Sent out as a praying church: highlights from the 39th Synod

Five days of worship, honest conversation and hope – and a celebration of the people who make ministry happen 

Members from across Queensland didn’t arrive at the 39th Synod with easy answers. They came with big questions – about renewal, local ministry and the next generation – and a shared commitment to bring them before God together. 

Under the theme ‘Renewal: Praying Without Ceasing’, Moderator Rev Bruce Moore invited everyone to “listen deeply and prayerfully and discern God’s will together”. Over five days, that’s exactly what they did. 

It began with thanks 

On Thursday 22 October, the Celebration of Ministries Service at Albert Street Uniting Church honoured ministers who have retired, welcomed those newly ordained and remembered, with gratitude, those who have died since the last Synod. It was a beautiful reminder that renewal is built on generations of faithful service. 

The next evening, members gathered at C3 Powerhouse on the Sunshine Coast to worship together and ask God for wisdom, patience and direction for the days ahead. 

Listening well to one another 

Members considered proposals to bring Queensland’s seven presbyteries into three and strengthen the resources behind them – all with one simple hope: better support for our congregations, faith communities and ministry leaders. In Yarning Circles, they talked openly about what this could mean, including the uncertainty that change can bring. 

Other proposals looked at how appointments and elections are made, and how the Church might use artificial intelligence (AI) wisely in ministry and mission. 

Learning to see again 

In the Norman and Mary Millar Lecture, Rev Toby Thomas gently invited congregations to notice what God is already doing in their neighbourhoods. Rather than reaching first for programs, he spoke of curiosity and compassion – listening to our communities, recognising the gifts people bring and making our traditions more accessible. 

Young leaders, here and now 

Some of the most energising moments came from younger voices. A panel hosted by Amelia Guyatt, with Mitch Guyatt, Rachel Hanson, TJ Scanlan and Lachlan Whybird-Capern, challenged members to go beyond welcoming young people – to forming, including and empowering them to lead. Austin Mann and Lysani Palley were celebrated with 2026 Young Community Leader Awards. 

A session by Scott Guyatt, Hannah Legge and Jess Pinkerton, from the Mission Accompanying Team, presenting Engaging Younger Generations report provided a snapshot of how Uniting Church congregations and faith communities across Queensland are currently engaging in ministry with children, youth and young adults. Prepared as part of the Synod’s wider commitment to renewal and growth, it is intended to inform the next stage of thinking, planning and support in this area.  

Holding lament and hope together 

Reports from across the Church – from formation and community services to ministry with First Peoples – showed the breadth of our life and service. There was honesty, too: renewal brings new possibilities and real loss. In a moving prayer of lament, the Moderator named the pain of rural and remote communities, and the wounds of dispossession and broken trust experienced by First Nations peoples. 

“In this season of renewal, may we never become so focused on what comes next that we will fail to care for those who are hurting now.” – Moderator Rev Bruce Moore 

That evening, a night of prayer featuring diverse voices brought everyone back to the heart of it all. 

Turning an event into a habit 

On the final day, Ps Sono Weatherall reminded members that renewal isn’t a moment to celebrate and leave behind. “The early believers took that wildfire, the wildfire of Pentecost, and brought it into the fireplace of daily communion,” she said. “They turned an event into a habit.” 

She shared the story of Zillmere Uniting Church, where a run-down building carried painful memories for some Elders of the Aboriginal missions. Rather than pushing for solutions, a small group prayed and fasted together, month after month: “Father, we don't know, but You know.” 

About nine months later, a pastor from another Christian church felt prompted to reach out. Volunteers – including a master builder experienced in heritage restoration – repaired the building, restored the fence and grounds and planted community gardens, at no cost to the congregation. Prayer, faithfulness and the wider Church, working beautifully together. 

Making room for new churches 

That same spirit of possibility filled the church planting update from Scott Guyatt, Rev Ralph Mayhew and Adam Legge. The goal is 40 new churches in 10 years – six are already planted and 10 more are in development. A new church might begin with a Bible study in a café, a home church or a community meal. As Scott put it: “This is not the work of the Synod. This is the work of all of us.” 

Every congregation is invited to explore the Seven Phases of Church Planting and find its part – through prayer, giving, sharing experience or helping a new community grow. 

What Synod decided 

After prayerful discernment and honest, thoughtful discussion, Synod approved three general proposals (GPs): 

• GP1: Presbytery Capacity Model, with amendments to the groupings within the three presbyteries 

• GP2: Resourcing Flourishing Presbyteries 

• GP4: AI in Ministry and Mission 

We also heard the heart’s cry of the people of Tuvalu in relation to impact of rising waters in the Pacific Islands. This was mentioned in both the Moderator's report and the report of the President of the Assembly. A proposal was passed which called on the 39th Synod to raise awareness of the climate impacts facing Tuvalu and Torres Strait communities and advocate for governments to work with First Nations peoples and draw on their knowledge of caring for Country in responding to ocean warming, sea-level rise and bushfire risk. 

Due to time constraints, GP3 was “folded”, meaning the proposed changes to appointments and elections were not voted on and won’t proceed. 

We know decisions like these raise questions – especially for those whose work and lives they touch most closely. Behind every structure and every proposal are people who have given their time, gifts and hearts to the life of our Church. The same spirit of care and respect that shaped Synod’s conversations will guide how we put these decisions into practice. 

What happens next 

For the presbytery capacity and resourcing proposals, it will be business as usual until 30 June 2027, giving us all time to prepare well. The new presbytery model will begin on, or close to, 1 July 2027. 

For the AI proposal, a working group will be formed to guide the next steps, and we’ll share more as the work progresses. 

Commissioned and sent 

The final day also brought much appreciation, as 14 recipients of the Moderator’s Medal were announced – people whose contributions to the life and mission of the Church will be celebrated at presentations later on. Synod gave heartfelt thanks to the government representatives, volunteers, event staff and worship team who made it all possible. 

Synod ended as it began – in worship, with a Farewell to Country, prayer and communion shared from handmade paper clay chalices that had graced the tables. 

“The fire's here. We are commissioned now. We're being sent and commissioned as a praying church.” – Ps Sono Weatherall 

Over these five days, prayer became far more than a theme. It became the way we faced hard questions, listened to one another and discerned together. And discernment is shared work – it doesn’t end when the meeting closes. Now the work of renewal continues – in congregations, schools, community services and ministries right across Queensland. 

We’ll keep you informed and involved at every stage as these proposals move forward. Just as Synod made space for every voice, we want to keep hearing yours – if you have questions or concerns, please email us at communications@ucaqld.com.au. 

So, here’s a question to carry home: where is God already at work around you?