WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.900 Yeah, thanks, Don. 00:00:07.980 --> 00:00:10.880 It's hard to summarise a life's ministry in five minutes, 00:00:10.880 --> 00:00:10.880 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.799 in 2024 we kind of held steady with what we had. 00:00:36.259 --> 00:00:39.280 David's long service leave was getting paid out all across the year 00:00:39.280 --> 00:00:42.380 and he was doing various internships around different... 00:00:42.380 --> 00:00:43.960 Internships is not right, but anyway. 00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:46.980 It's kind of the opposite. 00:00:48.579 --> 00:00:50.240 Around New South Wales. 00:00:51.340 --> 00:00:53.179 But it pretty quickly became evident 00:00:53.179 --> 00:00:57.200 that this approach had a high cost to the church here, 00:00:57.200 --> 00:01:00.820 both in terms of the strain it was placing on our preaching 00:01:00.820 --> 00:01:04.820 and over time the diminishing quality and depth we were able to get into. 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:10.280 And a real lack of capacity to maintain our current ministries, 00:01:10.379 --> 00:01:12.879 let alone expand and think of new and better ways 00:01:12.879 --> 00:01:14.000 to support and grow each other. 00:01:15.719 --> 00:01:18.960 So in term four, we took the first step 00:01:18.960 --> 00:01:22.859 and we took the step of putting on Damien as an administrative role 00:01:22.859 --> 00:01:25.280 and Damien's been working behind the scenes 00:01:25.280 --> 00:01:26.439 across the beginning of this year. 00:01:27.200 --> 00:01:31.000 He's established a bunch of online tools 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:32.740 that have actually increased the efficiency 00:01:32.740 --> 00:01:35.040 for those engaged in various ministries 00:01:35.040 --> 00:01:36.240 and that's been working really well. 00:01:37.460 --> 00:01:41.060 At that time, we also had some discussions with Martin 00:01:41.060 --> 00:01:42.579 and by proxy AFES 00:01:42.579 --> 00:01:46.439 and they agreed for Martin to be able to preach here once a month 00:01:46.439 --> 00:01:49.719 in lieu of us paying some extra support for his wages. 00:01:49.719 --> 00:01:53.439 We've also expanded the lay preaching roster. 00:01:53.439 --> 00:01:56.679 So we've had a number of folk across our congregation 00:01:56.679 --> 00:01:59.939 preaching more regularly than we would have had in the past 00:01:59.939 --> 00:02:03.140 and that's been of great benefit to the congregation 00:02:03.140 --> 00:02:07.700 and it's something we're keen to see continue in some capacity 00:02:07.700 --> 00:02:16.219 but we don't think it's probably optimal and sustainable in an ongoing way. 00:02:17.420 --> 00:02:21.020 In term one, we also had David come back for a good chunk of time, 00:02:21.080 --> 00:02:21.920 six weeks or so, 00:02:22.699 --> 00:02:26.900 and that allowed Dave Bott to develop the Biblical Manhood and Womanhood series 00:02:26.900 --> 00:02:28.879 that will follow Hebrews. 00:02:28.879 --> 00:02:32.539 Now that's a series that as an eldership we feel is important 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:34.379 and they're issues that we need to think through 00:02:34.379 --> 00:02:38.340 but it's one that required more time and thought 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:40.460 than would be possible with just one full-time preacher 00:02:40.460 --> 00:02:43.219 so we had to get David on board for those six weeks 00:02:43.219 --> 00:02:44.719 to be able to make that feasible. 00:02:46.039 --> 00:02:49.180 So they're the sorts of things we're looking at missing out on 00:02:49.180 --> 00:02:51.599 if we don't make some changes going forward. 00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:57.439 So we have been working seriously towards identifying a full-time pastor 00:02:57.439 --> 00:02:58.680 to add to the team. 00:02:59.879 --> 00:03:03.280 Now this will come with some significant financial implications for Grace. 00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:09.620 It means a commitment to raise approximately 25% more each week 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:13.460 which would bring our weekly budget to around $8,000 a week. 00:03:14.680 --> 00:03:17.519 So this isn't a request we're making lightly 00:03:17.519 --> 00:03:23.139 but due to the extra time that's passed since David Calderwood redeployed 00:03:23.139 --> 00:03:26.240 we currently have about $50,000 in savings 00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:29.659 which will give us a buffer across that early period. 00:03:30.659 --> 00:03:33.260 So it won't be a sharp hit. 00:03:35.480 --> 00:03:37.680 So with all that into account, 00:03:37.920 --> 00:03:39.460 the elders would like to propose 00:03:39.460 --> 00:03:42.540 that Martin Shadwick be appointed as an elder 00:03:42.640 --> 00:03:46.060 and a full-time vocational pastor at Grace Evangelical Church. 00:03:46.060 --> 00:03:51.539 Practically, this announcement is the beginning of us opening up 00:03:51.539 --> 00:03:52.500 a church-wide discussion 00:03:52.500 --> 00:03:58.319 and we are hoping to have a vote on the issue early in Term 3. 00:03:58.319 --> 00:04:01.299 If called by the full church vote, 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:04.060 Martin would then be able to step into both eldership 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:06.840 and employment at Grace in early 2026. 00:04:06.840 --> 00:04:13.120 We've partnered with AFES financially 00:04:13.120 --> 00:04:15.980 and many of us as participants for a long time 00:04:15.980 --> 00:04:19.480 and we still see AFES as a really important ministry 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:20.600 that we want to support 00:04:20.600 --> 00:04:23.639 even as Martin leaves that role to join us. 00:04:24.639 --> 00:04:26.800 So we want to be as flexible as we can be 00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:30.000 as they need to seek and recruit someone 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:31.399 to replace Martin on the team 00:04:31.399 --> 00:04:33.459 and a leader for NCS. 00:04:35.739 --> 00:04:37.859 After the best part of 20 years of NCS, 00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:39.659 this is going to be a big change for Martin 00:04:39.659 --> 00:04:40.979 and Jen and the family 00:04:40.979 --> 00:04:43.739 and the team on the ground at NCS. 00:04:43.739 --> 00:04:47.259 So be prayerful and mindful of that going forward. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:53.099 As Martin will be starting, if it goes forward, 00:04:53.339 --> 00:04:54.419 in early 2026, 00:04:54.839 --> 00:04:58.019 we have a further six months to accumulate savings 00:04:58.019 --> 00:05:00.719 which will reduce the initial jump in costs 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:03.640 so if we're able to raise our giving 00:05:03.640 --> 00:05:04.980 in the next six months, 00:05:05.520 --> 00:05:08.680 that will offset the impact next year. 00:05:15.260 --> 00:05:16.460 Martin, Jen and their kids 00:05:16.460 --> 00:05:18.020 have been part of Church at Grace 00:05:18.020 --> 00:05:22.420 for actually for longer than most of us. 00:05:23.620 --> 00:05:25.080 It's over 15 years, I think. 00:05:26.660 --> 00:05:28.180 And we as an eldership are satisfied 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:30.460 that Martin is of humble, godly character 00:05:30.459 --> 00:05:32.659 and meets the requirements, 00:05:33.039 --> 00:05:34.599 the biblical qualifications for eldership. 00:05:35.419 --> 00:05:37.479 We feel he has several giftings 00:05:37.479 --> 00:05:38.699 that will be a real assistance 00:05:38.699 --> 00:05:39.899 to our church moving forward. 00:05:39.899 --> 00:05:50.359 My pad really wants me to go back to the beginning, 00:05:50.459 --> 00:05:50.759 I'm sorry. 00:05:54.359 --> 00:05:55.919 In discussing the role of Martin, 00:05:56.919 --> 00:05:59.879 there have been a few concerns 00:05:59.879 --> 00:06:00.979 that have come to the fore 00:06:00.979 --> 00:06:02.979 that are worth noting with everyone at the outset. 00:06:04.359 --> 00:06:05.839 Firstly, a few years ago now, 00:06:05.919 --> 00:06:07.899 Martin preached a sermon alongside David 00:06:07.899 --> 00:06:09.159 on limited atonement 00:06:09.159 --> 00:06:12.859 and the different biblical positions 00:06:12.859 --> 00:06:13.719 on that doctrine. 00:06:14.859 --> 00:06:16.879 Look, we've discussed limited atonement with Martin 00:06:16.879 --> 00:06:18.639 and we're comfortable that his position 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:20.759 is consistent with Scripture, 00:06:20.919 --> 00:06:21.560 first and foremost, 00:06:22.099 --> 00:06:23.399 and also not in conflict 00:06:23.399 --> 00:06:24.659 with the position of grace 00:06:24.659 --> 00:06:26.620 in that the atonement is sufficient for all 00:06:26.620 --> 00:06:28.839 but also only effectual for the elect. 00:06:29.919 --> 00:06:30.779 The second point 00:06:30.779 --> 00:06:33.319 is that Martin was baptised as an infant 00:06:33.319 --> 00:06:35.439 and will not be baptised again on profession 00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:36.719 before joining the eldership. 00:06:37.699 --> 00:06:39.579 Now this is a departure from past practice 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:41.699 but we as an eldership are satisfied 00:06:41.699 --> 00:06:43.600 that Martin is respectful of our convictions 00:06:43.600 --> 00:06:45.680 and are satisfied with his commitment 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:47.620 to the church beliefs and practices 00:06:47.620 --> 00:06:50.000 in only baptising believers on profession of faith. 