Church Leaders Gather to Bring Three-Presbytery Model to Life

Leaders from across the Synod are meeting, praying, and planning together to make the new three-Presbytery model a reality—an effort already shaping new ways of working and transforming communities across the Church.

As Presbyteries move through this time of change, gatherings across the state are helping build relationships, lower anxiety, and strengthen confidence in the new structure. Both Northern and Southern clusters have already held retreats, with a Central cluster event planned for 2026.

Northern Presbytery Retreat

The Northern Presbytery cluster expanded the already-planned Mid North Coast (MNC) retreat to include a wider group, forming a Northern Presbytery Retreat held from 25 to 27 September. The Moderator led the retreat in a reflective style, woven with worship and music.

An evening Q&A panel, led by the Moderator with Rev. Tony Shumack (MNC and North East New South Wales Presbytery Minister: Transition) and others, focused on what participants need most during this transition—practical ways to reduce anxiety and build trust.

Participants represented three of the five Northern Presbyteries (MNC, NENW, and The Hunter). With many congregations in regional and rural areas being lay-led, roughly 75% of the 42 participants were lay leaders, reflecting the makeup of local communities.

The Moderator said, “It was a real pleasure to lead the Northern retreat leaders and look at how the communities across our Synod will be transformed by the new three-Presbytery model.”

Southern Presbytery Retreat

The Southern Presbytery cluster also expanded an existing event, the Canberra Region Presbytery (CRP) retreat, which ran from 28 September to 1 October. The President Rev. Charissa Suli led the gathering, focusing on what it means to serve in Presbytery leadership and as Presbytery together.

The retreat drew 47 participants, including Presbytery Ministers, key lay leaders, congregational ministers, and Uniting chaplaincy staff from across the southern region. All four Southern Presbyteries were represented.

Matt Wilson described “a good sense of sharing and desire to build relationships—an acknowledgment of our diversity and similarities, a strong sense of call, and a willingness to work better together.”

Liz McMillan reflected that “thanks to Amy’s amazing planning, we had a very enjoyable Presbytery retreat. There was much prayer and many conversations amongst attendees. We all felt that this was a necessary part of moving forward together as relationships are built.”

The President noted she expected to need to help break down barriers but was pleasantly surprised by the cooperation and goodwill already present. Participants also shared their gifts in music, forming a band that brought vibrancy and creativity to worship.

Looking Ahead

The Central Presbytery cluster plans to hold its retreat in 2026, continuing the process of shared learning and collaboration.

These gatherings across the Synod are not only practical steps in implementing the new structure but also spiritual milestones - moments of unity, discernment, and hope. Together, Church leaders are laying the foundation for a model of Presbytery life that is relational, mission-focused, and ready to serve communities in a changing world.

These gatherings across the Synod are not only practical steps in implementing the new structure but also spiritual milestones—moments of unity, discernment, and hope. Together, Church leaders are laying the foundation for a model of Presbytery life that is relational, mission-focused, and ready to serve communities in a changing world.

Southern Presbytery retreat.

Northern Presbytery retreat.