I am writing from Sydney airport, about to fly back to Perth after two very encouraging days of TGCA-related activities in Sydney.
The first was a Supporters Evening hosted at the Chinese Christian Church, Milson’s Point. Council Members were there to meet people who have supported (or indicated an interest in supporting) our work. The diversity of people was noteworthy: people from Christian Reformed churches, Anglican churches, chaplaincy, Presbyterian churches, church schools, and a variety of occupations and industries. It was a terrific night!
It was exciting (for me at least) to share some of the mission and vision of TGCA. The easiest way of remembering it is in our name: We are about ‘Gospelling’ and (to coin a phrase) ‘Coalitioning.’
‘Gospelling’
We are about the gospel: we want to see it commended and contended for in our nation and our churches. As an organisation we are, in a sense, ‘strategy neutral.’ We don’t plant churches, or train evangelists, or have a particular product to promote. But we do want to promote the gospel! We want it to be central to the churches and ministries in this country. And we want it to be heard and responded to our by fellow Australians.
‘Coalitioning’
We see that we work best when we work together. To do the work of evangelising Australia, we will go further by going together. We need to do the important, but sometimes difficult work of forming ‘coalitions:’ of gathering resources, breaking down silos, and contending together for the gospel.
TGCA’s Shoestring Budget
I’m also always glad to dispel some myths about TGCA! One of those myths is that we might somehow receive funding from the USA. Not true! Everything we do is on a shoestring, and every cent we raise to support our (three, part-time) staff is give by Australian supporters. If you’d like to be one of those supporters, we’d gladly welcome your partnership. And I think you get a very good gospel Return on investment!
Yours in Christ,
Rory
TGCA Chair
