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The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
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a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
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Introducing... Paul Cavanough Diocesan Director of Ministry interview from the Tasmanian Anglican August 2002
Ed. Paul, tell me a potted history of your background. PC I'm married to Jennifer and we have two sons. Tassie is well and truly home after ten years, but our extended families are in Queensland. I was a teacher before joining the staff team of Scripture Union 13 yrs ago, and have been the director of SU Tasmania for 9 years. Ed. What would you describe as the important markers in your journey as a Christian? PC I had one of those wonderful late 1950s and 60s childhoods in a country town. That included being part of a fantastic local Anglican Church community. Church, choir, Sunday School, fêtes, pot luck nights were all important elements of my Christian formation. When I was 17 I came to understand that it was Jesus Christ who was my Saviour and Lord. I praise God that it was the church and God's people who led me to Jesus. Ed. What are some 'Paul Cavanough favourite things'? PC My wife and my sons bring incredible depth and meaning to my life. I love an easy-read murder mystery novel. I often choose to play a CD of a female vocalist. Diana Krall's Australian Tour CD is a must. I recently discovered Fillippa Giordano. Her 'Addio del Passato' from La Traviata, is awesome. I suppose you'd say I'm into 'Chill Music'. That might say a lot about my life style. (I secretly love 70's rock!) The perfect evening would include seafood, a good dry white, an ocean view and the family. Ed. How do you think your background suits the task of Mission Enabler? PC The simplest response is that I just love helping people on their spiritual journey. As I've seen Jesus Christ transform lives, I have grown to love Him more and more. As a director of Scripture Union I've always seen myself as the servant of the church. During those years with Scripture Union I've prayed, studied and shared in mission with Christians of many traditions. I've learned that simple stereotypes and black-and-white judgments are superficial and misleading. In this job I'll be able to build on my passion to support, resource and affirm the local church in its mission. Ed. What are your first impressions of Enabler Supported Ministry and its relevance to the Tasmanian Diocese of today? PC I like the word 'enable'. It's a 'possibility' word. It implies a commitment to the work necessary to make something happen. It's about sharing the means, knowledge and opportunities that will enable the church to carry out its mission and ministry in Tasmania. I think that the enabler supported parishes are pioneering movements that should not be left solely to the imaginative inventiveness of those individuals who took the initiative. These directions should be the concern of all the churches, because they are reminders of what I believe is the most significant question facing us today: 'How do we grow as Biblical communities or fellowships, which are connecting with the world through all of the members?' Ed. What is the highest priority of the work you'll be doing? PC The first and highest priority is to support the local church and our organisations in mission. That priority will keep a really practical edge on the work. I hope that I will be able to assist the church in witnessing, clearly and sensitively, to our community. Ed. What are you looking forward to most? PC Growing working partnerships and friendships with people committed to the future of the church in Tasmania.
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ContactIn the first instance, please contact Paul through his Personal Assistant, Erin Wilson. Mr Paul Cavanough
1st Floor GPO Box 748 phone 03 6220 2020 |
