Crucible Theology and Ministry

Abstract

Connection Community is a reinvented Church of Christ congregation in Croydon and an example of an emerging missional church. Wayne and Paula Nebauer came and breathed fresh life to bring a ‘spark from the ashes’ of a small, tired group. Through innovative thinking and empowering leadership they led the group to develop Sunday gatherings as ‘shop windows’ to entice people to join in, including bistro ‘Life Connection’ meetings for coffee and conversation. They also gave priority to mission as community service and inspired their people to start schools’ programs, a soup kitchen, playgroups and whatever people dreamed up. Their mission statement was originally ‘Connecting with God, each another and our community’ but was changed as an early part of their theological rethinking to the more inclusive ‘Connecting with God and people’.