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‘You be you.’ It’s the catch cry of a generation. But Brian Rosner says it’s also the new definition of sin. Many people today believe that there’s only one place to look to find yourself and that’s inward. Personal identity has become a ‘Do it yourself Project’.  This strategy of identity formation is sometimes called Expressive Individualism.  The view that you are who you feel yourself to be on the inside, and that acting in accordance with this identity is living authentically.  The Principal of Melbourne’s Ridley Theological College Brian Rosner has super helpful critique in his new book, ‘How to find yourself: Why looking inwards is not the answer.’ Dr Rosner joins us this week on The Pastor’s Heart. To purchase: https://bit.ly/3xHOAXu Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Archie Poulos has spent the last few years working on a PHD analysing the 10 key roles of a minister, and how we are going at each of them. He’s spoken to 312 clery across sydney and analysed their responses.  One key weakness Archie identifies in Christian leaders have is a failure to partner together. He says if we don’t learn to network and work together, our organisations won’t stand the test of time. We discuss key ministry opportunities and how partnering together can help ensure more long term success, including youth and helping people transfer between Churches when they move.  Archie challenges us to consider how we can work together for the good of the gospel rather than reverting to ‘subtribes’. Archie Poulos is the co-director of the Center for Ministry Development at Sydney’s Moore Theological College and he brings light to these questions in this interview. Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Principal of Sydney’s Moore Theological College Mark Thompson has a new book ‘The doctrine of Scripture: An introduction’.  Thompson talks about how we can start with Jesus in forming a view of scripture today.  He addresses questions such as what is Jesus’ view of scripture, how clarity and simplicity relate, how we move from the speech of God to the written word of God, how the doctrine of the sufficiency of scripture plays out in the different stages of biblical revelation and how speech-act theory impact the issues of the inseparability of Word and Spirit, and the efficacy of Scripture. Finally, we ask him if he can give us a sixty second answer on canon formation. To purchase Mark Thompsons book and read more of his thoughts on this topic, see this link: https://bit.ly/3zllAXW Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

How do you find the right key person to join your ministry team? To figure this out, you may ask questions such as: What is the person’s heart for God and the gospel?  What is the person’s relationship with authority?  How do we recruit to a vision and strategy? What are the pitfalls of interviews?  What are the first questions to ask referees?  Who else to involve in the process? St Matthew’s Manly’s Senior Minister Bruce Clarke says there’s Character, Conviction and Competency, but also Chemistry, Culture and Calling. Norwest Anglican’s Pete Stedman says different churches require different capacities, and different roles within a church require different capacities.  Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Ambitions are a good thing! But how can we be ambitious about the right thing and have ones that magnify Jesus, not ourselves? How can we have ambitions driven by humility? Paul Harrington leads Trinity network of churches in Adelaide, South Australia. Having planted three new churches this year, they have grown to a network of 14 churches! Paul gave the main evening talks at last week’s Reach Australia Conference, tackling head on the failures of Christian leaders.  Paul asks what we can learn from the mistakes of Mark Driscoll, Brian Houston, Ravi Zacharius, Carl Lentz and Steve Timmis?  Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

‘A perilous moment.’  - That’s how the Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel described the situation that the Anglican Church of Australia is in - after an important vote failed to win support of the nation’s bishops at the denomination’s National Synod.  After being delayed twice due to COVID, the leaders of the Australian Anglican Church gathered for the first time since the marriage plebiscite. There were two statements and three motions to be debated that would have given the church clarity going forward.  But whereas it was clear that there was 60% support for orthodox teaching in the Synod, the critical motion was blocked by the House of Bishops.  The synod voted by houses - laity, clergy and bishops. In the laity the numbers were 63 to 47 in favourIn the clergy the numbers were 70 to 39 in favour In the house of bishops it was lost by 10 in support to 12 votes against, with two abstentions.  Today on The Pastor’s Heart we are speaking first to the Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel and then to the the Gafcon Australia Bishop RIchard Condie of Tasmania and Rev Jennifer Hercott from Queensland.   Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

How do we prioritise kids ministry? What to look for in appointing a kids minister?  How do you support your kids minister to prevent burnout and work towards longevity?  How to create a kids ministry that fits with the overall ministry philosophy and direction of the church?  Advice on dealing with parent complaints and helping parents to value kids ministry and the time put in by kids ministers. Bruce Linton is the Children’s and Youth Director at the Church Missionary Society NSW.  Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Disappointment is a difficult topic to deal with in ministry. As humans, we tend to make mistakes and sometimes, disappointment can come at nobody's fault at all.  So, how do we process the disappointment in ministry then? Personally process as leaders and processing with our people? What about when the church plant fails? Hans Kristensen planted the Resolved Church in Newtown, and six years later closed it down.  Naturally, failure comes with any attempt at anything! But how do we know when to call time? And what part does ego play in all of this?  Hans Kristensen is now the senior pastor of Marsfield Community Church in Sydney. Before that he was founding pastor of Resolved Newtown in Sydney and is bringing a wise word on dealing with disappointment.  Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

