
6 January 2025
Here’s another round of our favourite features of 2024, including Melbourne cult encounters, ministries making a difference in surprising places, an unexpected TV appearance, and playful speculation on the next archbishop!
Twelve hours of Bible study a week, no questions: Melbourne cult encounters
Chris Varughese and Georgia Barron shared their encounters with Shincheonji, a South Korean high-control religious group.
Both were drawn into intensive Bible studies, faced theological red flags, and ultimately found freedom and deeper faith after leaving through God’s grace.
They’re retired, but not from gospel work

BCA Nomads coordinators Greg and Jocelyn Lay have dedicated their retirement to supporting remote ministry workers across rural Australia.
From maintaining church buildings to offering emotional and spiritual support, the Lays live out the Nomads’ mission of meaningful service through travel.
‘Showing God’s love in hard places’: The ministry that captivated Stephen

The Reverend Stephen Delbridge spent 22 years as a hospital chaplain, embodying God’s presence for patients and families in their most vulnerable moments.
Though his role ended when funding was cut, his ministry remains a testament to the profound impact of spiritual care on healing and human connection.
Melbourne church turns refuge for hunted couple

When reality TV contestants Andy and Deb Dunt knocked on Reverend Randle Bond’s door during Hunted, his church became an unexpected refuge.
This one was not penned by a staffer, but it gave us such a laugh, we thought it deserved a spot here!
Peter is taking to the streets, to invite guests to the banquet

Kitchen coordinator for City on a Hill’s mercy ministry Many Rooms Peter Sellars shares meals and the gospel with Melbourne’s socially disadvantaged.
Through practical support and heartfelt connections, his work reflectes Christ’s love, offering hope and dignity to those often overlooked.
Why our next archbishop will (probably) be called Jason

Who will Melbourne’s next archbishop be? Drawing on historical patterns, this piece playfully explores the traits and trends that might shape the diocese’s future leader.
‘We’re here!’ What Rob wants you to know about prison chaplains

Senior Chaplain for Anglican Criminal Justice Ministry the Reverend Rob Ferguson provides spiritual care and support in prisons across Victoria.
His work focuses on fostering healing in relationships with God, others, creation, and self while witnessing God’s grace transform lives behind the prison walls.
Christianity ‘renews our culture’: Anglican Iranian ministers

Former Iranian refugees the Reverends Hoda Ameri and Kaveh Hassanzadeh lead a new Farsi-speaking congregation in Reservoir.
Their vision extends beyond their community, creating a multicultural ministry where diverse languages and traditions celebrate God’s glory.
Thank you for joining us as we revisited our favourite stories from 2024!
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