Missional Spirituality
Missional Spirituality is our response to the reality of God’s grace through holistic discipleship that embodies the teaching of Jesus to Love God and neighbour with heart, mind, soul and strength. Transformative discipleship is critical for the Church to participate in God’s restorative mission in the world today.
During 2022 Bishop Mark encouraged Parishes to engage in projects and programs to enable a greater missional emphasis in the Diocese. Through 2023, St Philip's engaged in a project to understand and share missional spirituality. The project was led by The Revd Tracey Matthews who is currently completing a PhD focussed on the role of Spirituality and Transformative Discipleship in 21st century Australia.
This joint parish project involved Holy Cross Hackett, Holy Covenant, Jamison, St. Philip’s O’Connor and Narooma/Bodalla and is a pilot project funded through a Pelican Foundation grant. We will be learning and engaging in the project separately, as each parish has differing hopes and perspectives.
The project lasted from February to August 2023. There were three elements:
- The Rectors of the four parishes gathered for a learning and development circle five times during the course the project for sharing of experiences and concerns as well as encouragement and prayer for one another.
- A small group was formed in each parish to review each module. It met after each of the parish gatherings and with the project facilitator at the end.
- Third and importantly there were the parish gatherings: ours were held at St Philip’s on five Saturdays in February through August.
Read more:
- What is Missional Spirituality?
- The purpose and objectives of the project.
- Some thoughts and reading from Revd Martin, our Rector.
- Martin's reflections on the first gathering on 25th February.