Mission Stories, the sequel to Faith Stories, is being released in May 2010. The six-part DVD study series is designed to help local church leaders with discerning their direction in their God-given mission. The DVD provides inspiring video footage and discussion resources for church leaders who want to grapple with growing a congregation’s effectiveness in mission. The six sessions explore the changing shape of mission, the gospel focus for Christian communities, discipleship, local and global partnerships, entering cultures and subcultures, and holding together the many aspects of God’s work in the world.
Session 1 -- Mission in the World
Early Church, Christendom and 21st Century contexts for mission
God is in the world
Documenting what we know about our local community.
Session 2 -- Gospel Community
Missional Church is made up of Gospel People.
How do we embody the compassion and generosity of God?
Documenting what we know about our community of faith.
Session 3 -- Missional Discipleship
Worship, witness and service as expressions and resource centres of discipleship.
Exploring the commitment to following Jesus in the context of relationships.
Documenting what we know about how we resource people living out their faith.
Session 4 -- Community Partnership
Finding a connection with congregations, agencies or parachurch organisations, community stakeholders or allies, exiles.
Documenting what other congregations, agencies, stakeholders and exiles know.
Session 5 -- Who Are Our People?
Exploring the hopes and needs of particular people groups, cultures and subcultures.
Building a welcoming environment and entering the worlds of other cultures.
Documenting what people in particular people groups know.
Session 6 -- Five Marks of Mission Together
Bringing together evangelism, social justice, nurture, learning and environmental stewardship.
Honouring and respecting each other in missional community.
Documenting our existing expressions of mission and ministry.
The stories feature Queenslanders from Townsville, Emerald, Maleny, Caloundra, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with commentary from guests such Trinity Theological College Director of Studies in Systematic Theology Geoff Thompson, Pilgrim Learning Community director Rob Bos, and Blue Care Director of Mission Colleen Geyer.
Each session includes processes for discussion, Biblical reflection, prayer, and engagement with the Basis of Union (an additional option for Uniting Church contexts). Groups are provided with a chance to assess their effectiveness at the end of each session by researching their own commitments, achievements and “mission stories”.
Duncan Macleod says, “It has been inspiring to interview so many people from grassroots Queensland. Jason Bray and Mike Crowhurst, the Red Earth Films team, have created a visually appealing resource that will equip church leaders here in Queensland and across Australia”.
Mission Stories will be launched at the Signposts of Hope conference being held at Alex Park in the two days before the Synod, May 19 and 20. See more on Mission Stories at www.faithstories.org.au. Register for the Signpost of Hope conference at www.ucaqld.com.au/signpostsofhope
Click on the image below to play the video in YouTube (HD)
