The beginning of Project Reconnect came out of a very practical need. The Mid-Lachlan Mission Area (MLMA) had many preaching places and few people to offer worship leadership and preaching. Part of the philosophy behind Project Reconnect arises out of a chance experience after worship at one of the small village churches.

A member of the congregation came up to Rev Tom Stuart after the service and said, "You are not going to close us down are you!" Tom's reply was, "We can't close you down. You are the church. We can take away the authorisation for you to be a congregation of the Uniting Church but while ever you and others continue to give expression to your faith, and gather as a community of faith, then the church still exists. The church is not closed down!"

Tom, reflecting on this chance encounter, realised he had implicitly considered that the church found its existence by the larger centres providing “church” to these smaller congregations. However this was an incorrect understanding. These gatherings are the church. The task of church leadership is to resource these small congregations to achieve the full potential of being the church in their place (Ephesians 4: 11-17)^[1].

So, the task was to help provide resources for these congregations so they realise the full potential of what they are - the church^[2]! This created, in such a simple notion, an exciting growth in people, expressing new vitality in their faith, their commitment, their gifts and skills[3]. They began to become more alive as they gave expression of who they are[4].

Rather than being passive spectators of the church, dis-empowered, anxious about other people making decisions about their life and future, they have gradually taken control of the life of their congregation, plan and lead their own worship, develop their mission in their local community, and decide for themselves the viability and hope of their present and future congregation[5]^,[6].

Home - Back

October 10, 2007 - December 2009