WSCCC

How do I decide between “ministry” and “work”?
What should I think about global warming or euthanasia or sex?
How do I relate to others who are “more Chinese” than me?
How can I prepare a Bible study that will actually be useful for others?
Help! I’ve been asked to lead a church service!
“Are there evil spirits today?”

As Christians, we are on a journey of growth as we enjoy our relationship with God. Growing as Christians involves a deeper understanding of God, his world, and the Bible. As we mature, we need to be equipped to face our world, and equipped to serve God in ministry.

At WSCCC we have a great opportunity to become equipped through our programme of interactive seminars and courses on topics practical and relevant to us as Christians today. These seminars are open to people from all churches who might find the sessions useful.

We are also blessed to have opportunities to be taught by highly regarded and gifted Bible teachers who have trained or teach at Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC) and Moore Theological College (MTC).

Join us now!

The seminars

These are single two-hour sessions covering practical aspects of Christian ministry, and issues facing Christians today.

Time of all sessions: Saturdays, 10am–12 noon

Cost: $5 per seminar to cover the cost of materials, etc.

Our theme for 2008: Connecting

As we live in contemporary Australian society, God has brought us into contact with all manner of people in our life, whether it be our family, friends, work mates, fellow students, or simply the man at the corner shop. Regardless of who they are, how are we to relate to them in a way that distinguishes us as Christians? How do we share our faith with them? What is Christian about how we talk with them? In short, how do we meaningfully CONNECT with different people in the world in the name of the gospel?

The programme for 2008

March 1: Connecting with Buddhists (Mark Boyley)
Buddhism is a hugely diverse body of beliefs and philosophies. And it is growing. Whether it is Buddhist family members or trendy friends who have Buddha statues in their gardens, how are we to connect with them?

May 3: Connecting with Roman Catholics (Mark Gilbert)
World Youth Day is being held this year; Croydon Park is a predominantly Roman Catholic area; and most of us know people with Catholic backgrounds. Do you know how to connect with them about your beliefs?

June 7: Connecting with your post-modern friends (Sam Chan)
It’s all around you... TV shows, the news, movies, politicians, and friends. They might not even know that they are post-moderns. But today’s world is based on post-modern values. As Christians, how can we connect with them and stay relevant?

August 2: Connecting with your parents (Andrew Hong)
Parents: we all have them, and you can’t choose them! But how are we to connect wisely with them? They may or may not be Christians, but God has put them in our lives, and we must learn to relate to them wisely and in a godly fashion. Andrew takes us through some tricky scenarios.

September 6: Connecting with our culture (Sam Chan)
Contemporary culture throws so many things at us, both good and bad. But what are we to make of it? As Christians, to live wisely requires us to understand and read our culture for what it is, through God’s eyes. Sam gives us principles by which to do this. And only then can we connect with people and their culture.

Previous topics have included:

How 2 prepare a short Bible talk (Sam Chan)

How 2 understand the spirit world (Bruce Dipple)

How 2 answer tough questions (Sam Chan)

How 2 lead and pray in a service (Bruce Dipple)

How 2 read the Bible in different ways for different purposes (Bruce Dipple)

How 2 prepare a Bible study that people will find useful (Bruce Dipple)

How 2 understand ethics and their relevance to daily living (Sam Chan)

How 2 relate the concepts of “ministry” and “work” (Bruce Dipple)

How 2 recognise and respond to cultural distance (Bruce Dipple)

How 2 be Christian with regard to dating, singleness and marriage (Bruce Dipple)

How 2 understand what the Bible says about women and ministry (Sam Chan)

How 2 prepare and give your testimony in a meeting (Bruce Dipple)

Mini-series (of 4) on the biblical basis of mission (Bruce Dipple)

Mini-series (of 4) on understanding the books of Ezekiel and Lamentations (Peter Lau)

Our presenters

Pastor Mark Boyley
As the newly appointed pastor of cp11, Mark brings a refreshing and enthusiastic perspective on the ministry of the gospel in our world. His extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry both in Sydney and as a missionary in Thailand form a rich basis for teaching about ministry particularly relevant to Christians in contemporary multicultural society, such as that in which we live.

Rev. Dr Sam Chan
Home-grown from WSCCC, Sam gave up orthopaedic surgery to undertake theological studies at SMBC. He has completed a PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Illinois in the theory of preaching. He now lectures at SMBC in theology, ethics, preaching, and evangelism. He is also a deacon of WSCCC and attends the 9am English congregation. He still dreams of playing rugby for the Wallabies!

Rev. Dr Mark Gilbert
Mark is the minister of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Kingsford. Having grown up with a Roman Catholic background, he was challenged by the grace of God as revealed in the Bible. He is the author of the study book The God Who Saves (Matthias Media). In a previous life, he trained as a general practitioner, before his studies at Moore Theological College.

Pastor Andrew Hong
Andrew grew up at WSCCC, where he was grounded in the gospel fundamentals before being challenged to become involved in pastoral ministry. After he graduated from Moore College, he has since become English pastor at Northern Districts Chinese Christian Church. It was Andrew who famously challenged his eccentric high school physics teacher to repent and believe in the gospel! A great example of connecting at every opportunity for the gospel.