Possibilities abound for resource ministry

Narromine is 40 kilometres west of Dubbo.

A town known for its hot summers, it has been severely affected by drought. Five years of below average rainfall has led to low crop harvests, selling of livestock and, for some, negative incomes.

Bruce Irvine is a member of the Rural Ministry Unit Committee and the editor of Ruminations, which focuses on rural ministry.

He told Insights about the plight of irrigators. "Due to the lack of any water in Burrendong Dam there have been no irrigated summer crops for three years," Mr Irvine said.

"This is a huge economic loss to irrigation farmers and to the town's economy and labour force."

It is in this bleak context that exciting changes are occurring for Narromine's Uniting Church congregation. Lay people are taking on roles previously reserved for clergy.

The Rev. Bronwyn Murphy said this came about because "change is inevitable".
As is the case in many rural areas, the congregation found they did not have the resources to employ a full-time minister. The Resource Minister role was created in response to the needs of the Narromine congregation, as well as others in the surrounding area.

Ms Murphy provides the necessary training and resources for lay people to take on tasks like preaching, leading worship and organising liturgy.

She explained that her role in the Central West is made up of two placements. As well as working with the Narromine congregation, she serves as the Regional Resource Officer for the western sector of the Central West Presbytery, a role that includes writing resources and providing adult education.

Narromine Uniting Church currently has four lay preachers, with another seven taking the lay preacher's training course. Several people are trained to preside over the sacraments. Teams are sent out to other congregations to run worship services.

"The congregation is very active, both within the church and the wider community and is not dependent upon me as the minister," Ms Murphy said.
"Many of them are now doing things they never thought possible - and they are doing them beautifully," she said.

"I see my ministry as helping lay people take responsibility for their own faith. I try to provide whatever encouragement and resources are needed for people to grow as active disciples - moving beyond the one-hour worship on a Sunday."
Narromine Uniting Church has been active in the local area, assisting those worst off from the drought.

The church received a grant from the Uniting Church Assembly in conjunction with the New South Wales Synod's Moderator's Drought Appeal as well as funds from city congregations Baulkham Hills, Urunga and Perthville.

The church used that money to send over 200 farming families coupons that were redeemable in small businesses in the local area.

"This way we offered the farming families encouragement and support and also helped the small businesses of the town who also suffer in a drought," Ms Murphy said.

"Understanding that the town was also struggling gave the farmers permission to use the vouchers - they are a proud lot and far more comfortable giving rather than receiving."

The church has also donated several thousand dollars to schools in Narromine, Trangie and Nyngan, so that children who could not afford books, excursions, fees or food could be supported.

"Offering this support was a privilege for us," Ms Murphy said. "It was deeply appreciated and respected by our town and district.

"I received numerous phone calls from farmers I would never have otherwise had the chance to speak to and I heard stories of hardship and courage that were moving beyond belief.

"Our church is well respected in our community."

As well as supporting Narromine's community, Ms Murphy said the congregation demonstrated the "possibilities resource ministry holds for the Uniting Church".

"I think people who think our church is dying are missing the mark," she said.

"People of all ages are active in ministry, living out their faith in ways that move beyond the one hour on a Sunday.

"It doesn't mean it is easy or always wonderful, but I truly believe that as congregations step up to take responsibility for their own stuff, great things will happen."

Jonathan Foye