By Garry Sanossian
The Annual Conference (AGM) of churches of Christ in NSW & ACT was held online on Tuesday night, 3 November, bringing together over 100 delegates to elect board members, reflect on the past year and hear updates on the network’s future direction.
Conference President Mike McGarrity opened in prayer, referencing the prayer of Jesus in John 17, the church in the book of Acts and John 10:10, committing to God that as a network we continue to uphold our declared core values of “Unity, Restoration and Life.”
Conference President Mike McGarrity reflected on the importance of strengthening relationships and unity across the network.
The results of the voting for board members were announced, as Peter Chi was re-elected to Conference Executive (ConfEx) and John Piper joined for a three-year term. Kyeng Jin Jang and Aryanto Widjaja were also elected to The Churches of Christ Property Trust Board for nine-year terms.
A total of 86 votes were received from 114 eligible delegates through an electronic ballot.
Mike congratulated the newly elected members and prayed for them as they began their terms of service.
“Father God, we just want to thank you for people willing to serve your network,” Mike prayed.
“Thank you, God, for their willingness to serve. We pray, Father, your blessings upon each one of them.”
Reflecting on the past year, Mike spoke about the importance of strengthening relationships across the network and reconnecting churches with their shared purpose.
“This last year we have been working a bit harder to reconnect in unity across our network, reminded that we’re part of something larger, part of a great network,” Mike said.
He encouraged churches to take an active role in building those relationships, sharing a challenge that had stayed with him.
“A comment that was made to me recently when I had talked about us being a network, was that we are not a network if we are not actively networking,” Mike said.
This emphasis on working together was also reflected in the network’s ongoing planning for the future.
Craig Farmer, who was appointed Transitional Executive Ministry Director in May, provided an update on the intentional interim ministry process being undertaken alongside Partners in Ministry and the Network Resource Team (NRT).
He outlined progress on several projects, including a review of the culture and health of churches, an examination of governance structures and the development of a new strategic plan. The reports that are being generated by this work will be distributed to those who are interested to receive it.
The strategic planning process has involved 94 people from 43 churches through 19 workshops, with a draft plan prepared for consideration by ConfEx.
While discussing the work underway, Craig also acknowledged the commitment of those serving in local churches and their communities.
“I’m just so in awe of the pastors and elders and many others who are diligently week in, week out serving people that they love, both in their churches and broader communities,” Craig said.
“We have this conviction that we have a simple Christianity with Jesus at the centre.”
Craig Farmer, Transitional Executive Ministry Director, provided an update on the network’s strategic planning and intentional interim ministry process.
Mike also provided an update on the network’s financial sustainability and the policy work being done by ConfEx.
The evening provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of outgoing ConfEx member Victor Tee, who concluded 17 years of service and Property Trust Chair Steven Martin, who served for nine years.
Current board member Allan Vincent, who previously served alongside Steven, reflected on his commitment to serving churches and helping them flourish.
“Steve understood that our work is a ministry dedicated to supporting churches, helping them flourish and grow,” Allan said.
Looking ahead to 2027, Craig reflected on the privilege of serving the network and expressed his appreciation for those contributing to its ongoing work.
“It’s a great privilege to be a part of this season and serving in this way,” Craig said.
Churches of Christ in NSW & ACT continues to strengthen relationships, support local churches and, as Mike prayed at the beginning, to pursue our shared commitment to unity, restoration and life
A digital copy of our Annual Report FY25-26 is available here.
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