The Assembly farewells Rev Lindsay Cullen

Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson reflected on the distinctive contribution Lindsay has made during his time at the Assembly.

“If you've had the opportunity to share with Lindsay about his long ministry, in fact with various churches, you will discover incredibly innovative things that he has done in his ministry,” Andrew said, pointing to Lindsay’s imaginative approaches to sharing the Gospel.

That spirit of innovation, Andrew said, had been an important gift to the Assembly.

He also highlighted Lindsay’s willingness to work “on the edges of the Church” and push the boundaries of what orthodoxy might look like within the life of the Uniting Church.

“It has been significant that for nine years we have had, in significant leadership in the life of the Assembly, someone who has worked on the edges of the Church and has pushed the boundaries,” Andrew added.

Yet Lindsay’s ministry was marked not only by ideas, but by relationships and presence.

Andrew recalled the many national conferences, circles, panels and working groups Lindsay attended over the years.

“Lindsay saw it as important not simply to fly in, shake a few hands and fly out, but to be present and participate,” he said.

That presence enabled Lindsay to build relationships across the diverse communities of the Uniting Church and to cross boundaries between different parts of its life.

In his own words, Lindsay reflected on the privilege of being called by the Assembly to minister “with you and on behalf of you”.

As he formally laid down his responsibilities, Lindsay returned the symbols of his ministry – an Inclusive Bible and the Basis of Union, Constitution and Regulations.

His reflections offered a glimpse into what had sustained him throughout his time with the Assembly: a deep love for the distinctive character of the Uniting Church and a conviction that it must continually ask what it means to be a movement following Jesus.

“I always find it interesting being part of an institution which seems to have been founded by someone who is pretty anti-institutional,” Lindsay said.

For him, that tension is an invitation to continual discernment: “Are we solidifying to an institution or are we… remaining a movement, a body within the one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church that continues to draw people to and point to the way of Jesus?”.

Lindsay also spoke warmly of his experience of Assembly Standing Committee meetings, describing them as “one of the most pure ways of the Uniting Church being itself”, particularly through its consensus decision-making.

He cherished the opportunity to connect with people across the Church – from national conferences and cultural celebrations to circles of interest and emerging communities such as the Pride Circle.

“It has been a real privilege and honour to be part of the Assembly,” Lindsay said.

As he looks towards a future ministry in a congregation, he expects that same passion for discipleship, innovation and pushing boundaries will continue.

“I look forward to probably going into a congregational placement where I can again be at the heart of what is in the Uniting Church and what we are called to be disciples of Jesus,” he said.

For the Assembly, Lindsay’s departure marks the end of an important chapter. But, as President Suli reminded the gathering, the ministry of Christ continues beyond any individual role.

“We do not know what the next chapter will hold,” she said, “but we know who will meet you there, Lindsay.”

As Lindsay lays down the responsibilities entrusted to him for this season, the Assembly gives thanks for a ministry characterised by imagination, courage, presence and sincere relational care.

And with gratitude for the ministry already shared, we pray that God will bless Lindsay in whatever comes next – trusting, as Rev Suli reminded us, that “the Church belongs to Christ and Christ is faithful.”

Thanks be to God.

A look back over his Assembly years