But we also need to remember that simply being a Christian does not stop or prevent domestic violence. We need to proclaim the Gospel to each other but we must also do more.

First, knowing that such behaviour is contrary to the Gospel and knowing that it is abhorrent, we must call out those who hurt their family. Of course, you can only do that when you know each other well enough to know what is happening in our families; so, ask more pointed and personal questions of people in church. More than “How’s your marriage?” Dig deep with people. Ask the awkward questions about parenting, finances, sex and violence. If you have concerns, don’t ignore them. It is loving to ask. It is loving to rebuke.

If you are the victim of a family member’s violence, please speak to police, a trusted friend or me. If you are the one being violent. Please stop now. Please seek help. 

Second, in our church we need to work hard to create a strong culture of grace and forgiveness in the face of failure. People are going to fail to meet the ideals for life proposed in the Gospel. When they do, will they feel they can talk to their friends or pastor, or will they feel condemned and rejected? Jesus managed to both condemn sin and eat with sinners. There is an ideal to aspire to, and aspire we must to patiently, carefully, lovingly correcting and rebuking. A friend once said, marriage is “one of the first things and most hurtful things gossiped about in churches. At the moment the last place I would go for marriage help is the church”. I’d love to hear our church members saying the exact opposite.

Third, while some pastors have taught and encouraged people to stay in abusive relationships, we need to affirm that the Bible does not justify, endorse, encourage or support any abuse of anyone by anyone. No one should ever be forced to stay and submit to abuse. Some men use the Bible to justify their treatment of their wives, pointing to Ephesians 5:21-33 but they’re wrong. The problem is not the Bible, the problem is their inability to read it and believe it! Challenge each other if you hear that someone has their teaching on marriage warped.

Our response to domestic violence among church members and the erroneous teaching of some pastors cannot only be institutional, committee led, enquiry based and happening later. Our response must happen now. And it must happen from the ground up. In our church, from every pastor and every church member, let us talk to each other with Scriptures in hand, humbly, lovingly, carefully but urgently.

And if you need help, please, just ask.

In Christ
Nigel.

Dear Friends,

I have just finished reading a short but poignant book by Natasha Stott Despoja called On Violence. It sits in the Little Books on Big Ideas series and argues that the global pandemic of violence against women and girls is possible to eliminate. The solution she articulates is for the whole of our society to produce cultural change by speaking out against sexism, gender inequality and violence. Essentially, if we all get on board against it, it will disappear. Stott Despoja is right but her solution is also impossible.

Earlier in the book, we are reminded that the World Health Organisation states that
violence against women ‘is not an intractable part of the human condition’ but the product of complex, yet modifiable social and environmental factors’.

All this makes me want to weep. The book wants humans to speaks out and act but despite acknowledging the problem with this solution the author (nor the WHO) will label the real issue: the human heart. Stott Despoja and others who have written on domestic violence are trying their hardest to hold onto the intrinsic goodness of humanity but to do so is to try and hold a cloud in your hand.

At some point, those who commentate on the world we live in are going to have to
acknowledge what the Bible has been teaching for thousands of years:
“There is no-one righteous, not even one; there is no-one who understands; there is no-one who seeks God.” (Romans 3:10-11)

Domestic Violence began in Genesis 4 and there are examples littered through the history of the world since then. The answer to it all is complex and multifaceted to be sure, but it has to begin with new hearts and minds that are only available through the supernatural power of the Spirit of God and the work of Jesus Christ in our lives. Only Jesus can truly change hearts. Only the Spirit can truly reshape lives to be full of peace and self-control. Our world, the violent in the world and everyone else, needs Jesus.

That’s not to say that Christians are never guilty of domestic violence. Tragically, some
Christian are aggressive and violent towards their family. It’s unacceptable. It’s ungodly. It’s horrific. It’s got to stop.

So what should we do?

Keep speaking the Gospel to people. Look around your church and be reminded of the
incredible power of God in transforming lives. Talk to each other about this. Encourage
each other in this. Remind each other that there is no other solution for the world’s ills
than this. And then proclaim the good news of Jesus death for sin and rising again for the salvation and transformation of the world. Proclaim this to Christians and unbelievers. Remind each other to keep in step with the Spirit.

