The One Thing

Public bible reading is something people often take for granted. But hearing God speak to our community is the highlight of our church gatherings. How do we practically speaking, read the bible well?  Backyard Bard, Simon Camilleri gives us some pointers: Historically, when the people of God stop reading the bible, they go off the tracks.  The sermon is not just the ministry of the word and the bible reading is not the tick box at the start. When people expect less from the bible reading, the harder it is for the preacher. Like practising music, the bible reading is something that takes work and needs feedback.   The keys to a good bible reading is clarity done through how you read. The relationship between the preacher and bible reader is important. All bible passages, even genealogies can be read well. TOOLBOX: More resources can be found at Public Bible Reading. You could also join the Facebook Group Or watch more on the YouTube Channel CREDITS: The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠ To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠. For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠ To support the Reach Australia Online Library head ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

St Faith's Anglican Church in Sydney's Northern Beaches has made significant changes to how they think about mission as they pray to see more people saved. We talk with Marcus Druitt from the church about what he has found to be the effective elements of evangelistic courses. In this episode we discuss: The important contexts of an evangelistic course, including thinking about your mission funnel and the wider ministry ecosystem. That more effective gospel presentations are often home grown or adapted for their context There are some great presentations out there: Alpha, Christianity Explored, Olive Tree Media, Nua (a Scripture Union course) Using something that is already there to keep the ball rolling. To write your own homegrown course, start with one presentation and then alter it according to what worked and what didn’t work The teacher teaches, the Spirit convicts, the Christian witnesses around the table Understand the underlying principles and convictions of the gospel, and adapt that into your context

A replay from one of your favourite episodes. One you need to think about as we head into the new year.Data is just a tool, but it’s an important tool. Its real purpose? Loving and serving your people better. A snapshot of data can give you an idea of your church health. What we discussAverage Attendance: Are people showing up consistently?Growth Rate: Are you growing each year? What’s a healthy growth rate?Conversion Growth: How many new believers are you seeing? What’s a good target?Community Reflection: Does your congregation reflect the diversity of your local area?Secondary Giving: Beyond general giving, how generous are people with time, talent, and resources?Newcomer System: Are first-time guests sticking around? If not, what’s falling through the cracks?Staff-to-Attendee Ratio: Do you have enough leaders? What’s a good ratio?TOOLBOX:Church Health ConsultsKnowing What to Measure and Why SeminarMeasure What Matters BookCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Church SuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠.For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠To support the Reach Australia Online Library head ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

A replay from your favourite episodes and coming at a timely part of the year:Derek and Scott look at the work of Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith on different types of rest.1. Physical RestGiving your body a rest.2. Mental RestIt could be that you need to give your mind a rest.3. Emotional RestWe can get emotionally tired when we are not paying attention to our emotions.4. Spiritual RestReconnecting with God5. Social RestDifferent relationships can ones that build us up or drain us.6. Sensory RestEspecially with screens.7. Creative RestCreative rest is not about putting a demand on your creative ability; that’s not rest, that’s work. It is the opposite. It’s allowing white space in your life and giving room for your creativity to show up. Creative rest lets you focus on your basic need for wonder. You can enjoy fulfilling that basic need in ways that don’t put any pressure on your being creative. Yes, creativity may bloom from the seeds planted, but creativity is not the objective, only rest.SummaryDon’t have to do all of these every day, or every week. But it is helpful to be aware that there are different ways to rest and different people will rest in different waysTOOLBOX:⁠⁠Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity⁠⁠⁠ by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith ⁠TED Notes from Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith ⁠TED Talk from Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith ⁠Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less⁠ Alex Soojung-Kim Pang⁠Atomic Habits⁠ by James Clear.CREDITS:The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠To support the Reach Australia Online Library head ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

