January Newsletter - Genr8 Ministries

Posted: 21-Jan-2010

From the CEO

What does 2010 hold for schools ministry in NSW? 2009 saw a huge leap in Genr8’s growth. This year we plan to build on that growth. Our vision is for a Scripture teacher for every possible (eligible) student in every NSW state high school, and for a chaplain for every state school in NSW. We exist to strengthen ministry of word and deed in our schools.

With 40 chaplaincies sponsored by Genr8 we are now aiming to develop more local support for chaplains through partner churches and boards, while also encouraging other Christian sponsors to consider transferring their chaplaincies to us for increased impact through our services and advocacy.

We are committed to helping Scripture boards increase their effectiveness through joining with Genr8 for employment services and ministry resources. We will soon be employing some 50 SRE teachers on behalf of 40 local Scripture boards.

Annual Conference

In the beautiful setting of Avondale College west of Lake Macquarie next to the Sanitarium factory (Weetbix were definitely on the menu) SRE teachers, chaplains, board members and staff met to be encouraged, equipped better and inspired for the year ahead. The SDA college staff were generous hosts. We were treated to a great opening sermon from Jim French from the Timothy Partnership, then split up for separate strands for teachers, chaplains and boards. Greg Holmes a former principal did extensive work with the teachers on curriculum development, three advisers and I worked with board members on making boards more effective, and Jeanine Ecob from Southern Community Welfare addressed chaplain’s issues as well as leading a session for everyone on self-care in ministry.

Day two started with a very informative session from Denise Nicholls from ACCESS Ministries Victoria on what they are doing in scripture and chaplaincy. Each state differs slightly, and it is interesting to collaborate. Murray Norman from Presbyterian Youth and I covered some current issues: extended funding for chaplains, the pilot ethics course’s implications for SRE, developing chaplaincy partnerships locally, and more about the Timothy Partnership and training requirements. Dean McPherson introduced our new-look website.

Before lunch we had a ministry expo with Scripture Union, Christian Education Publications, Qurious, Jesus Racing, Leanne and Adrian Felsch, Word of Life, Focus on the Family, Fervr and of course, the Timothy Partnership.

Lots of good contacts were made and friendships developed. One SRE teacher who was appointed only the day before the conference was there on Monday morning ready to learn all she could! Conference finished with worship, encouragement from Ephesians about the spiritual battle we’re in, singing, a time of dedication to our ministries for this year led by Genr8 chair Glenn Coombs, and prayer groups. A great way to end an enriching couple of days in readiness for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Thanks to everyone involved.

Peter Robinson

New Website!

The Genr8 website www.genr8ministries.org has just been revamped! Check out the new homepage, the forums for chaplains, teachers, and board members or keep up with our news posts. The website is made for people in schools ministries, with resources, fundraising ideas for boards and much more! A good resource from one of our chaplains Rob Hodgson, is a powerpoint he created to help explain his role in pastoral care. Check it out!