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	a healthy church...transformingLIFE
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	April 2004				John Harrower
		Bishop's reflection by John Harrower
			Our missioning: transforminglife... I am writing from the national Bishops' Conference in Sydney. The bishops meet annually to share in worship, the study of the scriptures, theological issues, fellowship and the mission of the Church. One of our discussion questions was, 'How to motivate people and energise them about the Gospel, so that they will be confident in their mission?' Bishops shared of motivating through teaching, encouragement, launching mission programs, sharing mission activities and ideas from different parishes, growing new communities of faith - the list went on. It was a very inspiring time. Upon reflection I note: The imperative of having confidence in the Gospel The Gospel is the good news of God's love in Christ coming to save and transform us. Do we have confidence in the Gospel? Do we believe that God is still in the business of transforming lives? Or was this just something that happened back there, then, but does not happen now? Passion springs from a deep conviction. The passion of Christ came from God's heart for a lost world. Do you share God's heart for your neighbour? God works through people. God chooses to call and equip his people that they might call and equip other people to worship God and to serve in God's world. God calls us: you and me, to participate with him in mission. This is an extraordinary privilege and responsibility. Just think of it - I could barely trust myself to get out of the right side of the bed this morning (there is a wall on one side!), yet God entrusts me with his work in the world! This is extraordinary. God is transforming life through us. The role of the bishop in mission The calling of every Christian to mission is clear and the role of the bishop to lead in mission is also clear. Bishops encouraging, sharing stories of mission, giving focus to parish and agency programs through their own vision for mission. I shared with the bishops my vision for Tasmania 'ahealthychurch . . . transforminglife' and have been greatly encouraged by their affirmation. The bishop at prayer My commitment to prayer is one aspect of my vision for transforminglife. I have written a special prayer for transforminglife and am committing myself to praying it daily throughout the year. I am also committing myself to visit every parish in Tasmania in order to pray with them. To this end I have declared November to be a Month of Prayer. I will be travelling throughout the Diocese to join in a time of prayer with each parish and would urge you to join with me in prayer. My Personal Assistant will be contacting each parish to confirm our time together. I greatly value this time and am eagerly looking forward to it. My diary will reflect my commitment to pray. Jesus asked his disciples to 'watch and pray'. Let us 'watch and pray' for God to use us to bring transforming life to our Christian communities and all Tasmanians. Shalom   Prayer for transforminglife Transforming God, as we meet together fill us with your wisdom. Give us the capacity to work boldly and with humility, embracing the challenge of mission. Use us to bring transforming life to our Christian communities and all Tasmanians. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen