‘Better Together’ was the theme for a national conference in May that many Trinity Church staff were able to attend. It captures a truth that believers are convinced about.
We know that God calls us into His eternal family and into local ‘real-time’ fellowship with other believers. We know that God equips His people to build up one another and to take the gospel to the world. We know we are made for relationships and not for living in isolation. In other words, we are ‘better together’.
In Philippians, Paul the Apostle picks up on the same idea when he speaks of partnership. He says:
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now …
Philippians 1:4
And the goal of that partnership?
Striving together as one for the faith of the gospel …
Philippians 1:27
The Trinity Network is a partnership of 14 church families working together with a common goal to glorify God in response to His wonderful grace to us in Christ. As I move around the Network, I constantly see and hear wonderful stories of God’s mercy and kindness.
Over the June long weekend, Sue and I were able to join Trinity Church Aldgate for their weekend conference. The Saturday evening was epic as we gathered to support three adult men as they declared their faith in Christ and were baptised. It was a moving time together, and my heart was so encouraged.
As a Network, we continue to collaborate in planting healthy churches to reach not-yet believers in our city and state.
But, of course, partnership in the gospel is not confined to a local church, a Network of Churches or a denominational connection. We have many members involved in many ministries beyond their local church.
As a Network, we are committed to partnering with other churches and para-church ministries in our city, state, nation and world. I can’t mention them all, but I thought you would be encouraged to hear about a few of them below.
During May, hundreds of us were able to attend Adelaide Men’s Convention and the Grace Women’s and Girls’ Conferences. People from more than 250 churches were represented.
Our partnership with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students to reach tertiary students on campus is a key way we invest in local evangelism and leadership development.
We have several members studying at Bible College SA, and many of our staff trained there in recent years. The College strategically trains and equips future leaders and vocational gospel workers locally and globally.
The Network has a long-standing relationship with Bush Church Aid as they work to support gospel ministry in remote areas of Australia. We are currently talking with them about the possibility of partnering to church plant in regional parts of South Australia.
City Bible Forum and Engage Work Faith are two ministries that aim to reach workers for Christ.
Our commitment to the Great Commission extends beyond our own borders. Our partnership with Church Missionary Society is so helpful to us in lifting our eyes as we partner with God in His mission to our world.
The local network of The Gospel Coalition of Australia aims to provide a forum where churches, believers and gospel workers can be strengthened in the gospel and united in working together to reach our city, state and nation for Christ.
I know that people from every one of our churches are involved in serving, praying and financially partnering for each of these ministries (and many others). It is a great privilege to not only belong to a local family of believers but also partner with so many others as we aim to be salt and light in a city, state, nation and world that so desperately needs the gospel.
In His Service,
Paul Harrington