Specialist advisors
Jonathan Sargeant
Director of Lay Education, St Francis College
“I care about faith formation, belonging, visioning, faith sharing and inclusion because they are central for churches as they seek to live and breathe Jesus.”
Qualifications and experience: YEA Dip, BTh, MMin, Dip Teach (prim), plus 35 years of ministry experience.
- Opening the circle to newcomers (and new ideas)
- Why small groups matter
- Training small group leaders
- How growing your faith grows the whole church
Mary-Anne Rulfs
Associate Priest – Community Ministry, Robina Anglican Church
“In my experience, church and school communities are meaningful for people when they feel they belong. A sense of belonging emerges when our story has a place and value, we feel at home and we have opportunities to share in Christ’s mission alongside others.”
Qualifications and experience: Master of Theology (Chaplaincy Studies) with a focus on connections between faith, belonging and community for people of different generations; 40 years of ministry experience (lay and ordained).
- Strengthening the community’s shared identity and mission
- Facilitating accessible communication for the whole community
- Inviting people on the fringes to participate in their areas of interest
- Providing opportunities for sharing stories and deepening friendships
- Strengthening a culture of engagement through serving
- Ensuring physical environment is welcoming