INISTRY ADVOCATES
At Christ Church North Adelaide, our Ministry Advocates lead and coordinate efforts across twelve portfolios, representing the diverse areas of ministry that our parish is passionate about. These portfolios encompass activities beyond the governance roles of the Select Vestry and areas such as administration, property, and finance. Each Ministry Advocate supports the parish’s mission, equipping members to serve God and the community.
Volunteering is at the heart of these ministries. Each role provides an opportunity to use your gifts in service, contribute to the life of the parish, and grow in faith and fellowship. Whether assisting with worship, caring for others, or supporting outreach programs, there is a place for everyone to serve. Many roles require Safe Ministry training to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.
1. FAMILY’S MINISTRY
This ministry supports families and young people through discipleship and outreach, connecting with programs such as Playgroup, Sunday School, and Messy Church. Volunteers in this ministry are required to complete Safe Ministry training to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable people.
Barry Kursten – Ministry Advocate for Family’s Ministry
In today’s society, where many experience loneliness and hardship, a vibrant family ministry is essential to our parish’s mission. By offering both secular and faith-centered programs—such as our playgroup, Messy Church, and Sunday School—we can create meaningful relationships with families in North Adelaide and provide children with a foundation of faith and life skills.
It’s also crucial that our volunteers are well-prepared to support families effectively. Beyond Safe Ministry training, I believe our volunteers should be equipped with additional skills, like First Aid-Mental Health for youth and children, and short courses such as “Through Their Eyes.” These resources enables our team to recognise social trends and issues that may impact families. By being aware of these challenges, we could potentially empower families with guidance and point those in need to the right agency, support group, or other resources that offer professional. Above all, this allows us to walk alongside families with compassion and care, reflecting our commitment to love, hospitality, and empathy as Christ calls us to. Therefore if you have a passion for people and are able to spare a few hours a month, please contact me at any time and I am sure that we can find away for you to help out according to your gifts and abilities.
Volunteering roles include:
- Playgroup Helpers
- Messy Church Team Members
- Sunday School Teachers or Helpers
If you are passionate about families and able to spare a few hours a month, please contact me. Together, we can reflect God’s love and support families with compassion and care.
2. Welcoming and Incorporation
This ministry focuses on greeting and incorporating newcomers into the parish community. Volunteers help to create a welcoming environment, ensuring new members feel at home.
Deborah Bloor – Ministry Advocate for Welcoming and Incorporation
Welcoming people to the life of the church is about more than a warm smile; it’s about creating a lasting connection. My goal is to help newcomers find a spiritual home at Christ Church and to engage fully in the life of the parish.
Volunteering roles include:
- Sidespeople
- Welcome Pack Creators
- Event Hosts for BBQs and Teas
- Welcome Course Facilitators
If you have a heart for hospitality and enjoy meeting new people, I’d love to talk with you about how you can contribute to this vital ministry.
3. Formation and Discipleship
This Ministry is about the programs the Parish offers to learn about the Christian Faith and go further. I.e. Alpha Course and then Bible studies, Lenten Studies etc.
Nicholas Browne- Ministry Advocate for Formation and Discipleship
Nicholas Browne is the Ministry Advocate for Discipleship. In this role he assists with organising and delivering programs and activities to develop parishioners’ theological and Biblical understanding, giving them tools and opportunities to reflect on their roles as disciples. This includes leading Lenten and Advent studies, preaching at Evensong and the Eucharist and helping plan the parish’s response to the Hope 25 mission. Nicholas has a master’s degree in theology and holds the Archbishop’s Licence as a Lay Reader. A lifelong teacher, he serves as Head of Theology and Philosophy at St Peter’s College. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, watching sport and reading and is a 30+ year volunteer leader in the Scout movement.
Volunteering roles include:
- Small Group Leaders
- Alpha Course Facilitators
- Discipleship Mentors
4. Communications
This Ministry would includes parish Photographer and a journalist’s role in finding “good news within the parish” and looking at how we communicate that through the pew sheet, website, social media etc. This would also involve looking at the Archives and doing Profiles on past ministries and current Ministries.
REV. STEPHEN BLOOR – MINISTRY ADVOCATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
Effective communication is vital to the life of our parish, helping us to share the Good News and foster meaningful connections both within and beyond Christ Church North Adelaide. This ministry includes sharing stories of faith, celebrating the life of our parish, and ensuring that our message reaches the wider community through the pew sheet, social media, the website, and other platforms.
