Last week I had the privilege of travelling to Melbourne and joining up with around 40 other Youth Pastors/Youth Works from all over Australia. As a church volunteer it was amazing to spend time with people to whom Youth Ministry is their primary occupation. It raises questions as to how I could better serve God, whether or not continuing in full time employment is my best way to serve God, or maybe needed to find some part time work and commit to Whitehill in a more involved capacity.
The main part of the Melbourne trip was a tour of 10 different churches/organisations so we could learn about their ministries, ideas and visions for youth work.
- Planet Shakers City Church
- St Pauls Anglican in Emerald
- Youth dimension Base
- Telstra Dome and Cameron Butler (Chaplain to the Demons)
- Connection Church of Christ
- Northern Community Church of Christ
- The Living Room - Daren Rouse
- Kardinia Christian Church
- Urban Neigbours of Hope (UNOH)
- Waverly Christian Fellowship/City Life Church
I really enjoyed seeing so many different ways to do ‘church’, actually it really raised the question, “What is Church?” And I’m not sure I have been able to answer it.
Planet Shakers was over the top, loud music and very passionate and in your face types of programs for youth. A few of us actually went to the PS City Church service on Sunday night, which really gave me a feel for the ministry team before we met and conversed with them on Monday morning. In contrast to PS, Connection Church of Christ has an amazing simple and humbling relationship based ministry through both its church and school’s program. Connection have moved away from traditional styled ‘church services’ and meets in a sports club, with the ‘congregation’ in table groups. Their school program was totally servant based. They offer their services to the school, and don’t go in with their own programs.
On a social side to the trip, we all stayed at The Nunnery Backpackers hostel. It was a great environment, with good company. One guy Nigel, from Ireland, was a champ, G’day Mate if you ever come and visit this. Our humble accommodation was opposite the Carlton Gardens in Fitzroy, a 10 minute tram (yes TRAM!!) ride to the city and 3 blocks from Lygon St, so I had pizza for tea 3 times in the week!
The tour of Telstra Dome was really good, just kicking the footy in the players warm up room was a real buzz. We also heard from Cam Butler, Chaplain for the Melbourne Demons. He had some great stuff to share – and it was good to catch up with him as he is the director of SLM (Sports and Leisure Ministries), which is the governing body for the Motorsports chaplaincy I am involved in at Willowbank Raceway.
Overall it was a totally refreshing, challenging, inspiring, thought provoking, and encouraging week. I’m so glad Ben asked me to be part of the Whitehill team.
No comments:
Post a Comment