Stuart Robinson has just published a book on church planting: Starting Mission-Shaped Churches
In October his in on national tour running a serious of one day workshops: Church Planting Countdown and Launch!
1. Who is Stuart Robinson?
Age 48. Born in the 50's to (unmarried) musicians from Kings Cross Sydney.
Placed in an orphanage. Adopted by the Robinson's - godly and enthusiastic Baptists. Raised 'christianly'. Never knew a time when Jesus was not my Lord and Saviour. At age 18 began attending a Pentecostal church; exposed to church planting and street evangelism for first time.
I am married to Jane (have been for 23 years). Three kids Jonathan (21), Nicoloa (20), William (18), Ed (16).
Background in management - then trained for fulltime ministry at Moore College.
Why Moore College? Because a wonderful old retired Anglican minister said..."the Lord has told me that you are to go to Moore next year...I've arranged for you to see the Bishop next week...we start Greek classes in my study on Tuesday...do you have any questions?".
Two years as an associate minister in a wealthy seaside suburb and then another two years in a public housing housing community.
In late 80's planted Quakers Hill Anglican Church and then Parklea Anglican Community church which closed after 4 years. Began a student ministry of the University of Western Sydney.
Late 90's commenced work as Senior Minister St Paul's Tervuren in Brussels and The English Church Liege, Belgium. My task was to relocate and grow the former and relocate, 're-pot' and make self-sufficient the latter.
I returned to Australia early noughties and worked as a consultant with Evangelism Ministries and led the team that planted Penisula Church in Pyrmont
2. What hats do you wear?
National Mission Facilitator, Anglican Church of Australia
Rector, St. Paul's Anglican Church Chatswood
Chair, Gospel Outreach Ministries
Chair, St. Andrew's Cathedral School
Company Director (NSW/ACT) - Bush Curch Aid Society
3. What are you passionate about?
My kids growing more like Jesus, discovering their ministry gifts and then exercising them. The older two have recently planted a church for 13-19 year olds.
4. What's your interest in church planting?
Its both as a practitioner and as a consultant. I'm still involved in starting new churches in my own context and I work with church planters and (Anglican) diocesan organisations around Australia in helping them with theory and application.
5. Where are you seeing significant breakthroughs in reaching Australians with the Gospel?
People (often lay) with some training and much passion and courage are starting new communities of faith across the country. The emphasis is on "going to them". People are immersing themselves in suburbs and sub-cultures in order to minister grace and hope.
6. Is church planting on the agenda for the Anglican church?
It is mixed. The UK report, 'Mission Shaped Church' has been a great catalyst for discussion and action. The Australian version, Building A Mission Shaped Church, sold out in the first 9 months (3,000 copies).
I've run courses and programs in 15 of Australia's 23 Anglican dioceses. There is significant interest. The fact is that across the country Anglicanism is in serious trouble - hence leaders are willing to look at models that are very different from those with which they are familiar and comfortable.
7. What are you learning about mission in Australia?
Australians are interested in Jesus and things spiritual. That said, they aren't that thrilled (or interested) about brands and denominations per se. Australians are hedonistic and the evil one is very active. A commitment to prayer is essential. It is a serious spiritual battle.
8. Why did you write Starting Mission-Shaped Churches?
A couple of years ago I wrote (with Mike Wilson and Cheryl Smith) 'Mission Action Planning'. This book helps churches and organisations develop strategic plans for mission. But is wasn't specifically oriented to church planters.
This new book is designed for people who want to plant churches that will plant churches. In the process I want them to ask five really basic questions that pertain to Target (who are we trying to reach), Task (how will we reach them), Team (with whom will we reach them) Timing (a question of scheduling) Tools (what equipment, training, programs do we need to have in place).
I hope that loads of non-clergy people will read this book and say, 'let's give it a try'.
9. What advice would you give someone who was thinking about planting a church?
Read my book first of course(!!). Church planting is hard work. You may fail. But don't let that deter you. If you are passionate about reaching a particular people group and if you can articulate a vision (and gather others around that vision) then prayerfully move forward - soon!
10. What do you do for fun?
Walk. My favourite walk is across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with my wife. We then do brunch a City Extra at Circular Quay and walk home again.