To many such words are nonsense or the stench of death but to those who are being saved they are the power of God. Don’t underestimate God’s capacity to turn violence to peace.

More next week!
In Christ
Nigel

Dear Friends,

As a church we work with many children and young people and it is important that we treat them appropriately with kindness and Gospel-shaped grace. It is of course important that everyone is treated in this way, but children can easily be forgotten or hurt.

Churches are still coming under fire following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. In many cases around Australia, including Sydney, adults who were given responsibility to care for children in church settings have used and abused them. We have people in our own church who have suffered under the hands of evil men and women who used religion and religious networks to hide their horrific actions. This must not happen again.

In recognition of this, the Anglican Church requires all people involved with caring for and ministering to children and young people to do two things.

First, all people involved in caring for and ministering to children must do the Anglican Church approved Safe Ministry Training. Many professions require you to do Safe Working with Children programs however, such programs cannot be accredited to replace the Anglican Church Safe Ministry Training. Once completed, a refresher is completed every three years. The full course is now completed online. If you are unsure as to whether you should do the training or where you are up to in the three year cycle, please contact the office. If you are not Safe Ministry Trained or your certificate expires, you will not be able to start or continue with your ministry to children or young people.

Second, all people involved in caring for and ministering to children must apply for a Working With Children Check (WWCC). You start this process by going to www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au. You make an application and they send you a WWCC application number. You must then go to the RMS and identify yourself again after which the check takes place and clearance (or otherwise) is provided. You must then provide the church office with your WWCC number for verification. If you do not have a WWCC that has been verified by our office you will not be able to minister to children or young people.

There are some very limited exceptions to both of the above arrangements and if you wish to discuss those, please speak to me or our Safe Ministry Representative, Kerry Olsen.

The best way to protect our children is for everyone to be trained. It is actually our preference that everyone in our church does both the Safe Ministry Training and acquires a WWCC. This not only creates a helpful culture of transparency but also a culture of understanding. The more eyes that both see and understand, the better. If you have any questions about this, please speak to me or one of the Wardens.

Finally, if you see something strange, please say something!

In Christ
Nigel

Dear Friends,

Our ministry partnership with the Macarthur indigenous Church is one of great significance that we must continue to build and strengthen. To this end, I am so thankful for the opportunity to have combined our 10am Services on Sunday 7th July to mark the beginning NAIDOC week.

The theme this year is Voice, Treaty, Truth. Over the last decade there have been many positive steps forward towards reconciliation in our country. There is an increasing recognition of the damage that former government policies had on indigenous communities. There have also been conversations about how further recognition of Australia’s indigenous peoples might be included in our Constitution. Adding to all this, gladly, National Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week are increasingly prominent times in our nation’s social consciousness.

The theme, however, calls for increased listening (Voice) to indigenous people, their concerns and hurts but also their wisdom and ideas for a better future. Let us not repeat the past when people in power decided on what was best for indigenous people! This is coupled with a need for aboriginal people as the original custodians of the land to sit at the governance table (Treaty) in decision making as we recognise what has really happened in the past (Truth) and create a better future for our indigenous communities.

We can all point to prominent indigenous Australians like Ash Barty and note her success, but she is the exception to the rule. The majority of Aboriginal people are disadvantaged and thus far our governmental and social efforts to turn this situation around have not brought long-term benefit for everyone.

So I think it is appropriate this weekend that we share together in a vision as a church for reconciliation because we know the great reconciler! The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who came into the world to bring about the ultimate act of reconciliation between God and man. This vision must however be accompanied by prayer. Below is a prayer written by Bishop Arthur Malcolm (Australia’s first indigenous bishop) and his wife, Colleen. Can I ask you to pray this prayer both in your personal prayers but with others over the next week?

Lord God,
Bring us together as one.
Reconciled with you and
reconciled with each other.
You made us in your likeness;
You gave us your son, Jesus Christ.
He has given us forgiveness from sin.

