The South New South Wales (SNSW) Conference has held its constituency meeting, returning all three officers to their positions on Sunday, September 17.
Pastor Mike Faber was returned as Conference president while Calvin Drinkall, general secretary, and Gavin Howie, chief financial officer, were also returned in their roles.
“It is always a humbling experience when one is asked to take on a leadership position in God’s Church,” said Pastor Faber. “At the same time, it is an honour to be of service for God and the administration team of the SNSW Conference appreciates the confidence that the delegates expressed in us through their vote.”
The SNSW Conference also fell in line with the rest of Australia, voting to change its constitution to extend the term of office from three years to four, effective immediately. This means all conferences are now on a four-year term.
The meeting was attended by delegates from around the Conference, as well as Australian Union Conference (AUC) officers and South Pacific Division president Pastor Glenn Townend.
“Congratulations to Mike Faber, Calvin Drinkall and Gavin Howie on your re-appointment, you certainly have very strong support from your Conference for your continued leadership,” said AUC secretary Pastor Michael Worker, who also attended the meetings.
Unusually for a business session, the day started with a reconciliation ceremony as Griffith church publicly apologised to the Conference and those pastors they have wronged in the past.
During the past 12 months, the Conference administration team has visited each of the nine regions twice, identifying five major objectives: community involvement, evangelism, small groups, mentoring young leaders and training.
“Prayer is the overarching theme that binds these objectives together,” said Pastor Faber. “The Conference and the local churches will work together to hold each other accountable for implementing these initiatives.”
The afternoon was dedicated to strategic planning around these objectives, with delegates breaking into five groups and reflecting on the strategic focus of the Conference. These are the areas the Conference will focus on in the next four years and the recommendations were voted on by the delegates to conclude the session.
“We are committed to move the SNSW Conference forward and ask for God’s wisdom and guidance,” said Pastor Faber.
