Uniting Mission and Education Celebrating Growth and New Beginnings

In the second half of Day 2 of the Synod meeting, the Uniting Mission and Education (UME) team provided a powerful update on two key initiatives shaping the future of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT: the Synod Growth Fund and the Church Planting Initiative.

While the initiatives vary in form and focus, they are united by a single purpose of nurturing vibrant, inclusive communities that reflect the hope and grace of Christ in a changing world.

The Synod Growth Fund

The Synod Growth Fund was created to support ministry and mission at the grassroots within congregations and faith communities where life is lived, discipleship is formed, and the Gospel takes shape in everyday encounters.

Glen Spenser - Director of Mission drew attendees' attention to the Synod magazine placed on each table. The publication featured contributions from the entire Uniting Mission and Education team showcasing real stories from across the Synod where Growth Fund support is at work and bearing fruit.

“These are your seeds of growth,” Glen Spenser shared. “The funding is going exactly where ministry and mission actually happen in the pain, beauty, and the glory of what it is to be followers of Jesus.”

Church Planting Initiative

Since the 2023 Synod decision to prioritise church planting, three new church plants have already launched - in Molonglo Valley (ACT), Maitland (NSW) and Sutherland Shire (NSW).

As part of the presentation, OAM Graham Hill invited members from these three new church plants to share their stories and experiences from this process.

Voices from the Frontlines of Church Planting

Molonglo Valley (ACT)

Andrew Smith, team leader of the Molonglo church plant in the ACT read a reflection from his team member Hilary Burton, who captured the spirit of the work ahead:

“I’m looking forward to being part of a movement of radical openness to the Holy Spirit... a community that honours the country and its First Peoples, and reflects the diversity of cultures represented now.”

Andrew described the joy of “holy loitering” as simply being present in public spaces, noticing the light of God in people, and letting relationships unfold organically.

“It’s energising to see how the “holy loitering” in the park has led me to now meeting two men of Indian background to read the Bible together each week,” expressed Mark.

Maitland (NSW)

Kevin Krause, a former missionary and coffee professional, is now helping lead the Maitland plant.

“It’s a privilege to be welcomed into the Uniting Church family. I’m really grateful to be in the Maitland Church Plant and to be able to meet our community where they’re at, seeing their culture, reaching them within their secular culture with a message of hope with the gospel.”

We’re meeting people in the midst of their lives, in this secular culture, with a message of hope.” said Kevin.

Dr Pearl Nunn, who lives and works on Wonnarua land, highlighted Maitland’s significant growth potential. She noted that the average age of residents is 36, the population includes more women than men, and 7.7% identify as Aboriginal which is twice the national average. Additionally, six new people move into the area each day.

“That’s a congregation right there" she said. "We’re about creating spaces of inclusion where none existed before.”

Sutherland Shire (NSW)

Mike Hardy shared his excitement about returning to the Sutherland Shire to lead a church plant that offers healing and hospitality to those who have felt unwelcome in traditional church settings.

“I’m excited because a whole bunch of people who have found church incredibly difficult in the past are finding fresh excitement to join a community where its going to be safe and everyone is welcome,” says Mark.

“We want to create a community where people can go on a spiritual formation journey to become more like Christ and learn his way of love to discern, and listen to our community around what are the needs so we can bless it in the name of Jesus.”

Tash Holmes joining as a creative pastor, spoke with deep conviction:

“Music is powerful and universal. It brings us together. I’ve been resourcing at the Synod for years, but now I’m putting my feet on the ground by building a local church... Church planting isn’t the answer to everything, but it’s a vital part of the blended ecology and I feel called to it.”

Journey Ahead

The UME team also shared that a total of six church plants will be supported through a dedicated cohort, offering vital mutual encouragement, learning, and spiritual care. This includes upcoming plants in:

• Western Sydney  - led by Andy Chin for Wesley Mission
• North Western Sydney  - with Mark Watson as a resident church planter
• South Western Sydney - currently in conversation

This cohort model ensures that no church planter walks alone while recognising that support, prayer, and shared wisdom are essential for long-term sustainability.

“This is just the beginning,” OAM Graham Hill said. “We hope to see many more new churches rise up over the next decade, each one embodying the best of what the Uniting Church can be in today’s world.”