Our team had the privilege of observing the gospel partnership between St Peter’s Anglican Church Campbelltown and Macarthur Indigenous Church which began in 2011. Together these churches share land, some support structures, and a love for the Lord Jesus.
At different points in the week each pastor, Nigel Fortescue and Michael Dukket, shared with our team about the joys and the struggles of working together. There were two perspectives, not two stories. Three things stood out.
Firstly, this partnership is characterised by humility. These pastors acknowledge the mistakes they have made and the mistakes that are to come. Due to different ministry styles, cultural backgrounds, and human sinfulness, they know mistakes are inevitable. But they are committed to each other. They are willing to listen, say sorry, and persevere. These men work together and humbly seek to put the other before themselves.
Secondly, this partnership is characterised by respect for the other. These pastors do things so very differently. From the way they set a vision to the way they structure their ministries. From the way they build relationships to the way they view time. But each respects the other’s method, they don’t get in each other’s way, and they expect to learn from each other.
Thirdly and most significantly, this partnership is characterised by a love for the lost. These pastors have the same heart, the same mission. They want to spread the good news of Jesus in Campbelltown and surrounding areas. They want to see lost people saved. They pray together towards this end.
These pastors, these Church congregations, they share more than just property. They share a deep love for the Lord Jesus and a desire to do his work. Without humility, respect, and a love for the lost this partnership would never have started, nor will it persevere. Praise God for the amazing work he is doing in Campbelltown.