As Ministry Advocate for Communications, I seek to highlight the many ways God is working through our parish, from current ministries to the rich history reflected in our archives. By sharing these stories and ensuring that communication is clear, accessible, and inspiring, I hope to invite others to engage more deeply with our community and faith.
If you have a passion for storytelling, photography, or digital engagement, or if you simply have ideas about how we can improve communication, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure that Christ Church continues to be a beacon of faith in North Adelaide.
Volunteering roles include:
- Social Media Coordinators
- Videographers, Photographers and Content Creators
- Quarterly Publication Editors
If you enjoy storytelling, creating digital content, or exploring innovative ways to communicate, please reach out.
5. Worship
This Ministry Advocate works with the Choir, Sanctuary Team, Bible Readers, Sanctuary Guild etc. All those who help put together our Worshiping life as the Parish of Christ Church North Adelaide.
Ann Foran – Ministry Advocate for Worship
Worship is central to our life as Christians, drawing us closer to God and shaping our faith. At Christ Church North Adelaide, vibrant worship involves attending services and actively participating in ways that reflect our Anglican traditions and deepen our spiritual connection. By inviting parishioners to take part in readings, intercessions, and other aspects of worship, we can foster a richer, more inclusive worship experience for all.
As a Ministry Advocate for Worship, I am passionate about helping others discover their gifts and encouraging them to participate in the church’s life. Whether through coordinating rosters for Epistle readings or having conversations with parishioners about how they can contribute, my goal is to create opportunities for everyone to feel involved and fulfilled in their worship.
I also believe in the importance of growth—not just for our worship but also for myself as an advocate. Attending learning events and exploring ways to enhance our ministry ensures that we continue to meet the needs of our community with excellence and care.
If you are interested in becoming more involved in worship or have ideas to share, I would love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure that worship remains a vital and enriching part of our parish life, reflecting the glory of God and our shared faith journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out; we can find a role that aligns with your gifts and abilities.
Volunteering roles include:
- Bible Readers
- Sanctuary Guild Members
- Intercession Leaders
- MC (Master of Ceremonies)
- Servers
6. Hospitality, Community Building and Events
Hospitality and Community Building are about when we get together as a Parish to get to know each other better. This includes Morning Teas and Monthly Lunches, Birthday Sundays and other special celebrations. E.g. King’s Birthday, Patronal Festival. And connecting with other big events the parish puts on.
REV. STEPHEN BLOOR – MINISTRY ADVOCATE FOR HOSPITALITY, COMMUNITY BUILDING, AND EVENTS
Hospitality is at the heart of our faith, reflecting Christ’s call to love and welcome others. At Christ Church North Adelaide, this ministry focuses on creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and grow in fellowship. From morning teas and monthly lunches to special events like the Patronal Festival, this ministry aims to build a sense of belonging and joy within our parish.
As Ministry Advocate for Hospitality and Community Building, I am committed to fostering opportunities for parishioners to deepen their relationships and feel more connected to one another. Whether it’s through organizing events, celebrating milestones, or simply sharing a meal, my hope is that these moments strengthen our community and reflect Christ’s love for all.
If you’re interested in helping with hospitality or have ideas for events that could bring people together, please reach out. There’s always room for new hands and fresh ideas to make our parish an even more welcoming place.
Volunteering roles include:
- Morning Tea Hosts
- Event Organisers (e.g., Patronal Festival)
- Monthly Lunch Coordinators
7. Business Connecting (Local Community Connections)
This Ministry Advocate is about how the Parish finds itself in a relationship with the business community of North Adelaide. How can we add value to local businesses? How can we connect to make North Adelaide and beyond a better place? This, in particular, is looking at ways for the Parish and local businesses to find partnerships and exploring what the Parish can offer to local businesses.
REV. STEPHEN BLOOR – MINISTRY ADVOCATE FOR BUSINESS CONNECTING (LOCAL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS)
Christ Church North Adelaide is uniquely placed in the heart of a vibrant community, surrounded by local businesses that contribute to the life of our city. This ministry focuses on building partnerships with these businesses, finding ways to support one another, and creating connections that enrich both our parish and the wider community.
As Ministry Advocate for Business Connecting, I seek to explore how our parish can add value to the local business community. Whether through collaboration on events, offering spaces for community activities, or simply forming relationships, this ministry is about showing Christ’s love in practical and impactful ways.
If you have ideas or connections that could help us engage more deeply with local businesses, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can strengthen our ties to North Adelaide and be a positive presence in our community.
Volunteering roles include:
- Local Business Liaisons
- Community Project Coordinators
8. University Ministries
This Ministry Advocate is looking at how we connect more with the University Students that live and study in North Adelaide. We have several university colleges in North Adelaide, and the universities have campuses across the river along North Terrace. So how do we add value to the life of University Students? How do we connect with them?
Wim Prins- Ministry Advocate
Wim Prins serves as the Ministry Advocate for University Ministries, reaching out to residential colleges in North Adelaide, with a focus on engaging university students and exploring ways to add value to their lives through Parish initiatives. Wim is keen to proclaim the gospel to students who do not know Christ and to provide opportunities for Christians to grow deeper in their faith. Wim is responsible for establishing and maintaining relevant contacts/relationships, as well as arranging meetings and preparing content. In his leisure time, he loves reading theology and thrillers.
9. Hospital, Nursing Homes and Aged Care. Bereavement Care
This Ministry Advocate is about how we offer Chaplaincy services at Calvary Hospital, visiting residents in Helping Hand North Adelaide and how we connect with the housebound and those who are mourning the loss of others.
REV. STEPHEN BLOOR – MINISTRY ADVOCATE FOR HOSPITAL, NURSING HOMES, AND AGED CARE. BEREAVEMENT CARE
Caring for those in times of need is a fundamental part of our Christian mission. At Christ Church North Adelaide, this ministry focuses on offering chaplaincy services to the residents of Helping Hand, visiting those in hospital, and supporting individuals and families in times of grief and loss.
As Ministry Advocate for Hospital, Nursing Homes, and Aged Care, I am committed to ensuring that our parish extends Christ’s love to those who may feel isolated, unwell, or grieving. This ministry provides opportunities to listen, pray, and walk alongside people during some of life’s most challenging moments.
If you feel called to support this ministry—whether through visiting, offering a listening ear, or helping with practical needs—I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.
Volunteering roles include:
- Hospital Chaplaincy Volunteers
- Nursing Home Visitation Team
- Bereavement Care Coordinators
10. Social Transformation and Caring Outreach Ministry
This Ministry Advocate is about how we serve those in need in our Community. For example, how do we support the Magdalene Centre, AnglicareSA etc.
Barry Kursten- Ministry Advocate
At Christ Church, we believe in the power of social transformation through compassionate outreach. Serving our community is not just a duty; it is a core expression of our faith and values. By actively seeking ways to support those in need, we hope to bring lasting change to the lives we touch. From providing essential services to those who are vulnerable, to fostering a welcoming environment, our mission is to embody care and responsibility.
We recognise that genuine transformation requires ongoing commitment. It’s essential to address immediate needs, but equally important to build programs that help individuals find stability, purpose, and hope for the future. As we look forward, we are dedicated to expanding our outreach, partnering with local organisations, and listening to the evolving needs of our community. Together, we can create a more inclusive, compassionate world that uplifts every person in our parish and beyond.
11. Mutual Care
This Ministry Advocate is about equipping our people with how to best care for each other. How do we listen well, and what do we offer to be better at pastoral care.
REV. STEPHEN BLOOR – MINISTRY ADVOCATE FOR MUTUAL CARE
At Christ Church North Adelaide, mutual care is about living out Christ’s call to “love one another” through practical and emotional support within our parish. This ministry equips our community to care for each other effectively, from offering a listening ear to providing practical assistance during times of need.
As Ministry Advocate for Mutual Care, I am focused on helping parishioners develop the skills and confidence to support one another in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through pastoral care training, sharing resources, or simply encouraging a culture of compassion, this ministry ensures that no one in our community feels alone or unsupported.
If you have a heart for helping others or would like to learn more about how you can get involved in caring for your fellow parishioners, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue building a church family that reflects Christ’s love and care.
Volunteering roles include:
- Pastoral Partners Program Volunteers
- Prayer Circle Members
12. Mission Link
This Ministry Advocate is about helping the Parish look beyond ourselves and our local context. This Ministry Advocate helps link the Parish with BCA, ABM and other mission agencies. In addition, it connects with the work we are already doing in fundraising through Bring and Buy and other fundraising efforts.
Wim Prins- Ministry Advocate
Wim Prins serves as the Mission Link Ministry Advocate, raising the profile of mission work within the Parish and fostering connections with mission agencies. His main responsibilities include keeping the Parish up to date with the people and projects that Christ Church supports. In his leisure time, Wim loves reading theology and thrillers.