WANGARATTA'S Anglican diocese must move "from a maintenance to a mission mode" to ensure its future, according to Bishop of Wangaratta Clarence Bester. Speaking at the diocese's recent synod, Bishop Bester led with the theme 'God of Collaboration' in his charge, urging parishes to work closely together and to "not only think outside the box, but move outside the box" in terms of their approach to ministry. "Jesus, in the exercise of his ministry, never acted as a solo pilot, but called others to share in this ministry of collaboration, the ministry of working together," he said. Bishop Bester said declining congregation numbers, financial constraints on parishes, and lack of energy, resources and available clergy meant that even with cooperative ministry structures, the diocese faced many challenges. "Of the 59 churches in the Diocese of Wangaratta, 21 have fewer than 10 people in attendance, with some mostly around three or four regular attendees," he said. "Ministry districts with up to four or five churches are still not able to cover full-time ministry, and as a result, in 2018 our bishop-in-council resolved to change the status of most parishes to parochial districts. "Even in the few parishes where ministry can still be financed, op-shops or property rental income have become the saving grace. "There are also many fundraising activities to augment the income of all churches." Bishop Bester said six churches in the diocese had been deconsecrated in the past few years, which saddened him, but through the sale of land and property no longer required and the reduction in building maintenance costs, funds were able to be established to invest in ministry. He said the need for collaboration in working for all people and parishes within the diocese required "radical discipleship and innovative leadership strategies where we will be willing to take the bull by the horns". "This must be accompanied by willing participation by all our stakeholders because, unless our collaboration beats competition, we will find ourselves in a space where we might not exist in our present structure as a diocese for long," he said. "Mentioning the 21 churches with fewer than 10 in attendance should be reason enough for us to strengthen our plan and put our energy into those centres where there is a better chance of a continuing ministry." Bishop Bester said while there may be some resistance to the new paradigm, the diocese must embrace new opportunities for collaboration. "The hard reality is we need to determine what will work and how best we can develop a biblical model of ministry for the continuation of ministry, but not necessarily within a church building," he said. Bishop Bester cited the example of another diocese which had previously developed a strategy where any local congregation needed to have at least 10 people registered and in attendance, and raise an annual $10,000 income. In a proposal presented at synod held in late May and set to be considered by bishop-in-council, he suggested introducing a similar concept, where local congregations would need to contribute their share of insurance, property rates and utilities, as well as the upkeep and maintenance of their buildings. In addition, a yearly amount to be decided by bishop-in-council and depending on how many services were held each month, would need to be raised towards the overall ministry costs. Shared leadership among a few clergy, and having lay people trained and licensed for appropriate ministry roles, was also a possibility. "Unless we do things differently, act wisely and in a timely manner, we might find ourselves in a very awkward situation soon," Bishop Bester said. "In 2016, when there was a motion before the synod to resolve an investigation into the division of the Diocese of Wangaratta, with parts going to other dioceses, as a relative newcomer to the diocese I opposed this. "I know the difficulties, I am aware of the challenges, I see the opportunities and I will continue to work towards the ongoing ministry of the Diocese of Wangaratta. "I ask you to join me in this journey because, together, we can do much."
