We are super thrilled to have Peter Moore with us this weekend at Southern Cross!
Peter is what they call the ‘scholar pastor’. Not easy to find! He is scholarly (which means he thinks very deeply), he is reflective and has gone on to complete a doctorate in theology. Yes, lots and lots of words about God!
But he isn’t cold, or absent or aloof, distanced or detached from reality (too heavenly-minded to be of any earthly good). No, he is present, warm, interested and he listens.
It’s these beautiful and tremendous qualities that lead us to invite him to invest in our Vision Coordinators and apprentices this week. The role of a Vision Coordinator is not exactly scholarly but it is theological, by that I mean we want those who lead our Gospel Communities to be deeply attuned to the gospel, to understand why we need the gospel, why the gospel is the Bible’s grand hope and why we must, must must, share the gospel with our city. Yet, leading a Gospel Community is also thoroughly pastoral. Vision Coordinators serve as under-shepherds of our chief shepherd, Christ. To lead a Gospel Community is a weighty pastoral calling. Therefore, we desperately want to resource our Vision Coordinators. That’s why this training we do annually is so incredibly vital.
Peter is a national leader in this space. He has previously been employed by Reach Australia to coach their coaches who support Australia pastors. Not to mention that, at any one time, Peter has been known to mentor over 30 pastors! It’s mind blowing. Peter is one of the most hard-working gospel leaders I know.
Bringing a leader like Peter to Southern Cross means we should consider sharing him!
Therefore, I will chair a training afternoon for the Northern Rivers Presbytery this Saturday to help local leaders understand the life stage of their church family and what it means, under God, to grow their local church with positive, rich and biblical principles to strengthen the kingdom’s reach in the Northern Rivers. If you get a chance on Saturday afternoon, please do pray for the local churches represented at this training.
Finally, join us on Sunday as Peter opens up God’s word for us at 9am (SCG), and 9:45am and 6pm at LHS. You too can get to see a pastor scholar in action. Peter is certainly wise and worth listening to, for in spite of his significant learning he is humble, generous and a servant who is desperate to serve his Shepherd King.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not Lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3
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