How to navigate change management in church?  Change within the church is ongoing and unavoidable. This is to strengthen the church and continually make it a better and more spiritually helpful place for its members to worship God and grow in their faith. However, war stories of ‘church change resistance,’ where well meaning ministers have tried to pursue these changes have sadly led to the disruption of relationships.  Speaking on the topic of change and its aftermath is Raj Gupta. He is the senior minister of St Paul’s in Carlingford in Sydney and a director with Moore College’s Center for Ministry Development and has insights for churches based on John Kotter’s Change Management Framework.  Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Matt Fuller, the Senior Minister of Christ Church Mayfair in the centre of London, speaks on why weakness is good for us. He describes standing up in front of his church, telling them he couldn’t cope with being told to take time off by his elders.Matt describes a conversation with his senior elders when he was in trouble and was confronted by his senior elder about time off and burnt out. Matt puts it down to overwork, a complex season around his mother’s death and the extra difficulties of managing the church and staff team during COVID. At the time he was angry and when he stopped working, the depression sunk in and he just wanted to quit. Matt says his vulnerability has helped the church to be more honest with each other.  Jon Kwan who has been our excellent associate for over nine years is heading to be a senior minister. Village Church Annandale is now looking for a new assistant minister to head up maturity and mission.  For more information go to: http://www.villagechurch.sydney/assistant  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thepastorsheart) Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Mothers Day is a day of both celebration and sorrow for some.  In today's episode, we think theologically, historically and pragmatically with Kate Stace and Phillip Jensenon on how to make Mothers Day excellent at church and how to serve the church family well for maximum mission impact!  Since Mothers Day is emotionally complex for a number of members inside and out of the church, we also talk on how to care personally for these people who struggle through this day. Kate Stace is part of the team at Vine Church in Surry Hills in Sydney and Phillip Jensen is the former Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral.  https://phillipjensen.com/resources/the-mothers-of-mothers-day/ Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thepastorsheart) Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Noticed the influx of memes after the Oscars? You then, no doubt, are probably aware of the fiasco that took place that night.Actor Will Smith has apologised for his actions at the Oscars and former Hillsong Global Pastor Brian Houston has apologised to his church. It makes one think then - what makes a good apology, and how can we apologise well?Bruce Burgess from Peacewise speaks to us today on the seven things that make up a good apology.In this week’s The Pastor’s Heart we analyse the apologies of Australian Cricket Captain Steve Smith, plus the apologies of Will Smith and Brian Houston in order to consider what is the best practices for our own apologies. For more information on Peacewise Training, whether in person or online, see https://peacewise.org.au/ Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Power and authority are very dangerous. The recent fall of Brian Houston solidifies this statement and brings significant lessons for Christian leaders everywhere! On the matter, The Chair of the Australian Gospel Coalition Gary Millar brings light to the topic. Dr Millar notes that Brian Houston’s actions and the poor response of leaders in his theological space, are telling reminders that power, authority and positions of authority carry with them great risks.Adulation, respect and relentless encouragement are very dangerous things and that leaders need to be accountable to those around us. Dr Millar stressed that we need to keep coming back to the scriptures, returning to the pastoral epistles and reflect carefully on what God asks of those who are in leadership.Co-Director/Founder of the Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute at Mary Andrews College, Keith Condie, says there’s a series of steps that pastors need to take to safeguard actions and protect marriages.  — Keith and Sarah’s marriage course: http://www.buildingmarriage.com.au The ‘Press On’ course for our own wellbeing that Keith mentions is here https://www.mentalhealthinstitute.org.au/shop/press-on Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

‘Stand for Christ.  Stand for the truth.  And let the chips fall where they may.’ Senior Pastor of Atlanta’s Church of the Apostles, Dr Michael Youssef, has a prophetic call to share with evangelical pastors today. It is to not give up trust in the scriptures in the face of contemporary challenges on sexuality. Dr Youssef tells the story of leading his church to depart the US Episcopal Church when the denomination moved against biblical teaching on sexuality, and the way God has blessed them since.  In light of all this, Dr Youssef quotes 1 Samuel saying, ‘Those who honour me I will honour.’  Speaking in terms of the Sydney Anglican Church, Dr Youssef says, ‘I know this diocese, I love this diocese, and I know that God will continue to bless this Diocese even more… when you take a stand.’ Dr Youseff says, ‘Everyone I know who honoured the Lord and took a stand, God blessed that.’ Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