We unpack findings from a recent survey of 84 churches across 10 denominations. The data is more encouraging than many expect — but it also exposes where momentum slows and why some churches see more people come to faith than others.We explore what’s genuinely helping people meet Jesus, what isn’t moving the needle, and where churches may be mistaking activity for mission.In this conversation:Why church plants are seeing disproportionate fruit — and what established churches can learnWhy growth often stalls between 200–400 people, and what helps churches push throughWhy adding more small groups or serving roles doesn’t automatically lead to more conversionsHow church size, more than church age, can quietly dampen evangelistic effectivenessThe real stories behind the data: who is coming to church and coming to faithTOOL BOX:Reach Australia National ConferenceEp 391 10 Denominations, 60 Churches, 1 Report: Key TakeawaysSlidesLeadership Development ProgramCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Choosing a Church Management System (CMS) is a ministry decision, not just a technical one.In this episode, Toby Neal (Lead Pastor of Vine Church, Sydney) shares what he learned while evaluating and changing CMS platforms in a real church context. We talk about how systems shape workflows, staff capacity, and follow-up — and how to tell whether a platform actually supports disciple-making or just stores information.In this conversation:How Toby tested whether a system supported ministry rather than just dataThe features that became deal-breakersWhat to expect in the first three months after switching platformsWhy usability and design matter much more than we often assumeA practical conversation for church leaders wanting tools that serve people and support the work of the gospel.TOOLBOX:Ep 405 Church database nightmares and how to avoid themRejoice and Tremble by Michael ReevesChurch Management Systems mentioned:Planning CentreFluroTithe.lyChurchSuiteToby's list of checks:Name tags and checkin processAutomated workflows (care, connect, explore, serve) from forms, from attendance, from tagAll in one Robust registrations for eventsGroups that remind leaders to mark attendanceMetrics and dashboardsWorkflowsAutomationsGiving integrated with database rather than tithely and xero. tax statements that can be sent and can integrate bank info from xero.Robust system, apps work, online, speed, bugsCalendar for managing room bookings, venue hireFormsClean easy to use aestheticBig company, unlikely to be sold or close down.Manages duplicates wellSecureCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by EA InsuranceThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Nobody signs up for ministry to get excited about governance, but ignore it and you'll end up running in circles. In this episode we dive into the practical side of governance in ministry, why it matters for healthy churches, and how to navigate common roadblocks.How governance and ecclesiology interact, and why your church DNA matters from the startWhen decision-making structures hinder ministry rather than support itLitmus tests for spotting governance issues, including meetings, budget allocation, and leadership capacityHow to decentralise responsibility effectively while staying faithful to your theological convictionsPractical strategies for legal compliance, staffing, and resource management to support growthTOOLBOX:The Elder-Led Church by Murray CapillA Church Consult -> (Reach Australia's Church Consult)CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Lending Hands Mortgage BrokersThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

If the emotional side of ministry keeps catching you off guard, it’s worth paying attention to what that might reveal about your own emotional intelligence. Scott Sanders and Jo Gibbs look at the practical side of emotional intelligence, why it matters for everyday ministry, and what gets in the way of developing it.What low EQ looks like in normal, everyday interactionsHow a leader’s reactions influence the tone of a teamWhy some ministry cultures downplay emotions and how that limits growthWays to spot your own physical and behavioural cues under pressureA simple framework for restoring a relationship after you’ve handled something poorlyTOOLBOX:Ep 330 Why EQ is the Edge Every Leader Needs (Part 1) by Pete StedmanEp 331 Why EQ is the Edge Every Leader Needs (Part 2) by Pete StedmanEmotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanEmotional Intelligence 2.0 by Dr. Travis Bradberry and Dr. Jean GreavesCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by QuizworxThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

