ORDINARY WORKER, EXTRAORDINARY GOD
In the finance industry where faith is often scarce, I've had the privilege of working with my manager, Anthony, for two years. A self-proclaimed non-believer, Anthony has witnessed my own journey to Christianity over the past year.
When I first started exploring my faith, I assured him, "Don't worry, I'm not going to convert." Yet, as the verse goes in Matthew 7:7-8:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened",
and I did find God.
Since becoming a believer, I've immersed myself in the Bible, eager to share its wisdom with everyone. During our work-related travels, I've discussed the Gospel with Anthony, and even brought along 'spare' books for him to read, just in case Wi-Fi wasn't available. So far, he's read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and is currently reading my copy of Reason For God by Timothy Keller.
Though not yet a believer, Anthony has started to notice something different about Christians, as he finds himself increasingly drawn to people whose common denominator is their Christian faith.
Several months ago, I casually invited Anthony to church saying, "You're more than welcome to join me!"
To my surprise, he expressed his interest, and actually attended a service a few weeks ago. The sermon focused on God's justice and had a profound emotional impact on him. Recently, during one of our coffee catch-ups, he mentioned that he's eager to attend another service after returning from his annual leave.
I'd like to request prayers for Anthony, asking that God continues to work in his heart, drawing him closer to faith.
Why we need City Bible Forum
Greg Clarke, Chairman of the Board
Those who need the Gospel are right there—at the desk next to us, in the café across the road, on Zoom, and in the evening board meeting. Ministry to workers and in the workplace is essential. Thank you for so generously and faithfully supporting us in this task.
God at work, at work
David Pitt, General Manager
City Bible Forum staff have the wonderful privilege of hearing stories each week of God working across Australia. God is working through ordinary workers who point people to Jesus through their lives and words. It's our joy to share some of these stories with you.
City Bible Forum partnered with Undeceptions (John Dickson) to run events in July & August, aiming to give an honest, smart, substantial and cheerful defence of the Christian faith in Australia today. Over 1,795 people attended these events across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Dive Deeper
Dive Deeper was a three-week challenge to have spiritual conversations with three friends in September. Around 475 people participated across Australia, with over 260 spiritual conversations shared.
How Dive Deeper kept me going
"Dive Deeper encouraged me to be more intentional in conversation and reminded me that God is also at work."
How Dive Deeper supported churches
"The Dive Deeper campaign has been like a glass of refreshing cold water for church pastors. They like the clear support and next steps"
Third Space
Third Space is designed for sharing with friends and colleagues to help walk them towards the Bible.
"Something for the thoughtful agnostics in your life."
Aaron Johnstone, Deeper Questions podcast co-host
"Here's to having more meaningful conversations about God through films."
Russ Matthews, The Watchlist co-host
EvQ, School of Evangelism
EvQ is like IQ, but for evangelism. EvQ, our School of Evangelism has tailored programmes for where you are at on your evangelism journey.
"A growing community of evangelists playing their role in growing God's Kingdom!"
Tim Chen, EvQ Programme Manager
We know evangelism takes time—for the enquirer to hear, consider, and accept the good news of the Gospel; and for the evangelist to build character, confidence, knowledge, skills and community to reach out more effectively while trusting that it is all in God's timing!
By God's grace, as we come to the end of Year 2, EvQ has grown to support a community of over 30 evangelists who have grown to share the Gospel more effectively across both the public speaking sphere to the more intimate one-to-one relationships.
One recent encouragement came from Erwin, a Natural Evangelist mentee from 2022, who has gone from reading the Bible with 0 to now 1 enquirer, with potentially more to come under God:
"Just taking [the conversation] to the next step, that's always been a struggle for me. What's really helped is the mentoring... I used to go: 'I've just shared the Gospel, what do I do next?' Now I can confidently follow up by asking, 'Do you want to read the Bible about this topic, or that topic?'"
Are you keen to grow in your evangelism intentionally, just as Erwin is?
Why not begin by measuring your EvQ? Visit us at evq.org.au, and while you're there, check out what EvQ has to offer!
Applications for the 2024 Natural & Public Evangelist cohorts close on 8 December 2023. We look forward to supporting you as you grow your Evangelism Quotient!
Life@Work Conference 2024
Whom Then Shall I Fear? God with you in your work
Fear is powerful. It can move us in ways we wouldn't normally—like running or hiding from who we are really are. But what if we were free from this fear? Free to be our true selves in light of our Christian faith? Where would such confidence come from?
Join us at next year's Life@Work Conference on 17 February 2024 (Saturday), as we unravel the life-changing power of knowing who we are before God. Save the date!
Staff News
Our City Bible Forum staff team is also growing!
I'll be working in the bubble: Andrew Laird moves to Canberra
"I've been in Melbourne with City Bible Forum for the last 10 years. My family and I decided in this next season of ministry with City Bible Forum, we would relocate to Canberra after Leon Hribar finished up there in June."
The emotional rollercoaster of ministry: Simone Stuart joins the team
"This is my first full-time ministry role and it's been an emotional rollercoaster! However, I've come to see that this rollercoaster doesn't need to be such an extreme ride... A fresh experience of His faithfulness."
Curator's Pick
City Bible Forum has a rich collection of resources built over the years with the help of our contributors from all walks of life. Here are some great ones to get you started!
Looking for something to encourage you to grow and share your faith at work? Here are some personal favourites from the City Bible Forum resource library:
Looking for something to share with your friends & colleagues to walk them towards the Bible? Here are some personal favourites from the Third Space resource library: