More than 40 Lay Preachers, worship leaders and church members from across Australia gathered in Naarm/Melbourne from 4–6 September for the National Lay Preachers’ Conference.

Hosted by the Lay Preachers’ Association of Victoria and Tasmania with Pilgrim Theological College, the triennial conference was held at the Centre for Theology and Mission on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.

Under the theme Weaving Christ’s Love as a Lay Preacher, participants explored preaching, Scripture, First Peoples’ wisdom, intercultural ministry, inclusion, social justice and mission.

Fifteen presenters challenged and encouraged participants to listen deeply – to God, Scripture, First Nations peoples and the diverse experiences of people across the Church.

Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli presented the keynote on The Calling of Lay Preachers in a Changing Church.

Reflecting on the gathering, President Suli said the image of weaving captured something important about the ministry of Lay Preachers.

“Each strand held its own story and integrity,” she wrote. “When woven together, the strands became strong enough to support more than themselves.”

For President Suli, this speaks to the responsibility of those entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel.

“As the conference unfolded, one question kept returning: what has been entrusted to us, and how do we carry it out faithfully?”, she said.

Wakka Wakka woman and Aboriginal Christian leader Brooke Prentis spoke with the image of a woven basket and invited participants to consider preaching as a place of holding.

“A sermon gathers Scripture, Country, culture, memory and the lives of those who will hear it,” President Suli reflected. “It may need to hold grief, doubt, faith, lament and hope.”

Other presenters brought different perspectives to the craft and calling of preaching.

Rev Dr Daniel Sihombing asked, “Who is Jesus Christ for us today?”, while Rev Dr Bec Lindsay explored the richness and complexity of the Hebrew Scriptures. Emeritus Professor Rev Bill Loader encouraged participants to understand love as more than sentiment.

The conference also explored disability inclusion, Wesleyan theology, preaching craft and the changing shape of the Church.

President Suli highlighted the vital role of accredited Lay Preachers, describing their ministry as “sacred ministry within the whole people of God”.

“Across the Uniting Church, accredited Lay Preachers sustain worship during vacancies and transitions, travel long distances, serve rural and remote communities, offer pastoral care, and open Scripture from within the ordinary realities of work, family and community life,” she said.

The gathering also recognised the need for the wider Church to support Lay Preachers through pastoral oversight, continuing formation, effective communication and practical support.

“We need the wisdom of those who have faithfully preached for decades,” President Suli wrote. “We must also nurture younger preachers and receive the gifts of First Peoples, Pasifika and Asian Australian Christians, people with disability, multilingual preachers, and those serving in new and digital communities.”

The conference concluded with remarks and prayer from the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Moderator Rev Salesi Faupula, leaving participants encouraged by new friendships, renewed in their calling and challenged to help the Church hear Christ afresh.

Read President Suli’s full reflection, Entrusted with the Word: Weaving Christ’s Love, via the link below.