By Garry Sanossian and Josh Gibbon
On November 13 to 15 over 220 ministering leaders, chaplains, elders, and staff from our network gathered at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops for Collective, the annual gathering of churches of Christ in NSW & ACT.
This year’s theme was “Breaking Ground” – a galvanising of our members to raise discussions around this convening question: “How might we cultivate the soil of our network so that the life of God can flourish among us into the future?”
The first evening was set aside for worship, communion, and reflection together, as delegates were led through a ‘Breaking Ground’ pathway curated by creatives from our churches. Their artworks invited delegates to consider how God was inviting us personally and collectively to break new ground.
As the auditorium was filled that evening with the chorus, “Like a mighty storm, stir within my soul. Lord have your way, Lord have your way in me,” a storm broke out over Stanwell Tops, with thunder cracking and heavy rain beating away on the corrugated iron roof. This moment struck many as a powerful experience of God’s presence.
Thursday morning began with a panel titled, “The Art of Conversation,” led by Daz Farrell and Kym Dixon. The panel of guests they invited included a few from the Belly & Bones cohort and Kyle Slabb, a Bundjalung man and friend of our network. Together they explored and modelled the need for open, authentic, respectful dialogue and conversation in this age.
After this, Michael Wood framed and facilitated Open Space Conversations, outlining the principles, purpose and process. This framework enabled delegates to raise topics of conversation that mattered most to them, posting these on a wall for others to join in small groups. The energy in the room was palpable as delegates were invited to lead and join conversations that they were passionate about.
Naomi Giles, Ministry Team Leader at NationsHeart Christian Community in Canberra, enjoyed the freedom and creativity encouraged by the Open Space Conversations.
“I loved the open space of conversation this year,” she said.
“I was surprised and delighted by the invitation to propose, lead and leave conversations, rather than being locked into rigid time slots, topics and formats.”
“There was a chance to hear a much broader range of ideas and voices, that truly gave insight to the diversity of thought and practice across our network churches and ministries,” Naomi said.
Thursday evening was the Network Celebration Night, an intentional moment in our network’s year to celebrate together. The event focused on the leaders, churches and entities of our network, recognising their incredible contributions and celebrating how God is using us all together. During the evening, the network welcomed three new Conference Executive board members and became acquainted with the newest church to seek affiliation: Heartbeat Church.
On Friday morning, open space conversations opened again, allowing participants to continue exploring topics of conversation, and, finally, to propose action points for next steps, praying that new initiatives may emerge.
Being only his second Collective, Pastor Joshua Choi, of the currently affiliating Heartbeat Church, reflected the love and warmth of the network he and his wife, Yoonah, experienced during Collective.
“They really embrace people who are from different backgrounds,” he said.
“It was good to share our church journey and build connections.”
At the last session called ‘Harvest’ delegates gathered in the round to reflect on their experience together. As they did, there was a recurring, deep sense of gratitude expressed – for the way Michael humbly facilitated, for an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation and learning together, and for the way God was unifying His people through their listening to each other.
If you’re keen to attend future events, check our events page, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to stay updated on what’s coming up.
Read more stories from churches of Christ in NSW & ACT HERE
