Report written by Reverend Melinda McMahon, Conference Co-ordinator
Having received wonderful feedback from those who attended the second Anglicans Ablaze conference at St Mary’s Bardon, it is now time to report on this refreshingly reigniting event!
Although being Conference Organiser, I had to return to my own parish at Southlakes Anglican just after the third session on Saturday Morning. As I flew back to Morisset, I waited patiently for others to send me photos and reports on how the conference progressed – and indeed, it did not report.
Bishop Ian opened the conference with his inspiring message We Worship a Supernatural God, sharing many personal stories of God’s miraculous movements in his own life, and while on SOMA missions over the years. Bishop Ian invited us to step out of comfort zone in faithful trust that God would move us to places where he could be glorified to a great degree. Friday night ended in a ministry time, where leaders and participants were welcomed to receive prayers and prophetic words. Many took up this invitation, desiring to move into places of great trust of our miraculous God.
Then on Saturday morning, Bishop Tim Harris shared a wonderful overview of “Freedom of Life in the Spirit” based on Paul’s letter to the Romans, giving particular attention to Chapter 8. I wasn’t the only one taking copious notes as Bishop Tim shared insights comparing the beginning of Paul’s letter with the ending. It was a tremendous time of learning.
Then I, Reverend Melinda, shared my personal experience of “Being Led by the Spirit in the Local Church”. While I had planned to share on our journey at Southlakes Anglican of introducing a new charismatic evening service to an otherwise traditional congregation, the Spirit led me in another direction. Having personally travelled through a tumultuous time at my own parish, {the Spirit always leads us on adventures, doesn’t he?), I shared a newly received analogy of what it is like to lead a parish towards spirit-led worship, taking into consideration all the facets of parish life. Many of the ministers present shared how this analogy helped them in their own context.
Then, we broke for morning tea, provided generously by the saints of St Mary’s Bardon, before regrouping to learn more about Moving in the Prophetic with new Church Planter Rose-Maree Males. In what can only be described as an extremely informative and well-balanced presentation, Rose shared how God communicates with us and important principles for us to heed to as we move more in using the gift of prophecy in our local church.
Even before Rose finished her presentation, I had to leave to catch my flight back to Newcastle. Here are some of the reports I received from those who lingered longer in the worship atmosphere.
Bishop Ian shared: Wow Wow! I am so sad you missed the rest.
Reverend Mark McDonald’s personal presentation on Lingering in the Spirit significantly impacted dozens of those present, with some remarking it was “unbelievable”. Mark spoke with quiet passion and tears about the need to be in God’s presence. When Mark invited us to be ‘in God’s presence’, the Holy Spirit came in gentle loving power. Many were weeping and receiving God’s gracious love. Bishop Ian shared that he personally experienced God’s love in a fresh way.
Although most wanted to continue lingering in the atmosphere of worship, the program requested we gird our loins for the Electives. Although it was difficult to decide which one to attend, I’ll share the feedback I received from different people of how they experienced the entire conference.
K Payne shared –
Thank you so much for a wonderful conference. Although I was only there for the Saturday day sessions, it was truly a blessing to attend and be in the presence of God. Your sessions were so insightful and gave me much joy and peace. The teaching was amazing, I took down notes that I need to review and photos of some of the slides – it would be good to get a copy of the slides – not sure if these are available? The session with Rose on listening to God and prophecy really helped me to know how to slow down my brain through centred prayer and just be in a still quiet place to hear God’s words. I brought three lovely ladies down from my church who I know but now know much better and found that a great way for the 1 1/2 hrs drive there and back to get to know them all. Again, thanks so much for a wonderful experience.
Reverend Trevor Butler shared –
Having ministered in the area of healing and deliverance for 35 years and taught the same for many years as a board member and past National chaplain of OSL Healing Ministries, I was very impressed with the teaching and the way it was delivered by every speaker. It would be difficult to fit anything extra in because of the time schedule. It was refreshing to hear speakers who believed the Scriptures and taught accordingly and to know that there are leaders in the Anglican Church who are true to the Gospel message.
John Wanstall Shared –
thank you for all your work with Anglicans Ablaze. As a member of Bardon since Rev Richard Bowie’s days (1974-1986) and with my dear late wife (Dr Janet Wanstall B Pharm, MSc, PhD) having been Blessed by Renewal ministry and conferences for more than 40 years, it is exciting to know that the Spirit is moving again through Anglican conferences in Australia. A particular Blessing for me at the Bardon conference was the emphasis, sharing, teaching and ministry relating to ‘The Presence of God’. As the current co-ordinator of our small parish prayer chain, I also found it helpful attending the session considering how to react when prayers for healing don’t seem to be answered! Blessings and prayers from Bardon for the national conference in 2025.
S Williams shared –
Thank you so much for all you did in facilitating the conference. I was enormously blessed by the Lord; His presence was there from the beginning and I could feel Him working within me – although, as usual, I had no idea what He was doing! The teaching was foundational and solid with lots of points to always bring us back to relationship with Him and the need to seek His presence and will. I did the elective on Divine Hospitality which I found was a subject encompassing much more than I had ever considered.
And a final report –
I especially want to thank you for the personal prayer Reverend Melinda gave me as it led I believe to the Lord’s dealing with the disappointment. I appreciate that you have experienced that too and will pray for you and your work in your parish. What a God we serve!
Indeed, as plans commence on compiling the program for the next Anglicans Ablaze conference in Newcastle at Southlakes Anglican Church, Morisset all we can pray is – COME HOLY SPIRIT COME and set our hearts on fire once again!
