The question of how to make Jesus known and foster church growth in Australia today is addressed with simplicity and clarity by Harry Goodhew, who served as the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney from 1993 to 2001. Goodhew's response to this challenge is straightforward yet profound: 'Just love people and preach the gospel.' This approach, deeply rooted in Christian tradition, underscores the fundamental principles of love and evangelism as the core strategies for church growth and outreach.
In Harry Goodhew: Archbishop, Godly Radical, Dynamic Anglican, author Stuart Piggin explores the tenure of Goodhew, during which the Anglican Church in Sydney experienced a notable increase in church attendance, a trend that contrasted sharply with the declining numbers observed in other parts of Australia and the broader Christian West. This growth was not incidental but was the result of deliberate and effective leadership in the local churches he oversaw before becoming archbishop. These congregations thrived, marked by rapid growth and a vibrant sense of fellowship. Key to their success were three essential characteristics: they were Christ-centred, Bible-based, and well-led.
Goodhew's leadership style and strategies offer valuable insights and practical guidance for anyone interested in the history and health of the Anglican Church in Australia, as well as those committed to advancing the Christian faith in the modern secular world. His emphasis on genuine love for people and unwavering dedication to preaching the gospel serves as a timeless and effective model for church leaders today.
Understanding the methods and principles that guided Harry Goodhew can provide a practical blueprint for contemporary church leaders aiming to replicate similar success. His tenure exemplifies how prioritising the core Christian values of love and scriptural teaching can lead to significant church growth and community impact. Harry Goodhew is essential reading for anyone involved in church leadership or interested in the dynamics of church growth and the propagation of the Christian faith in a secular society.
Goodhew's legacy as a leader who fostered flourishing congregations through simple, yet profound principles demonstrates that the essence of church growth lies in a sincere commitment to the core tenets of Christianity. By loving people genuinely and steadfastly preaching the gospel, church leaders can create vibrant, growing communities of faith that stand out even in the midst of a secularising world.
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Stuart Piggin has been designated 'the historian of the Australian soul'. He co-authored the prize-winning two-volume history of Australian Evangelical Christians, 'The Fountain of Public Prosperity' and 'Attending to the National Soul', which has been acclaimed as 'monumental' and a 'masterwork'. Stuart was the Director of the Centre of the History of Christian Thought and Experience at Macquarie University from 2005 to 2016, and the founding President of the Evangelical History Association of Australia. He has known Harry and Pam Goodhew for forty-five years and has served alongside Harry in parish ministries and in the Diocese of Sydney Synod and Standing Committee.
