Christ-centered, community-facing is the theme for GA06, decided by Moderator-designate the Rev Pamela Tankersley.

It has its basis in Jeremiah’s letter to exiles in Babylon. Jeremiah writes, “But seek the shalom of the place (city) where I have sent you into exile and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its shalom you will find your shalom… For surely I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your shalom and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:7 & 11).

Community-building has been a theme of Pamela’s ministry for many years, and she believes it is one of the Assembly’s tasks to build capacity and understanding among the wider church about Christ’s call to work beyond our congregations.

“It’s about joining the Christ who is already out there working in the community,” explains Pamela. “It’s about saying that with God’s amazing grace, we can have the confidence to impact this world with compassion, justice and hope.”

To help congregations and presbyteries engage with the theme and to explore what it means for them in their context, Pamela will be sending out a Bible study before Assembly. Out of this discussion, each congregation will be asked to create a poster for their commissioner to bring for display at the GA06 venue.

Pamela believes that the theme presents the Church with an opportunity to celebrate the effective mission partnerships already happening in the community, and also invites the identification of new mission opportunities.

Pamela believes that engaging with our communities is especially important for the Presbyterian Church today saying that for too long we have responded to our particular stresses by becoming more inwardly focused.

“When we in the church stand opposite each other, our differences are accentuated and often resolution is difficult. Yet when we stand side-by-side facing and serving the community with Christ, the differences matter less.”