Lord God,
Bring us together as one.|
Different culture, but
given new life in Jesus Christ;
Together as one, your body,
your church, your people.

Lord God,
Bring us together as one.
Reconciled, healed, forgiven,
Sharing you with others,
as you have called us to do.
In Jesus Christ,
let us be together as one.

In Christ
Nigel

Dear friends,

At staff meeting this week we continued a discussion about welcoming and helping people connect in with our church so they too can be part of the growing Christian community devoted to maturing in Jesus for the Glory of God. As part of that discussion, Simon suggested that perhaps we need to get everyone thinking about What’s Best Next in your own Christian walk?

It is clear from the Bible that being a Christian is not a state you enter into but a process you participate in. The language of the New Testament is overwhelmingly littered with active encouragements to continue changing and growing to be more and more the person God wants you to be in Christ. Just look at the following examples:

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28 

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10

Have a read through any one of the New Testament letters this week and you will see over and over again, the challenge for you to continue growing as a Christian, maturing as a Christian, putting off sin, imitating Christ, shining like stars and learning more and more of the riches of God’s grace.

To this end, each one of us should ask ourselves a couple of times a year, What’s Best Next for my Christian growth. The answer for each of us will be different.

Unclear on the basics of Christianity and Jesus? Get into Exploring Christ.

Unclear on how to think and live as a Christian? Get into Firm Foundations.

Wanting to understand more of God and his Word? Get into a growth group.

Wanting to be equipped to share the Good News? Get into an Exploring Christ training group.

Wanting to dig deeper into theology? Get into PTCgo!

Wanting to think about a particular topic? Ask for a book recommendation.

Wanting to exercise your gifts and talents? Get involved in serving.

That’s just the start. Speak to your growth group leader or a member of staff for help on What’s Best Next for you! 

Of course, this has application to welcoming and connecting new people too, but I’ll tell you about some of Leanne’s thoughts on that next week!

In Christ

Nigel 

Dear friends,

As you know, we hold three Annual General Meetings every year – one for St Peter’s congregations including the Macarthur Indigenous Church, one for St Andrew’s and one for the whole Parish. At a recent meeting of Parish Council, we discussed the possibility of combining all three meetings into one. I am writing about this proposal to give you the opportunity to give us some feedback.

Our AGM’s are more than a meeting; they are shared opportunities to think, talk and pray. They are an opportunity for you to hear about ministry plans and vision, to ask questions and to become more involved in the decision making of our church. We elect officeholders, receive reports on ministry and provide time for feedback.

As a church we operate under one vision in multiple locations in a myriad of different ways. We have one combined staff who work together to proclaim the gospel to people throughout our region. We believe this is an effective strategy as different people will be reached by different approaches to ministry; if you only do one thing in one way you reach one sort of person! If you do many things in many different ways you reach may different sorts of people.

More and more we are working together across the Parish and breaking down the age-old barriers that have held us back from collaborative and effective ministry. Holding separate AGM’s retains this division and excludes people from hearing about, praying for and partnering with the complete collection of ministry activities in the Parish.

How would a combined AGM work?
We would meet together in one location and have staff reports, finance reports and reports from some individual ministries. We would vote as if we were at three individual meetings, allowing for St Andrew’s members to elect their wardens, St Peter’s members to elect wardens and parish council and for the whole meeting to elect Synod representatives and Parish Nominators. We would have questions and a time for prayer together. Our commitment is that the meeting would be run efficiently and not be long and boring – currently our three meetings go for a total of 150 minutes but there is significant duplication!

This is more than an opportunity for symbolic efficiency. This is really another opportunity for us to recognise structurally that we are in ministry together for the Glory of God in Campbelltown. We would be seeking to acknowledge that together we seek to be a growing Christian community devoted to maturing in Jesus for Glory of God.

So what now? We want to know your thoughts and questions. Parish Council is going to make a decision on this matter at our July meeting. Please put your comments in writing to me via email (nigel@campbelltownanglican.org) or letter.

Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel in Campbelltown.

In Christ
Nigel