Planting Churches that Reflect Christ’s Inclusive Love

Recently, I was on a plane flying home. It was a quiet flight in the late afternoon, and I had spent the previous two days at a church planting conference. I met a lot of really pleasant people and heard numerous high-energy, high-impact messages from some very well-respected global speakers and ministry agents. As I sat on the plane, looking at the sun setting over rural NSW, and eventually sighting the breadth of the ever-expanding city of Sydney, I reflected on the unique voice and mission of the Uniting Church.

In contrast to the high-urgency, highly-directive, and somewhat loud call to church plant that was commonly shared at the conference, I held considerable delight in my heart at the quieter, gentler, and welcoming voice of the Uniting Church. Whilst there is much effort and work to be done in sharing the love of God with all we can, there is a need for patience and for waiting.

A need for collective discernment, unified ambition, reflective vision, and for a high priority on safe, inclusive, and Jesus-centred congregations. I was deeply encouraged to know that the Uniting Church holds these priorities and that more congregations are being planted with this at their core. I landed safely in Sydney with great peace and tremendous enthusiasm for what lay ahead. 

As a ‘Church Plant Resident’, my role is a 12-month training and formation process towards church plant ministry and pastoral leadership within the Uniting Church. I am working closely with the Mission Team in Synod Mission Services and with Quakers Hill Uniting Church in discerning what a church plant would look like in the rapidly growing area of Northwest Sydney (area around Rouse Hill, Box Hill, Riverstone, Tallawong etc). 

A key aspect of the formation journey is to ask significant questions. Questions such as ‘what is church’, ‘what makes a church distinctly Uniting Church’, and ‘why are Uniting Churches so important’? I wonder how many people have readily available answers to those questions. I am blessed to be able to explore those questions and journey with others asking those same questions.

I believe we’re encouraged to imagine church in new, contextual, & intentional ways, yet still maintain the essence of the Uniting Church tradition and voice. Acts 2:42 gives us this encouragement, ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers’. Imagine new church plants that extend welcome and inclusion in fresh, authentic, and relevant expressions, whilst upholding discipleship and doctrine as the congregation gather in Spirit and truth.

Church plants with modern strategies for authentic connection and relationship building opportunities, with high priorities for safety, reconciliation, and multiculturalism. Church plants that draw on the weight and depth of traditional liturgy, sacramental practice, and informed theology, with a rich desire for leadership development, robust systems of governance, and opportunities for all to contribute and serve the body of Christ with their gifts and skills.

Personally, I am passionate about helping people imagine these church plants because I believe this church offers the opportunity for people to encounter the One true and living God. I believe this church will significantly bless hundreds and thousands of people all across the state, with the life-giving gospel of love in Jesus Christ.

I also believe that through inclusive welcome and in safe and loving spaces, our communities will experience peace, strength, and joy that can only be found in relationship with Jesus. 

That’s the mission. That’s the invitation. That’s the hope for church planting. That’s my prayer for the communities in the Northwest of Sydney and beyond.

Mark Watson

Church Plant Resident / Pastor at Quakers Hill Uniting Church

"I believe Uniting Church offers the opportunity for people to encounter the One true and living God. I believe this church will significantly bless hundreds and thousands of people all across the state, with the life-giving gospel of love in Jesus Christ."