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The Bible regularly reminds us of the importance of passing on the wonderful works of God to the next generation.

For example, after Moses calls the people to give their whole selves – heart, soul, and strength – to the one, true and living God in obedience to his commandments (Deut 6:4-6), he then calls them to ‘teach them diligently to your children (6:7). We also hear this as a regular refrain in the Psalms to teach who God is and what he’s done to each successive generation (e.g. Pss 71:18, 78:1-8, 79:13, 145:4), specifically so each generation might hope in God, walk his ways, and praise him (Pss 78:7, 102:18). Finally, Jesus himself underlines how precious the young are to God when he receives and blesses infants (Mark 10:13-16) and then he strongly condemns any who would them harm or drag them away from God and his ways (9:42).

Not only this, but the simplicity and perhaps also the vulnerability of the young amongst us demonstrates something of the nature of faith – a simple receiving and depending. Paradoxically, they are those who both need teaching but also are a model of faith to teach and encourage those of us who are older.

Tragically, however, we know that churches have not always been safe spaces for this to happen, and there have been people who have chosen to fulfil their own sinful desires to the harm of others and to their own condemnation (Mark 9:42).

We want to ensure that another generation hear the wonderful works of God such that they praise him, hope in him, and delight to walk his way by the power of his Spirit. This is why St John’s – and the Sydney Anglican Diocese – is not only committed to children’s and youth ministry, but especially to performing those ministries in accordance with safe ministry standards and practice.

The best way to nurture our children, youth and other vulnerable people in the faith is to have as many people as possible qualified in safe ministry. Anyone can become qualified; you don’t need to be leader in one of these ministries. In fact, a church is safest for the vulnerable when the whole community is committed to and qualified in safe ministry and safe culture.

This would mean many people across our congregations helping to spot and report risks; to encourage protective behaviours, such as working with children in open places and transparent ways or welcoming their input; and to discourage boundary violations, such as inappropriate contact or leaving a child alone with another adult.

If you need or would like to be, qualified in safe ministry, St John’s is hosting an upcoming Safe Ministry Essentials course. What a great encouragement it would be to have many across our church equipped in this crucial area.

SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING AT ST JOHN’S

  • Date: Saturday 22 February
  • Time: 9am–3pm
  • Location: St John’s Parramatta
  • Cost: $50
  • REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL: You must register before the day—no walk-ins can be accommodated.

CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Callan Pritchard
Associate Minister