People directory

Cavanough Family

Paul Cavanough BA, BEd, Grad Dip Div, Dip Tch(SpecSchools)

dom@anglicantas.org.au

Phone (work): (03) 6220 2016
Mobile: 0417 317 462
Fax: (03) 6223 8968

Ministry career

  • Regional Worker Scripture Union Q’ld (89-91)
  • Schools worker Scripture Union Tas (92)
  • State Director Scripture Union Tas (93-02)
  • Tasmanian Diocesan Mission Enabler (02-07)
  • Tasmanian Director of Ministry (Current Position Description)
  • Lay Canon St David’s Cathedral

Profile

Paul is married to Jennifer and they have two sons, John and Ed. Paul was raised within the faith community of St James Anglican Parish in Toowoomba Queensland. He recalls the power and joy of the ministry of the long term rector Ralph Wicks. The shorter catechism brought to life in Rev Wicks confirmation preparation classes, is still recited as a rather boring dinner party trick. Paul became a Christian through the ministries of Scripture Union. He attributes the strength of his faith today to the discipling strategy of Scripture Union and the Spirit filled ministry of Ralph Wicks. Not a bad combination at all!

Amongst the highlights of his time with Scripture Union Tasmania, Paul lists: The delivery of Christian Option Programs to High School classrooms across Tasmania, the appointment of a children’s and family worker (incidentially it was Rev Helen Phillips), the development of the first sets of state school chaplaincy guidelines, the appointment of the first five chaplains, the redevelopment of a creative and successful secondary school camping program, the appointment of several GenX staff workers which enabled local church youth workers to have full-time work, the purchase of the Hobart building and establishment of a permanent office in both the north and south of the state.

During the time with Scripture Union Paul and his young family worshipped with the Christian Brethren at Murray Street Chapel. This was a place of enormous support and encouragement for a very busy full-time ministry family. Leaving the assembly family to return to Anglican roots with his appointment as Diocesan Mission Enabler was a profound challenge from God. Paul contends that this process destabilised his families worshipping life for up to five years. (Never take for granted the power of local faith communities) Jennifer, John and Ed are all now part of the Parish of Wellspring.

The Director of Ministry position is a complex and demanding role. Paul is a member of the Bishop’s senior staff team with state-wide responsibilities. For a fuller understanding of Paul’s position please follow this link to his position description above.

Paul is passionate about the role and functioning of local Christian communities. He has been heard to say, “our missionary God demands a mission shaped church”. He thrives on guiding parish councils and committees with their clergy to health and new life as a leadership team to their community. He is also particularly interested in seeing 50 somethings take their place in the life of the church and longs to see that generation return to faith and faith community.