When your senior pastor isn’t leading — or at least, not leading well — what should you actually do? Today we drill into that tension without sugarcoating it. It’s not just about calling someone out, but about understanding yourself, your role, and how to navigate tricky dynamics without blowing things up or burning out.How your own wiring shapes the frustration you feelClear signs of an actual leadership gap, not just normal frictionWhy senior leaders may stall under pressureThe unavoidable paradoxes built into second-chair rolesHow to challenge a call without turning it personalWhen and how to raise concerns so the conversation stays productiveTOOLBOX:Leading from the Second Chair by Mike Bonem and Roger PattersonHow to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay ScrogginsPaul Harrington’s talk on Humility in Team Ministry Part 1Paul Harrington’s talk on Humility in Team Ministry Part 2Team Development ProgramCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Public prayer often gets treated like a warm-up act in church. But what if it’s one of the most spiritually potent moments in the whole service? Natalie Ray wants us to stop coasting and start leading prayers that actually lead.Why public prayer is often flat — and how to fix itWhat changes when we treat prayer as intercession, not narrationThe real reason your church probably struggles with prayerHow the Lord’s Prayer can reshape more than just the words we sayNatalie leads the Magnification and Maturity ministries at Toongabbie Anglican ChurchTOOL BOX:Prayerfulness by Peter AdamPreparing to Lead Intercessions in Church by Peter AdamBe Thou My Vision by Jonathan GibsonOperation WorldEvery Moment HolyCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by YouthworksThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Acronyms might save time, but are they costing us people? Dominic Steele wants pastors to rethink their acronym addiction — not just because it’s annoying, but because it is anti-gospel.Why church leaders cling to acronyms that no one understandBiblical principles that challenge coded languageHow acronyms can quietly push people away from churchThe hidden arrogance behind insider shorthandPractical ways to audit your church’s insider languageDominic is the senior pastor of Village Church in Annandale and the host of The Pastors Heart.TOOL BOX:Reach Australia DigitalThe Pastors HeartDo an audit of your ministry today!CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Most ministry teams don’t fall apart because of conflict. They often drift because people stop showing up — in body, heart, or prayer.In this episode, Dave Moore talks about what helps teams become healthy, dependable, and deeply Christian. He unpacks the four things that make a team worth being part of — the kind that actually helps people follow Jesus together.In this episode:The four things every team needs to get rightThe quiet crisis of people in ministry who’ve stopped showing upWhat happens when Christians act like Christians in conflict and frustrationWhy your team needs a prayer, not just a vision statementHow one personality tool helped a team move from endless “I wonder…” meetings to real progressDave Moore became a Christian through SRE at primary school. Dave is the Executive Pastor at Hunter Bible Church in Newcastle. He is also an author and the Founding Director of Safe Ministry Check online.TOOL BOX:The Team Member’s Handbook by Dave MooreThe Team Leader’s Handbook by Dave MooreEpisode 393 Handing Volunteer Team Leaders Responsibility with Dave MooreCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Safe Ministry CheckThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Young men are trickling back into churches, but are they here to stay — and are we ready for them? Steve McAlpine joins to unpack the subtle but significant shifts in cultural currents and what churches must rethink to disciple a new kind of Christian convert.Key points:Why Google searches for “Bible” and “Christianity” are spiking — and what it might mean.The end of nominalism and the rise of “full-fat” faith.What young men are really looking for when they show up at church.Why Sunday attendance and midweek group aren’t enough.The critical role of Christian households in modeling a different life.Why tone, not just truth, matters more than ever.Stephen McAlpine worked as a National Communicator for City Bible Forum, and was also pastoring a church in Perth. He has degrees in journalism and theology and enjoys combining the two through writing and blogging, especially on matters of church planting and cultural negotiation for Christians in the increasingly complex West.TOOL BOX:Disruptive Witness by Alan NobleYou Are Not Your Own by Alan NobleFirst Things – journal of religion and public life“Full Fat Faith” article by James Marriott (The Times, UK)Wes Huff – Christian apologist (his YouTube channel)Questioning Christianity by Dan PatersonStephen's Substack  – a great place to start working through a platform for cultural commentary and analysisCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

AI is knocking at the church door. Do we let it in? We debate that topic today with Emma Wilkins and Paul Matthews as they wrestle with how pastors and gospel workers can engage with AI.AI is knocking at the church door. Do we let it in? We debate that topic right here today, hear arguments from both Emma Wilkins and Paul Matthews as they wrestle with how pastors and gospel workers can engage with AI.Highlights:Healthy debate on AI’s benefits and risksConcerns about replacing human creativity and relationshipsAI as a tool for translation, accessibility, and teachingThe importance of pastoral transparency and trustCalling churches to keep teaching what it means to be humanPaul Matthews is a teacher, AI tech founder and consultant. He is a regular keynote speaker for education conferences, Ed Tech festivals, and spoke at TEDxHobart in 2024.Emma Wilkins is Tasmanian journalist and freelance writer. Emma is also an Associate for the Centre for Public Christianity, and serves on the AFES (Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students) board of directors. She attends Crossroads Presbyterian Church.TOOL BOX:Five Lies of the AI World by Paul MatthewsMade in Our Image by Stephen DriscollTOT Ep 398 on Sunflower AI technologyArticles on managing AI change and discipleshipPaul’s TEDx talkCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Stanton DahlThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Ministry wives carry unseen pressures and influence. It’s the role no one defines but everyone watches. Cathie Heard talks about what ministry wives are really carrying, and why support can’t wait.We cover:The ambiguity of a pastor’s wife’s role and the hidden pressures it createsWhat gospel coaching really is (and what it’s not)The strange tension of being influential but unseenWhat churches risk by ignoring this groupHow coaching helps women ask better questions — of themselves and othersTOOL BOX:Wives Network - Reach AustraliaChurch Planting PodcastCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

