As we approach Synod 2024, we come to that time of year where Synod members consider matters affecting the order and good governance of our Diocese. Synod receives reports, makes ordinances, passes resolutions and creates policies. These endeavours require great planning and wisdom. However, we would be foolish to approach Synod without remembering the greater wisdom of the Scriptures.
Proverbs 19:21 warns us by proclaiming, Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Similarly, James reminds us to be cautious in our human planning, Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). This is not to undermine the place of planning and wisdom when it comes to something like Synod. Nor is it to deny the place of strategy and the necessity of hard work in all our ministries. Rather, it is to remember that as we come to yet another Synod event, we must begin in prayer and with great assurance that the purposes of the Lord will stand.
Before you go on to read this Synod edition of the ACR, can I therefore ask you to pray for wisdom for Synod 2024, even if you are not a member of Synod? Your brothers and sisters need your prayers. I further encourage you to read both the Synod and non-Synod specific pieces. Not only to inform your prayers, but also to help us all think critically on the matters pertaining to our Diocese. God has given us the great gift of fellowship, and as a fellowship of churches we need to help one another towards godly wisdom in all things.
This issue begins with some reflections on our need to speak together on the overall decline of church attendance in our Diocese. We then move onto a piece by Zaneta Neal on thinking theologically about strategy, followed by some of Archie Poulos’ research on clergy competency. Andrew Heard then wrestles with the nature of ministry as ‘hard work’ and the increasing self-protectionism in ministry, with Andrew Rees’ piece on the Sabbath coming straight after.
The issue then shifts gears to provide some insightful interviews. The interview with Rico Tice is a great example of how things can turn when the structures of a diocese deny gospel truth. Chase Kuhn’s interview helps us engage with some of the historical reflection on theological principles surrounding issues of church and ministry structures (as does our ‘From the Vault’ from D. B. Knox).
The final interviews are with two veterans of the Sydney Synod, Robert Tong and Laurie Scandrett.
Perhaps one matter that will cause some debate at Synod 2024 is the Statement of Faith from the Corporate Governance Policy. Sandy Grant provides his reflections and thoughts as Synod comes to debate the matter. Finally, we provide some book reviews at the end of our issue to help promote some recent publications.
On behalf of the ACR editorial panel, I commend this Synod edition of the ACR to you. We welcome your feedback and are glad to hear any suggestions for future editions. As always, nothing that follows claims to be the final word on the matter.
Rather, the ACR seeks to encourage good and helpful debate for the furthering of the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Most importantly, what great assurance we have that God’s will will be done in all things. We rightly work hard in the ministries our Lord has given us to do, and faithfully plan away as knowing it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
In Him, Mike Leite – Editorial director (On behalf of the Editorial Panel – Meagan Bartlett, Matt Capel, Renee Capel, Charles Cleworth, Jocelyn Loane, Stephen Tong, Bronwyn Windsor, Lionel Windsor).