Mission Action Plan - The Next Steps
On 27 November 2021, we launched our Mission Action Planning with a Workshop that was led by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Phillip Aspinall.
At the 125th Anniversary service, we commissioned three reflection groups to guide the next steps in our Mission Action Planning process. Last Saturday, about 20 people from our parish came together to
engage in these groups that we call Head, Heart and Hand. We also added a fourth group that we are calling Feet. On this day, we reminded ourselves of the process so far, recognising that we are currently asking the question, "Where are we now?"
These groups help us focus discussion on core aspects of the church's mission. Head for teaching and proclaiming, Heart for care, worship and community and Hand for justice and creation. The fourth group, Feet, relates to essential aspects of the church's life that support our mission, such as finances, governance and buildings.
As a big group, we pondered, "If our Church suddenly disappeared, who would notice, and what would they miss?" We then focused on how each reflection group might gather information about our church and community that will help us ask our next question, "What is God calling us to do?"
In all of this, I remind us all that following a process is essential. Rushing to solutions often fails to appreciate all the opportunities before us. Rushing to solutions usually means we are only listening to
ourselves. Listening and watching for God requires patience and
vulnerability that opens new possibilities based on listening, praying and wise discernment.
Please let me know if you would like to add your voice to this conversation. I can then connect you to those committed to this process and keep you informed about upcoming opportunities to join in.
Rev Michael Stalley
Mission Action Plan Launch Resources
On 27 November 2021, we launched our Mission Action Planning with a Workshop that was led by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Phillip Aspinall.
On 27 November 2021, we launched our Mission Action Planning with a workshop that was led by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Phillip Aspinall.
On this day all in our parish have been invited to take an active part in shaping the life of our church. On this day we began an intentional process of worship, prayer, storytelling, listening and dreaming as we seek to discern how God is calling our church in the years ahead. We tend to call this process Mission Action Planning as we seek to understand how God is calling us individually and as a Church.
"To be the Anglican Church in Mt Gravatt: To Know Christ and to Make Christ Known."
The process asks three simple questions;
Where are we now?
Where is God calling us to?
How do we get there?
On this page are some resources from that day that may help you be informed to play your part in this important process.
National Church Life Survey
At the end of 2021, we launched a discernment process that seeks to listen to what God is calling this church to in its mission. We are seeking to be intentional about listening and responding to God; To know Christ, and to make Christ Known. This Mission Action Planning, or MAP, remains important even as we negotiate the challenges of uncertainty for our church in 2022. The basic process we are following is to ask three questions. Where are we now? Where is God calling us to? How do we get there?
One of the main tools we have chosen to help answer the first question is the National Church Life Survey. I am inviting you to complete this survey before the end of this month.
NCLS Research is a joint venture started by Australian church mission agencies in the early 1990s. Their research areas include studying Australian spirituality, church health, effective and sustainable leadership, and the connections between church and community. The most well known five-yearly project is called the National Church Life Survey, which has had millions of participants.
It is clear that the survey will be of most use if we have a response from the majority of our regular members. This survey will form a critical part of our planning process as it provides us with helpful information about our church and community. Therefore, we are seeking as many members of our congregation as possible to complete this 20-minute survey. You can complete a survey on a Sunday morning at church or online using the details provided on request or in the parish focus.
God's Peace
Michael
Mission Action Plan Launch
All in our parish are invited to take an active part in shaping the life of our church. We are beginning an intentional process of worship, prayer, storytelling, listening and dreaming as we seek to discern how God is calling our church in the years ahead. We tend to call this process Mission Action Planning as we seek to understand how God wants us
"To be the Anglican Church in Mt Gravatt: To Know Christ and to Make Christ Known."
It will be 125 years since the first "Divine Service" was held in the newly built church in Mt Gravatt in February next year. This parish has a strong history of serving the local area and has responded to God's call in various creative and faithful ways. Our challenge is to be intentional and open to how God is calling us now. Two events in November will kick off the Mission Action Planning process.
On Sunday 21 November, we will be joined by Bp John Roundhill at all three services. These services will be a fantastic opportunity to begin planning with prayer and celebration led by our local Bishop.
We will be joined by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Phillip Aspinall, on Saturday morning, 27 November. The Archbishop comes to share the Vision and Mission that the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland has recently developed. It is summarised by the statement
"Flourishing faith communities: proclaiming and serving, worshipping and learning."
It is a great opportunity to be reminded of the distinctive character and history of the Anglican Church. It is also an excellent way to begin wondering how our church lives out this vision in Mt Gravatt.
Also, on this day, leaders from our parish will share more about the process we are undertaking and help you understand how you can play your part. We will finish the day with a lunch where we strengthen and celebrate our connections one with another. This day is open to all and is intended for every member of our church. We are happy for you to participate in as little or as much as you like.
We ask that you let us know you are coming and to what by registering through the website or contacting the parish office for catering purposes.
Schedule for Saturday 27 November
9 am - Arrive
9.15 am - Welcome and Intro
9.30 am - Session 1 Vision ACSQ - Flourishing faith communities: proclaiming and serving, worshipping and learning. (Archbishop Phillip Aspinall)
10.30 am - Morning Tea (Provided)
11 am - Session 2 Having a Comprehensive Anglican Identity and Purpose (Archbishop Phillip Aspinall)
12 pm - Session 3 "Being the Anglican Church in Mt Gravatt" - launching an exploration of Vision and Purpose for 2022
12.30 pm - Lunch (Provided)