If your preaching only speaks to Christians, you're missing half the room. Al Stewart lays out why preaching to both believers and unbelievers is not optional. It is essential for any church that wants to grow through gospel impact. This is a sharp call to lift your preaching game, build a culture of invitation, and make every sermon count for eternity.What’s discussed:• Why preaching should always assume two audiences• How to critique worldviews without alienating people• Preaching Psalm 1 to Christians and non-Christians• How to handle historical books like Chronicles• The importance of trust for invitation culture• Practical tips for preparation and next steps• What small groups can learn from this modelTOOL BOX:This week we recommend you find your own passage and think about how you’ll apply it to two different audiencesFor a great example check out: Preaching by Tim KellerCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by EA InsuranceThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Churches often revolve around couples and families, but what message does that send to the growing number of single Christians? This episode unpacks the hidden assumptions behind “couples bias” and what it means to build churches where singles aren’t just welcomed, but necessary. We cover:Why the nuclear family isn’t the centre of church lifeHow singleness points to eternity, just like marriageWhat pastors miss when they overlook single adultsEasy fixes that do more harm than goodHow married people can be better friends to singlesThe challenge to name all the single people in your churchRev. Dr Danielle (Dani) Treweek is a theological researcher, author, and speaker with a focus on singleness, sexuality, and worldview formation. She leads the Single Minded ministry and serves as Sydney Anglican Diocesan Research Officer. She writes for Christianity Today, ABC Religion & Ethics, and The Gospel Coalition Australia.TOOL BOX:The Meaning of Singleness by Danielle TreweekSingle Ever After by Danielle TreweekDani’s website with further resourcesNo Greater Love by Rebecca McLaughlinCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by YouthworksThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

City life changes the way small groups work. Jess Ngo from Scots Presbyterian Church Sydney shares what she’s learned leading groups in the CBD — where people move in and out quickly, apartments are small, and the community is incredibly multicultural.She talks about why they meet at the church building, how they keep studies short and sharp, and why raising up new leaders every year is so important.Jess shares how they’ve adapted — meeting at the church building, keeping studies tight, and raising leaders every year — and why it matters to shape groups for your own context.Jess is a pastoral assistant of Scots Presbyterian Church in the middle of the Sydney CBD.TOOLBOX:Ep 418 Measuring small group health with Richard SweatmanEp 419 Are small groups a strategy with Silas ThiemLeading Small Groups that Thrive by Hartwig, Davis and SniffScots Hub Leadership DescriptionCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by ChurchSuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Where do small groups come from and why does it matter? Silas Thiem explores the origins of small groups in focussing on Sydney churches, highlighting how cultural shifts and para-church movements helped shape their development. It’s a reminder that small groups weren’t always about structured Bible study—they started as spaces for connection. This episode asks whether they’re still the right tool for the job, or if it's time to rethink how they function in the life of the church.Silas Thiem is the equipping minister at St Alban's Lindfield in the North Shore of Sydney.TOOLBOX:"The Origins of the Home Group in Sydney Anglican Churches, from Unfamiliar to Indispensable" Lucas, Vol 3 no. 4 Dec 2024, p 152-186. Lucas is the journal of the Evangelical History Association.Ep 418 Measuring small group health with Richard SweatmanCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by TrellisThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

How do you actually measure whether small groups are actually working? Richard Sweatman from Hunter Bible Church joins us to unpack what matters most – from clarifying purpose, to tracking attendance trends, to assessing leader health, group dynamics, and individual growth. He shares practical tips as well as pitfalls to avoid when appointing leaders or multiplying groups.TOOLBOX:Example survey for measuring group healthLeading Small Groups That Thrive by Ryan T. Hartwig, Courtney W. Davis and Jason A. SniffRichard’s Review of Leading Small Groups That ThriveUnmissable Church by Richard Sweatman and Antony BarracloughBeing a Small Group Leader by Richard SweatmanWriting a Small Group Study by Richard SweatmanCREDITS:The One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online libraryThis episode was brought to you by Youthworks