What does 35 years of church research reveal about the future of Australian churches? Dr Ruth Powell, Director of NCLS Research, takes us on a fascinating journey through data and personal experience that illuminates both challenges and opportunities ahead.

Drawing from her formative years as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea and decades of research, Dr Powell identifies key trends shaping today's spiritual landscape—from changing patterns in church attendance to the vitality found in Australia's multicultural congregations.

The conversation explores how churches are navigating cultural shifts, generational differences, and the tension between turning inward versus engaging with broader communities. For church leaders seeking wisdom and anyone curious about Australia's evolving relationship with faith, this episode offers both sobering realities and compelling pathways forward for thriving ministry.

About Baptist Financial Services (BFS): For over 40 years, BFS has helped ministries get the funding and support they need to build and expand their ministry operations.

What challenges and triumphs define the journey of multicultural ministry in Australia? Join us as Rev. Meewon Yang, the Multicultural Church Health Consultant for the Baptist Union of Victoria, shares her personal story from South Korea to Australia, navigating language barriers and cultural transitions.

Listeners will discover the rich tapestry of multicultural churches in Australia, where diversity is celebrated and integrated into the life of faith. These congregations, particularly those formed by migrant communities, bring to life the teachings of love and inclusion, as explored in historical and biblical contexts.

Through the lens of Meewon’s experience we celebrate the legacy and future of these dynamic faith communities and the transformative power of multicultural ministry.

About Baptist Financial Services (BFS): For over 40 years, BFS has helped ministries get the funding and support they need to build and expand their ministry operations.

Join us as we speak with Rev. Lance Blythe, Associate Pastor at NewHope Baptist Church and Operations Manager of NewHope Community Care.

Lance shares on his experience diving headfirst into ministry governance and joining a board for the first time, including navigating the operations of a childcare centre in a mission-driven adventure, shedding light on the importance of trust in relationships for impactful decision-making.

Hear how effective systems can provide for long-term success in ministry settings, while flawed ones may lead to misalignment and conflict. Lance shares his personal experiences of balancing multiple leadership roles, from being a pastor and a father to serving on not-for-profit boards, while maintaining personal well-being and setting healthy boundaries.

The episode culminates in a reflection on leadership transitions, generational wisdom, and the joy found in community. We explore the relationship between youthful enthusiasm and seasoned experience within the church and the importance of humility and learning from one another.

About Baptist Financial Services (BFS): For over 40 years, BFS has helped ministries get the funding and support they need to build and expand their ministry operations.

Discover the journey of church planting with our guest, Rev. Ken Kamau, in this inaugural episode of "Faithful Foundations." Ken, the team leader of church multiplication at Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, shares his remarkable story from Nairobi Chapel to Australia. Hear how the vision of planting 200 churches by 2020 evolved into establishing 1,000 healthy churches by 2050. Ken's passion and adaptability shine as he discusses the crucial elements of vision and community engagement essential for successful church planting.

Ken opens up about essential strategies for initiating and sustaining church plants, how to develop a clear mission plan engage the community, and other invaluable resources. Handling disappointment, building a dedicated core team, and maintaining clear communication are also on the agenda. Ken provides practical insights into the complexities of retention and reducing church closures, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable path forward for church planters.

Diversity and inclusion are pivotal in Ken’s approach. He emphasizes the importance of revitalizing churches and engaging with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. Through innovative outreach methods and a balance between entrepreneurial spirit and governance, Ken envisions a collaborative church community contributing meaningfully towards the ambitious 2050 goal.

About Baptist Financial Services (BFS): For over 40 years, BFS has helped ministries get the funding and support they need to build and expand their ministry operations.