Workshop topic: Spiritual Abuse
When: Tues 31 Oct, 7pm – 8:30pm AEDT
Facilitator: Chris McCartney, Mission Mobiliser
In this workshop, we’ll hear from Chris, who along with his wife Jodie and their three daughters, served in Bangkok's largest slum community from 2007-2020. In collaboration with their neighbours, they initiated the Second Chance Bangkok project to address pressing needs in their community.
Recently, Chris completed a Master's degree in Transformational Development. This allowed him to explore integral mission and reflect theologically on his work with vulnerable and marginalised communities, together with the critical role of leadership.
He wrote a dissertation on the increasingly prevalent phenomenon of spiritual abuse across the wide spectrum of Christian organisations and communities. Through his research, Chris discovers healing, a renewed sense of hope and faith, and illuminates pathways to recovery for those who have experienced spiritual abuse.
Topics covered in the workshop include:
- What spiritual abuse can look like – through Chris’ own experiences while serving in Thailand
- Ways in which God can provide healing and recovery after experiencing this kind of trauma
- Tips on how you can help support those who have experienced spiritual abuse
All are encouraged to come along to this workshop, whether you have experienced spiritual trauma, are walking alongside someone who has or would like to grow in your understanding and awareness of this important topic.
RSVP
If you would like to attend this workshop, please fill in the form below:
Workshop topic: Deep Calling to Deep: Dispositions for Deep Listening
When: Mon 27 Nov, 7pm - 8:30pm AEDT
Facilitator: Dr Bruce Hulme, Tabor College
While completing his PhD at Flinders University in practical theology and Christian formation, Bruce developed a simple yet deep way to contemplatively discern what God is up to in the journey of an individual or community, and courageously join in, for the flourishing of self, others and God’s world, called
Talking the Walk.
Companioning others well, especially those working in cross-cultural contexts, takes more than just tips and tricks. Deep listening flows less from what we do and more from who we are and our way of being in the world.
This 90 minute webinar will help listeners and companions explore core dispositions for deep listening to self, others and God.
Dr Bruce Hulme is a freelance wisdom educator, consultant, retreat curator, spiritual director and professional supervisor. A reflective practice specialist, he loves to help people discern and respond to God's invitations in life and ministry to the good life of shalom. Find out more about Bruce
here.
RSVP
If you would like to attend this workshop, please fill in the form below:
Pastoral Care Hands
If you are a Companion or pastoral carer of a Baptist Mission Australia team member, then you will be on their pastoral care 'hand'!
What does this mean?
It means that a team member in preparation or intercultural team member recognises that you might provide friendship, relationship, care and support to them on their mission journey. So, they’d love you to be part of their pastoral care ‘hand’. This metaphor helps people recognise up to five people who form their pastoral care network.
You and the intercultural team member or team member in preparation will best determine how the relationship will work. Some people might set up a Signal, WhatsApp or email group to communicate with their ‘hand’ as a group. They might use this to share prayer needs, concerns and celebrations. They might set up a regular Zoom gathering to share needs and pray together. Or, they might communicate with each person in different ways at different times.
Your role is to provide care, prayer, support, encouragement and celebration. You might increase your involvement in times of stress and vulnerability, for example, poor health, transitions, when there are few team members, times of team conflict, etc.
There is no expectation that you report anything back to Baptist Mission Australia. You are to hold your information and stories with respect, integrity and confidentiality. However, you may encourage the intercultural team member to seek additional support when appropriate. You may also seek a team member’s permission to raise any concerns with Baptist Mission Australia leadership if necessary.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact Jane Norman on jnorman@baptistmissionaustralia.org
THANK YOU for your contribution to God’s mission in this vital way.
companion guidelines