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

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

Across Australia, church buildings sit underused or sold off—while church planters struggle to find space to gather. These buildings, raised by past generations, could potentially be a lifeline for thriving plants.In this episode, we explore questions of stewardship, the identity challenges facing struggling churches, and practical models—from rentals to mergers—that could keep these spaces serving gospel purposes for decades to come.TOOLBOX:Contact: derek.hanna@reachaustralia.com.au How can your church be involved in church plantingCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by ExdiaThe 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

Who needs to be in the room? How to choose the right voices for strategic conversations, spot unproductive meetings, avoid groupthink, and build trust-filled, high-functioning teams.Key Points:Symptoms of the “wrong people” in a meeting: conflict, stagnation, or too much agreementWhy character, teachability, and team culture matter more than titlesHow to navigate shifting roles with humility and clarityPractical frameworks (like Myers-Briggs types or Thinking Hats) to build balanced teamsThe danger of filling rooms with people who think just like youTOOL BOX:Ep 404 Three dysfunctional types of teams and how to fix themEp 383 You're better at this than me and other phrases build-teamsEp 357 Inheriting and building teams (Ray Galea)Ep 387 How to run a meeting CREDITS: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

Is prayer the most neglected part of ministry? In this episode, Peter Adam challenges our prayerlessness as a form of worldliness and warns that pastors must lead in prayer—not just in godliness or preaching. We explore why our prayers are often shallow, how pre-written prayers can train us to pray with greater depth, and why ignoring prayer in meetings and leadership is a missed opportunity. Peter also digs into what unanswered prayer reveals about our self-centred assumptions.Peter Adam is a retired theologian who was previously principal at Ridley College and is now Vicar Emeritus of St Jude's Carlton in MelbournePrayerlessness is a form of worldlinessPastors must lead in prayer, not just godliness or preaching.We need more varied and theologically rich prayersPre-written prayers (like those in the Prayer Book) train us to pray wellPrayerlessness in meetings and leadership is a missed opportunityUnanswered prayer reveals our self-centred assumptionsTOOLBOX:Prayerfulness by Peter Adam Peter Adam’s website with further resources on prayerGospel Coalition article on leading intercessions in church.CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Lending HandsThe 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 can movies open the door to meaningful conversations about faith?Russ Matthews from Reel Dialogue joins us to share how films can help spark gospel conversations in everyday life. We talk about why asking good questions and listening well matters, how couples can partner in mission together, and what Russ has learned from using mainstream movies as a starting point for sharing Jesus.The power of asking good questions and listening in evangelismWhy Russ wrote Real Marriage as a story, not a manualHow couples can work together for mission in everyday lifeUsing mainstream movies as conversation starters for faithWhat Reel Dialogue offers churches: resources, training, and events TOOLBOX:Reel Dialogue – Movie reviews, discussion guides, training, and eventsBooks:Reel MarriageThe Word Becomes FilmThe Maker’s Quest (for teens)TOT 295 Reel DialogueFree book giveaway: email resources@reachaustralia.com.au with your addressCREDITS: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

Multiplication—it sounds bold, ambitious, risky… maybe even unrealistic. But is it? Should every church, including yours, be involved multiplication. Derek and Scott unpack what holds churches back from multiplying, whether you're in the city or regional areas, in a large church or a small church.What do we mean by multiplication?What stops people thinking about multiplication in terms of convictions, culture and constructs?What are the options for a church to be involved in church planting if they are not ready to plant?TOOLBOX:Church Multiplication Hub – where your church fits on the multiplication spectrumChurch Planting Australia PodcastMultisite workshop PlaylistCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Try Fruit 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

What happens when denominational leaders get in the same room to talk about gospel growth in Australia?In this episode, Derek and Scott reflect on a recent national gathering hosted by The Gospel Coalition—a moment of unity, clarity, and challenge.A bold vision was laid down: double the number of Reformed evangelicals in Australia over twenty years.Why Reformed evangelical Christians rather than all Christians?Why is this a 20 year vision?What needs to happen in the local church to make this happen?Why this needs to be more about doing than just talkingWhat are some of the ways we can be doing together?TOOLBOX:Join the Reach Australia prayer group to pray for Australia and monthly newsletters to keep up to date.Reach Australia VisionPlace mission at the centre of your church Now-Where-How Planning ToolCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Stanton Dahl ArchitectsThe 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

Carla and Corey Matthews have been part of two church plant launch teams — not as planters or staff, but as everyday church members offering time, energy, and faith. In this episode, they share:Why they said yes (twice!) to joining a launch teamHow it shaped their spiritual livesWhat it’s really like to serve on a team from day oneThe costs and sacrifices of leaving a comfortable churchAnd why church plants need more than just plantersWhether you're curious about church planting or wondering how God might use you, this honest conversation is for you.Carla and Corey helped launch Cornerstone Anglican Church Box Hill, Sydney and Rouse Hill Anglican Church, Sydney.TOOLBOX:TOT 375 Learning from two new churches that launched in 2024Church Planting Australia PodcastOpportunities to PlantCREDITS: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 Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Planting a multisite church is like swimming in medium water. It’s a stretch—without the fear of drowning. Jade Hajj unpacks how planting Rockdale as a campus of Grace City has given him space to grow in ministry while being deeply supported by a strong team and solid structures.Highlights:A multisite plant offers training wheels without being a tricycleThe two main things for a multisite church to workJade's personal journeyWhy bootcamp was usefulTOOLBOXTOT 375 Learning from two new churches that launched in 2024Church Planting Australia PodcastGospel Workers QuestionnaireChurch Planters QuestionnaireMultisite workshop PlaylistCREDITS: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

Preparing the next generation for ministry is an important role for any gospel worker, but it can be hard to get started or not be distracted. The Ministry Training Strategy (MTS), as an entity, has honed their expertise to training the trainer. A part of that is expanding out the vision of what a MTS trainee can be. Clare, in particular, assisting trainers with considering hiring female apprentices.James Hoey is Director of Partnerships and Clare Merkel is Ministry Training for Women Partnership Developer.They are helping people to think about:VisionIncomeStrategyAdminTOOLBOX:The MTS websiteThe MTS Trainer PathwayEager to Serve by Ray GaleaCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by The Ministry Training StrategyThe 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

Second chair leadership is someone who leads with influence without being the senior leader. Most church staff are second chair leaders, but it’s often misunderstood as waiting in the wings for primary leadership. Teams can flourish when this role is understood.Here are some questions we’ll be answering:What are the long term benefits of second chair roles?What attributes are vital in second chair leadership?What kind of training and/or coaching is needed for this role?Senior leaders, what can you implement?How does a culture of flexibility and support enhance effectiveness?TOOLBOX:Who is a Second Chair Leader by Jo GibbsLeading from the Second Chair by Bonem and PattersonHow to Lead When Your Boss Can’t (Or Won’t) by MaxwellHow to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by ScrogginsTeam Development ProgramCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by the Leadership Development ProgramThe 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

What can we do when the candidate pool is so shallow? While the pressure is on when you’re short staffed, you don’t want to compromise or take shortcuts. It involves prayer, planning and cultivating a positive church culture.It’s important to set realistic expectations about the process of developing team members.How long can recruitment take?What can the recruitment process look like?How can your church get involved in the recruitment process?How to utilise existing networks and relationships?What are some creative approaches to attract candidates?How to develop a process that’ll ensure future ministry leaders?How can a strong church culture make your teams appealing?TOOLBOX:Leadership pipeline ebookContact us about leadership cohortsSee the resources around youSee the resource in your churchCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Team Development ProgramThe 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