The Gospel Lab Initiative

The Presbyterian Church in New South Wales has a problem – a shortage of ministers.

This Protestant, evangelical and reformed denomination is expecting approximately 30–35 ordained and inducted ministers to retire by the end of 2026. There are also an increased number of people leaving ministry prematurely, for reasons such as burnout. 25% of churches are without a minister, but the Presbyterian college and other training institutions are currently only producing between six to eight ordination graduates each year. The bottom line is that they are not seeing enough men going to be trained for ordained ministry and the rate of people leaving exceeds the rate of those joining.

What is the solution? Some have suggested that the Presbyterian church lower their standards for ministerial training to encourage more people to enjoy. Some would consider that Presbyterians have too high academic standards and that their licensing and ordination process has too many layers and assessments. Perhaps there could be some restructuring, but it would seem unwise, in an increasingly complex world, to dumb down the standards required. The Presbyterians, like the other denominations, have to address other issues including the ever-growing multicultural nature of Sydney, the increasing intolerance of secular progressivism, and the untapped church planting opportunities.

The issue is not whether more staff can be provided to maintain a declining tradition, funded by resources from the past, but how healthy churches which disciple people can flourish and grow. Healthy churches will produce those who are prepared to count the cost and become pastors. The churches need revitalisation and renewal. But they also need pastors – and therefore some are seeking to try a more intentional approach.

One of the key factors in the Australian church is the growing Asian influence. Being on the southern tip of the Pacific Rim, Australia has the potential to be a key gospel influence in the area; but it is the impact of those of Asian heritage in the Australian church, which is bearing fruit first. Gracepoint Church in Sydney is an example of a Chinese Presbyterian church which has developed what they call ‘The Gospel Lab Initiative’ (www.gracepoint. org.au/ministries/gospel-lab), led by the Revd Elliot Ku, the Associate Pastor, to raise ten homegrown leaders from within the congregation over the next ten years. They have already reached four. These are men being raised for ministry, not just in specifically Asian congregations, but for the whole church. Multiethnic churches in multi-ethnic societies need multi-ethnic pastors. Pray that the Lord will multiply this venture and that it will bear much fruit.