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:53.159 When someone's been among us 00:06:53.159 --> 00:06:54.579 for as long as Martin has, 00:06:55.399 --> 00:06:57.000 we know each other really well 00:06:57.000 --> 00:07:00.720 in a way that's just not possible 00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:01.780 with external applicants 00:07:01.780 --> 00:07:04.300 who would be coming into a congregation. 00:07:05.340 --> 00:07:06.560 It's in this context 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:07.920 of a deeper relationship 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:09.820 that we endorse Martin 00:07:09.820 --> 00:07:12.360 that he's in terrific alignment with grace 00:07:12.360 --> 00:07:13.900 and our beliefs and practices 00:07:13.900 --> 00:07:16.160 and he will be a great fit, 00:07:16.520 --> 00:07:17.100 we believe, 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:18.660 for our growth and maturity 00:07:18.660 --> 00:07:19.700 as a body going forward. 00:07:20.780 --> 00:07:21.860 So where to from here? 00:07:22.860 --> 00:07:23.900 As is our custom, 00:07:24.160 --> 00:07:25.680 we really don't want the vote next term 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:27.420 to be the focal point of this process. 00:07:27.420 --> 00:07:31.720 Rather, we're really keen to hear from folk 00:07:31.720 --> 00:07:33.319 and discuss their concerns 00:07:33.319 --> 00:07:35.280 or hopes for the future at Grace 00:07:35.280 --> 00:07:37.360 and the substantial role 00:07:37.360 --> 00:07:39.800 we're proposing Martin will play in that now. 00:07:41.140 --> 00:07:43.860 So please, get in touch. 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:46.020 Drop us an email. 00:07:46.220 --> 00:07:47.400 You can send one to all of the elders 00:07:47.400 --> 00:07:48.759 or just one particular elder. 00:07:49.400 --> 00:07:50.360 Send us an SMS. 00:07:50.780 --> 00:07:51.879 Meet up with one of us for coffee. 00:07:52.580 --> 00:07:53.800 Whatever works best for you. 00:07:53.800 --> 00:07:57.120 Please, table any and all concerns 00:07:57.120 --> 00:07:59.620 or enthusiasm 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:02.660 and we'll do our best to address them 00:08:02.660 --> 00:08:04.620 or at least explain our reasoning 00:08:04.620 --> 00:08:05.920 prior to the vote. 00:08:07.800 --> 00:08:09.439 We really believe that the church 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:10.620 and the congregation body 00:08:10.620 --> 00:08:12.980 has a key and important 00:08:12.980 --> 00:08:14.319 biblical role to play 00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:15.540 in the appointment of our elders. 00:08:17.100 --> 00:08:18.840 The biblical model is for this role 00:08:18.840 --> 00:08:20.040 to be based on the assessment 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:21.400 of the collective wisdom. 00:08:21.399 --> 00:08:24.419 all of the congregation 00:08:24.419 --> 00:08:27.060 in which that pastor will serve. 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:30.019 So please, each one of us, 00:08:30.120 --> 00:08:31.620 be prayerfully considering this step 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:33.319 as it's a big one for us 00:08:33.319 --> 00:08:34.100 as a church family. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:36.759 And if you see something 00:08:36.759 --> 00:08:37.279 that we're missing, 00:08:37.459 --> 00:08:38.279 please show us 00:08:38.279 --> 00:08:40.759 where we may be overlooking something 00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:41.779 or making a mistake 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:42.679 as an eldership. 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:46.279 We will be taking Martin forward 00:08:46.279 --> 00:08:47.459 as a proposal to adopt. 00:08:48.239 --> 00:08:49.919 We want you to help us 00:08:49.919 --> 00:08:51.839 to let you know 00:08:51.839 --> 00:08:53.339 what you need to be able 00:08:53.339 --> 00:08:54.379 to jump aboard 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:55.359 and support that proposal. 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:58.319 So that's the model. 00:08:58.579 --> 00:09:00.120 It's one that's served us well over time 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:02.979 and it's one we ask for you to embrace 00:09:02.979 --> 00:09:05.039 as we work through Martin 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:06.719 coming onto team in 2026. 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:08.959 That's the announcement. 00:09:09.219 --> 00:09:11.419 So looking forward to many conversations 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:12.179 over the coming months. 00:09:14.439 --> 00:09:14.439 00:09:14.440 --> 00:09:44.420 Thank you.