[Mins] Advance Together (WA) - just wanted to share this.

[mins at crca.org.au]

thanks Dave, your summary was very encouraging

 

Peter K

 

From: mins-bounces at crca.org.au [mailto:mins-bounces at crca.org.au] On Behalf
Of mins at crca.org.au
Sent: Monday, 18 March 2013 11:57 AM
To: CRCA Ministers
Subject: [Mins] Advance Together (WA) - just wanted to share this.

 

Hey everyone,

 

Having just attended the Advance Together training in WA a few days ago (Sat
16th), I though I would let you know how it went...

 

We all know that training events can have varied outcomes: what works for
one does not always work for another. While Advance Together has come about
following feedback from the CRCA congregations, we may still be wondering
what to expect, and whether to attend.

 

Here in Perth, Advance Together saw about 80 people attend. They came from
all walks, represented all types of ministries and age groups: Small Group
leaders, youth leaders, children's ministry people, Pastors, pastoral
carers, and others who just want to see the church do good ministry.

 

Murray Capill (Principal, RTC Geelong) started the day with a powerful
sermon, encouraging and challenging us to a scriptural understanding of
discipleship. It's fair to say that most were challenged by the message, and
they left with a deeper appreciation for Matthew 18 and what it says about
following Jesus.

 

There were also workshop/electives on Small Group ministry, Pastoral Care,
Mission and Leadership. 

*	One woman from Gateway who is just starting a new children's
ministry. She attended the Leadership elective and found it terrific. 
*	I attended the Pastoral Care elective, and was impressed with the
desire of those in the group to really do pastoral care well, and how the
group grappled with the challenges of growing healthy pastoral support
systems. 
*	A young woman who attended the Small Group workshop said the
workshop looked at Scriptural priorities for small group ministry, and that
she was really encouraged through the discussion. 
*	A couple attending the Mission elective were challenged to think
about how they could change the way they talk with others, and look for
better opportunities to share the message about Jesus. 
*	An older man, whose congregation did not have a strong small group
ministry found the discussion particularly helpful.

 

Over the lunch break, there was a noticeable buzz of conversation. The sense
of being a collaborative community seeking to grow into good ministry was
palpable.

 

After lunch, people gathered into congregation specific groups and processed
what the morning sessions. The Gateway group felt very positive about the
day, with all workshops and all speakers being roundly appreciated. Our
people left feeling better equipped for  ministry. Some had connected with
others involved in similar ministries in other congregations. Best of all,
we had shared group discussion of the needs of our church and had identified
a few things we could start doing immediately. We prayed for our church,
asking God to deepen our dependence on him as we sought to develop good
ministry.

 

I am not normally someone who loves giving away my Saturday. Life is busy
enough. But Advance Together was a great day. Just to see Gateway's ministry
people encouraged and feeling more enabled in their task did me good. 

 

At another level, it was great how RTC, the Ministry Development Coach, the
Youth Worker and Children's Worker, along with a local WA-CRCA speaker, had
collaborated to deliver some excellent training.

 

Can I encourage you to get along to your own local Advance Together day? You
can find all the details by clicking this link
<http://emarketing.tubemedia.com.au/t/ViewEmailArchive/y/FC7079BB984DD8CE/C6
7FD2F38AC4859C/> .

 

Thanks for listening.


Grace and peace,




Dave Groenenboom

Gateway Community Church
A: 63 Spencer Street, Cockburn Central, WA, 6164
P: 0418 383 055
E: dgroenenboom <mailto:dgroenenboom at crca.org.au> @crca.org.au
<mailto:psmit at crca.org.au>  
W: www.gatewaycc.com.au <http://www.gatewaycc.com.au/> 




 

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