Can a Christian run an offshore detention centre?

Greg Lake shares his experience as a manager of offshore detention centres and reveals how he had to decide whether he could honour God while continuing to fulfil his responsibilities.

Greg's story throws into sharp relief some thorny problems related to a Christian perspective on showing mercy to those in need, especially Refugees. This particular issue, together with homelessness is being tackled in a practical workshop hosted by ADM and Hope for Sydney. The details of the workshop are:

These are such important issues and hope that many attend this workshop.

Workship: How to use your Work to Worship God

Kara Martin is the author of a new book about Christian faith and work, “Workship: How to use your Work to Worship God”.

Kara explains that the Hebrew root word for "work" is also the root word for "service", particularly service to God in worship. "By combining the two words 'work' and 'worship' I hope to challenge people to integrate their faith and work. Work does not just refer to what is done in paid employment. I believe that God sees work as any purposeful activity requiring focus and effort."

A "Workship" forum and book launch will be held in Sydney on Saturday 29 April at Macquarie Chapel Presbyterian Church, Eastwood NSW, at 2:30 pm. Full details can be found here.

Australian author Kara Martin speaks with Life@Work director Andrew Laird about her new book "Workship: How to use your Work to Worship God".

Everyday Discipleship

On Monday 3 April, City to City Australia had the privilege of hosting a workshop led by Todd Morr on Everyday Discipleship. Todd, who is one of the leaders of the Saturate program associated with the Soma Family of Churches, took us through the dynamics of missional communities in the local church and how mission, church and the fellowship of believers combine to offer a vibrant means of reaching out to those who are outside of Christ. The key message is that being called to Christ means my discipleship, including my outreach, is best expressed as part of a community and not as a lone believer.

Todd Morr shares his thoughts on missional communities with members of City to City Australia's network of churches.

Todd Morr shares his thoughts on missional communities with members of City to City Australia's network of churches.

City to City Australia hopes to work more closely with the Soma Family of Churches in the future. More details to come. 

(To learn more about how the Soma family see everyday discipleship, watch the video below from Jeff Vanderstelt, another one of Soma's leaders.)