Jenan Taylor
14 March 2024
Ministry workers have the chance to learn how to better reach people at the margins through peer support and learning at an upcoming conference.
Surrender 2024 hopes to equip workers to build better relationships with disadvantaged community members, and avoid burnout.
The conference aims to provide ministry workers with the resources and peer connections they might need for better outreach with people in need.
Read more: ‘Churches are uniquely positioned to prevent, respond and heal’
Surrender Co Community Engagement director Daniel A’Vard said it was important to enable workers to approach the sometimes-difficult work Jesus wanted them to do well and with love.
He said the conference aimed to encourage people who worked at the frontlines to feel they weren’t alone working in a challenging space.
He said it aimed to help people build communities of practice they could lean on and do complementary work with.
Mr A’Vard said the festival would feature workshops and key speakers, including Indigenous women’s economic inclusion expert Cindy Mitchell and community development advocate Jayden Battey.
Mr Battey said his presentation would focus on the importance of developing equitable relationships with the people ministry workers supported.
It would draw on his experiences living with and walking alongside people on the margins in a community housing complex.
Read more: Victorians gather to lift their eyes at Summer Under the Son
He said there could often be an imbalance in the relationship between workers and the people they supported, and it was important the workers recognised the need for mutual respect and trust.
Faith and mental health workshop presenter Chris Durie said it was important community outreach workers considered their own mental wellbeing to avoid burnout, as they often struggled.
“People working in ministry have higher burnout rates. The turnover could be high and people could drop out of ministry prematurely and part of the reason is their own mental health struggles,” Mr Durie said.
Mr A’Vard said there would also be a panel discussion about what it was like to live in a world with escalating conflict, while seeking a just peace.
He said a major aim was to show support for many people who were seeking a sense of healing and peace because it had been a tough year for many, including Indigenous people.
He said the gathering would also offer a small art prize to encourage artists who engage with peace and justice issues to come to the conference.
Surrender takes place on 22 and 23 March. More information is available at: surrender.org.au.
For more faith news, follow The Melbourne Anglican on Facebook, Instagram, or subscribe to our weekly emails.
