Symposium Equips Disciples to Plant Churches

Avondale University Seminary students, along with other guests, participated in the Mission Symposium held on the Lake Macquarie campus on October 14–15. The theme of the symposium was church planting and featured keynote presenters who spoke on various aspects of this topic.

Symposium organizer Dr. Wayne Krause said, “The goal is that every student attending Avondale, and those recommended by their conference leaders, or anyone who wants to be a part of this adventure, will be able to do four things when they finish these symposiums: 1) Know how to be and make disciples; 2) Know how to plant churches; 3) Know what it will take for them to reach our cities; and 4) Know how to do cross-cultural ministry.”

Pastor Mark Pearce, director of the Ellen G White Research Centre, commented about one of the presentations: “It threw out the challenge, it said these are the issues … what I have heard since is here are some potential ways we can connect.”

This leadership training event was a joint initiative between South Pacific Division Adventist Mission and Mission to the Cities, Avondale University Seminary, Avondale University Church, the Australian Union Conference (AUC), and the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC).

The panel (L-R): Wayne Krause, Glenn Townend, Camilla Skaf, Jess, Krause, Shaylee Walsh, Maddy Voinea. [Adventist Record]

South Pacific Division President, Pastor Glenn Townend. [Adventist Record]

Maryellen Hacko and Maddy Voinea. [Adventist Record]

Mark Pearce and Priscilla Mariassouce [Adventist Record]

Provost and senior deputy vice-chancellor Professor Kerri-Lee Krause opens the symposium on behalf of Avondale. [Adventist Record]

Hensley Gungadoo, lecturer at Avondale Seminary. [Adventist Record]

Dr. Gilbert Cangy, director of the SPD Centre for Discipleship and Evangelism, said, “I find it very refreshing that we are dealing with real questions; we are talking about the notion of relevance.” He further commented, “I was gratified, particularly with the panel and others, to hear that they are speaking the language, addressing the questions that people are actually asking in the real world. I am delighted and encouraged.”

Ministry student Trent Keegan shared what he learned most from the talks: “Looking at churches being for those who aren’t here yet and this idea of trying to build a place for safety—for people to come in and feel welcome.” He said he loved the idea of church planting being the extreme sport of Adventism.

The next symposium will be held in May 2023 and will focus on Mission to the Cities. If you would like to attend this free event, register your interest here. In-person spots are limited, but you can also join via Zoom. If you missed this event, you can view the presentations here.

The original version of this story was published on the Adventist Record website.