For 15 years Hugh Isaacs has been at the centre of messy pastoral transitions, as an ‘emergency responder’ to churches going through a transition crisis. Today, he he joins us to give us insight into the process. After initially helping members deal with their grief, there are five key steps Isaacs tells that need to be worked through for the best outcome. However, Isaacs warns of the land mines that come off at any moment though this process.(i) After the grief, the church must come to terms with the church's history. How to review the past as a step to the future? (ii) Examination of the leadership (the lay elected leadership) and the way they and the staff work together.(iii) Defining denominational connections. How does the church understand and relate to its denomination?(iv) Clarifying identity and direction. Defining the church’s place in its community and its mission.(v) Working through commitment to new clergy leadership and the future. Preparing to welcome the new minister. Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Senior leaders long to be effective leaders, but we may not be as good as they hope to be. In the church, the demands on the senior pastor has increasingly become more complex. The expectation to be excellent in leadership, managerial, and administrative on top of preaching, teaching and pastoral care is one of immense pressure! Under this kind of stress, we might suffer cyclical patterns of burnout, unhealthy coping modes, or psychological patterns we are unaware of. When under this cloud of stress, one may resort to detaching by excessive use of screens, alcohol, drugs, pornography, running to control, micromanaging situations, overwork, reassurance seeking or over-researching. These traps aren’t that hard to fall into. Valerie Ling and Sarah Hindle, from Sydney’s Center for Effective Serving, say among leaders self awareness an emotional awareness is critical (https://effectiveserving.com.au/) Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Australian Anglican Evangelicals are praying that the Australian national Bishops meeting (in March) and the General Synod (8-16 May) will affirm the Bible’s teaching on marriage, sexuality and chastity. The General Synod  will consider three motions and two propositions affirming the Bible’s teaching on marriage and chastity.  Relations across the church have been further strained by Archbishop of Perth’s decision to deacon a man who is in a civil partnership with another man; and a second man who has been living in a defacto relationship with a woman for a number of years before being married in December 2021.   There were public objections to the ordinations, both before and during the service on Thursday. After a four minute break in the livestream broadcast, Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy overruled the objections and the service proceeded. (Full service here).  This comes on top of the Bishop of Wangaratta’s support for the blessing of the marriage of two men in Albury Anglican Church on 2 January 2022. David Bennett is a former Sydney gay activist, now a Christian, and a member of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s College of Evangelists.  David is completing his PhD on the relationship between desire and same sex attraction at Oxford.  David reviews the proposed motions before General Synod, talks about potential ways forward for the Australian Church and his reaction to the Perth ordinations.  Links:David’s book: A war of loves Draft: Motions for General Synod Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Future mission in Sydney and the National Anglican Church in Australia faces a few challenges which Sydney Anglican Archbishop Kanishka Raffel spells out in this episode.  We speak on some of the issues Archbishop Raffel might have brought forward in his first Presidential address, had the 'Synod in the Greenfields' not been postponed due to the Omicron outbreak, as it was scheduled for this Saturday 26 February 2022. Not only this, Archbishop Raffel speaks frankly about the Greenfields challenge, indigenous issues, multiculturalism, the national church and the current religious freedom debate.  Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

‘Exvangelicals’. What’s that, you may be asking? It’s a word we hadn’t heard of a few years ago, however, we are increasingly seeing people's self-identity as being part of this loose group or social movement, mostly consisting of Millennials or Gen Z’s.  An ‘Exvangelical’ are people who were once members of evangelical churches but have now been through a process, which they would call ‘deconstruction.’  Jeri Jones Sparks speaks today on the matter. She is the outreach pastor at St James Croydon and has a number of friends who describe themselves as ‘Exvangelicals’. Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show

Recent studies show nearly one in four people are profoundly lonely. In fact, the loneliest generation of all is the under 25 age group. The most serious problem is not transient loneliness, but that 7 to 8 percent of the population have been really lonely for at least eight years.  In response to these statistics, Professor Patrick Parkinson is heading up the new Christian think tank Publica (http://www.publica.org.au) which launches this Thursday night. Publica has been researching the most socially connected generation in history, who are also the loneliest.  To read more on Publica, see: https://publica.org.au/loneliness/ https://publica.org.au http://www.thepastorsheart.net/podcast/loneliness-patrick-parkinson Register for the Living Faith  Developing Discipleship Day on 2 August 2022 either in person in Sydney or online at http://www.livingfaith.online Support the show