2. About
  3. Presbytery Capacity Project

At the 38th Synod meeting, the Synod approved a “Renewal & Growth” strategy, reaffirming our shared ambition and focussing on five strategic foundations for the Synod until 2028. One of those foundations is ‘Flourishing Presbyteries’. The Presbytery Capacity project looks at how presbyteries in the Queensland Synod can more effectively support and encourage congregations and faith communities, with the goal of helping the church grow and renew. To achieve this, the project will gather feedback in different ways and work towards creating a proposal for the 39th Synod regarding the future composition and functioning of Presbyteries within the Synod. 

Stage One – Presbytery Capacity Discussion Paper

At each Presbytery meeting in October and November, there will be a presentation and discussion time facilitated by Synod office leaders around the Presbytery Capacity Project. To facilitate these times of collaboration and feedback, a discussion paper has been created outlining the current state, the challenges and opportunities, and some examples of possible ways forward.

This paper invites everyone to share their thoughts on the topics raised. It encourages a shared commitment to helping grow presbytery capacity, for the sake of renewal across the whole church. By working together, the church can answer God’s call for renewal and growth, especially through congregations and faith communities. The paper will be circulated with presbytery papers, and is also available for reading below:

Stage One of the project is now complete. Thank you to everyone who participated throughout the initial presbytery consultations and provided feedback. Your continued voice is vital to our flourishing as a church. 

Stage Two – Draft Proposals

Two draft proposals have now been sent to Presbyteries for formal consultation ahead of the first round of 2026 Presbytery meetings. Presbyteries will have until 31 May 2026 to respond with a submission to the Synod Standing Committee.

 

Stage Three – Feedback and Final Proposal

Feedback submissions from each Presbytery were supplied by the deadline of 31 May. This feedback is currently being worked through by the project group and will help inform the final proposal to be presented by Synod Standing Committee to the 39th Synod. Planning for an implementation roadmap will begin shortly, as will further consultation – including online town hall meetings – to provide detail and clarity on what these changes may look like if adopted by Synod.

A detailed project timeline is available on page 6 and 7 in the Discussion Paper.

PLAY YOUR PART

How to participate

The Presbytery Capacity Project invites the whole church in Queensland to be part of this process of collaboration and co-creation. Your input is vital to our discernment together and there are a number of ways you can play your part:

  • PRAY – Pray for wisdom and discernment for our Church
  • ENGAGE – Read the Discussion Paper, taking time to reflect on the issues, the questions and the possibilities
  • ATTEND – Attend presbytery meetings over the coming months and come ready to participate and contribute
  • REFLECT – Take the time to prayerfully reflect on the ideas and our future as a church
  • HAVE YOUR SAY – Feedback on the Draft Proposals have now closed and stage two of the project is complete. Your prayers are greatly appreciated as the project team prepare the final proposals.