Cornerstone Hobart: Deacons and evangelism

Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Hobart, a city church of around 110 members, is a wonderful example of the many ways in which men and women can serve Jesus together.

For Pastor Mark Powell, the diversity is clear as men and women volunteer their time in gathered worship on Sundays, as well as during the week.

“On Sundays you will find men leading the service, preaching and praying, and both men and women reading the Bible, on the music team, sharing testimonies, and involved in children’s ministry,” Mark says.

“Our Deacon and Deaconess Court, comprising both men and women, is so highly valued. Each person does phenomenal work providing mercy ministries.”

At Cornerstone, women are particularly involved in mid-week ministries. There are four women-led Bible study groups, as well as older women meeting with younger women to read Scripture together.

Annie Bartlett, an evangelist, leads a thriving Chinese Bible study. “God is doing the work,” she reflects. “He has given me the heart for this ministry. Many non-Christians are attending, putting their trust in Jesus, and becoming baptised.”

Annie’s ministry is not carried out in isolation. “Cornerstone supports me in my service,” she says, pointing to the deacons and deaconesses who help with events, and her regular meetings with Pastor Mark for prayer and guidance. Annie’s husband Paul serves alongside Annie in her ministry providing transport for Bible study members and in setting up translation technologies, to enable non-English speakers to participate in church services and engage with Christian teachings.

(Pic: Annie and Paul Bartlett.)

Libby Dilger, who previously worked in administration, describes the dynamic of collaboration at the governance level. “Our Board of Management is a mixture of men and women; as is our Deacon’s Court,” Libby says.

“In these group settings, men and women serving together generally results in well-considered, balanced discussions and decisions.”

The most visible model, however, is families serving side by side.

“Husbands and wives welcome together on Sundays, lead Sunday School together, or co- host mid-week small groups,” Libby says. “Families open their homes for meals, host Christmas lunch for those without local family, and invite newcomers into fellowship. Visitors, particularly if it’s their first time attending any church, witness the meaning of marriage, family and fellowship in action,” she says.

Cornerstone’s shared vision is Win, Build, Send. It’s lived out by men and women as they partner together and share in gospel ministry.

Click here to read more from our Ministering Together magazine.