Canberra Baptist Church

About the author  
Roy Henson studied at the NSW Baptist Theological College in Sydney, and was ordained in 1959. He has pastored churches at Kurri Kurri, Lithgow and Petersham in NSW, and at Dickson in the ACT. He obtained a Bachelor of Divinity from the University of London, and a Master of Arts from Macquarie University. In 1991 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his services to youth, particularly through Caloola Farm, where he lived for 14 years as manager and training co-ordinaton Caloola Farm provided training and support services to long-term and disadvantaged young people. He retired from full time service in 1998, and worked part-time as a chaplain for five years with Baptist Community Services in the ACT in the Home Care program and at Morling Lodge Nursing Home. He is the ACT Regional Superintendent for the Baptist Churches of NSW and the ACT, and president of the ACT Baptist Historical Society.

Resurrection Discipleship Justice Affirming the Resurrection of  Jesus Christ Today by  Thorward Lorenzen Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc

This book explores the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundational event for Christian faith, for the Christian church, and for Christian ethics. It argues that the resurrection is a relational event aiming at the establishing of justice. This is illustrated by discussing the interrelationship between the resurrection and selected social ethical challenges: race, class and gender equality, the ordination of women, ecological justice, and the relationship of Christianity to other religions.

The book seeks to argue that Christian faith, grounded in the resurrection of Christ, needs to be concerned with unmasking injustice and implementing justice. The first two chapters engage with contemporary liberal and evangelical theologians, contending that the resurrection of Christ is a real and relational event. Chapters three and four suggest that resurrection faith implies a commitment to justice. Jesus was killed for justice related causes and by raising Jesus from the dead, God affirmed Jesus' vision of life and at the same time defeated the estranging powers of death. Chapters five and six illustrate the history changing nature of the resurrection by discussing its effect on history and society. Humanity's ethnic, economic and gender class divisions, the dignity of womanhood, the ecological challenge, and our relationship to other religions are discussed. Chapter seven reasons that international Christian discipleship is the most appropriate way of responding to the resurrection of the crucified Christ and as such to implement what justice requires.

Thorwald Lorenzen has taught and preached in Europe, the United States, Asia, and in Australia. For over 20 years he was Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Ruschlikon/Zurich, Switzerland. Since 1995 he has been the Senior Minister of the Canberra Baptist Church in Australia's Capital City. He is active in ecumenical, evangelical, and justice concerns. He is a lecturer in Systematic Theology at St. Mark's National Theological Centre, School of Theology, Charles Sturt University, Whitley College, The Baptist College of Victoria, and at the University of Melbourne.

Endorsements

"The resurrection of Christ is the origin of faith, the source of life, and the world-transforming horizon of hope in Christianity. This new book by Thorwald Lorenzen is inspired by the courage of the first witnesses and is the best  I have read in the present-day theological discussion, bringing it on a new level, setting a new standard."

"Dr. Lorenzen 'connects the dots.' Resurrection-Discipleship-Justice, and the triangle that emerges proves to be a hermeneutical plateau opening up new perspectives that can help us not only to recapture essential elements of the Christian faith but also to focus our commitment on the implementation of justice without which the church may prove to be 'irrelevant' in our times. In addition to its theological thrust, the book reflects a profound spirituality and pastoral concern. It is down-to-earth, frank, and honest.

"Resurrection-Discipleship-Justice is one of the best and most intriguing introductions to the meaning and practical implications of the resurrection of the crucified Jesus currently available. While deeply informed by contemporary theological debate, conservative and liberal alike, this book is written for the general reader. In language free from jargon, obscurity and sentimentality, Thorwald Lorenzen spells out the implications of God's act in raising Jesus from the dead for the life of faith, for the mission of the Church, and for the struggle for justice, peace and sustainable life in a dangerous world. A book not to be missed!"

Rev John Saunders: a beacon light and some Baptist reflections with an introduction by Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue Edited by Jill Sutton In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Baptist Union of Australia 2001

The sermon called 'Claims of the Aborigines' was preached by Rev. John Saunders on the 14th October 1838. Saunders (1806-1859) was the second Baptist Minister in the colony of New South Wales, arriving in December 1832 and resigning because of ill health in 1847.  Saunders' sermon shows us that, right from the earliest stages of church thinking in Australia, there was an awareness of the suffering of indigenous people as a result of the colonising process. His passionate call for justice was published , word-for-word, by the Sydney newspaper 'The Colonist'. 

(The full text of Rev. Saunders' sermon and unedited commentaries can be found in our  'Topical Issues' section)  

Baptists and Human Rights The Rights of the Child Thorwald Lorenzen Baptists Human Rights Booklet No. 2/1998

"...In this the second of a series of booklets issued by the BWA's Study Commission on Human Rights the crucial issue of children's rights is explored. Within a relatively small booklet Thorwald Lorenzen has compiled an impressive array of statistics and other data. More importantly, he has challenged us all through the careful use of case studies to hang our heads in shame, as human beings, when we realize the enormous crimes being constantly waged against defenceless children. Our shame is compounded when we examine the clear evidence of Scripture presented that reinforces the truth we all sense that crimes against children grieve the heart of God. We are reminded of Jesus' words, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me" (Mark 9:37)..."

Tony Cupit
(Director, Study and Research)

Baptists and Human Rights Freedom of Religion as a Human RightThorwald Lorenzen Baptist Human Rights Booklet No. 3/1999

"...'freedom of religion' describes the universal and inherent human right according to which each person, alone and in community with others, may freely, publicly and responsibly exercise his or her religious faith in all dimensions of human existence without hindrance and discrimination. As a human right, religious liberty may be claimed and must be granted. No government  or other institution should in any way restrict this right. It is grounded in God and in the inherent nature of the human person."

Thorwald Lorenzen RESURRECTION AND DISCIPLESHIP Interpretive Models, Biblical Reflections, Theological Consequences ORBIS BOOKS Maryknoll, New York

In Part II Lorenzen turns to the New Testament narratives themselves and how the resurrection functions as the foundational event for Christianity. He addresses the novum character of the resurrection and the problems association with the language describing an "Act of God." Lorenzen further explores the appearances of the risen Christ, in the experience of the Holy Spirit through Easter and Pentecost, and in the empty tomb narratives. In Part III, he examines the nature and content of resurrection faith for contemporary Christian life and thought. Finally, in Part IV, Lorenzen outlines the nature and reality of the resurrection for understanding the nature of God, christology, soteriology, and for the nature and mission of the church.

"A very profound, reliable and at the same time independent and far-reaching essay on the two fundamental questions of Christology today: the reality of the resurrection and the radical discipleship of believers. An outstanding piece of a new, constructive theology."
Jürgen Moltmann, University of Tübingen

"A life-giving book . . . This is a theology of resurrection which speaks of the reality of God in the contemporary world with passion and credibility; speaks for authentic hope in the human struggle with conviction and insight; speaks to the church of its continuing discipleship of Christ with prophetic power and pastoral sympathy. This is theology at its best."
Graeme Garrett, St. Mark's National Theological Centre

THORWALD LORENZEN, formerly professor of biblical studies at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Ruschlikon, Switzerland, is now pastor of Canberra Baptist Church in Australia.

FAMILY PRAYERS A collection of prayers for the whole family The Reverend Fred McMaster MBE

Dear friends,

For many of you the name Fred McMaster gives rise to good memories. He was a faithful minister of the gospel. He was a credible presence in Canberra. His friendship was enriching to many of us. It is good to be able to recall Fred's presence in our midst.

This book of Fred's prayers was a project on which he worked right up to the days when he fell ill and died. I like the way in which Fred McMaster was able to feel himself into the life situation of different people. Read some (or all!) of the prayers. They are empathetic, encouraging and comforting.

The prayers rise out of a deep experience that God is good. That behind the ambiguities of life, behind the mistakes of life, behind the things that happen to us and which we don't understand, there is a God who has a "heart", who "hears" and to whom we are - each one of us - important.

Fred's prayers speak of a God who is concerned with all of life. There is not the artificial and non-Christian separation between the spiritual and the political. God stands with us in the kitchen when it all becomes too much. God goes with us to school where we can't cope or where we feel rejected. God graces our struggles with life and its challenges. The prayers also reveal a God for whom the little things in life become important. Nothing is too big, God is bigger, and nothing is too small, God is smaller. It is inviting to pray to such a God.

The prayers of Fred McMaster are addressed to a God who can and who does make a difference. Avail yourself of a copy of Fred's prayers. For many they will bring back good memories. For others they will encourage you on life's journey.




"I trust that your prayer journey will be as helpful to you as it has been to me in trying to express on your behalf the issues about which you would wish to pray" - Fred McMaster 1996

Children

Lord Jesus, I have had a happy day. I have enjoyed learning and playing. I love my home and my family and all life's good and beautiful things. Be near boys and girls who are hungry and cold or sick and those who do not have a proper home like mine. Amen.

Teenagers

Father for the long history of our world and for mankind's long journey and search I give thanks. Help me to take a long view of life and to that end save me from impulsive actions that may spoil the future or limit my choices. Grant me patience, powers of concentration and perseverance, so that I may build a bright and useful future, in Christ's Name. Amen.

Parents

Father of humankind, you are greater than our thoughts about you, but we deeply desire to know you personally and to inwardly experience your forgiving grace and power to be different. We thank you, that in Jesus Christ this experience is possible, to all who trust him as Saviour and Lord. We have trusted him and together renew our faith and commitment. The life and ministry of Jesus touches us at our points of need because we know he has passed this way before us and experienced human life in its heights and depths. At the beginning of our day we lay hold once more upon him, by faith, and trust this day's outcomes to him, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Family Prayers can be purchased for $ 6 from the Church Office,
PO Box 4055, Kingston, ACT 2604, AUSTRALIA
Phone 6295 9470 or email office@canbap.org

Fifty Capital Years  Baptist Beginnings in the A.C.T. Edited by R.K. Robb February 1979   Further Capital Years A Summary of the History of the Canberra Baptist Church over the Decade to February 1989 Edited by R.D. Holly February 1989

A history of the  Baptist Church in the ACT and the growth of the Canberra Baptist Church. Updated in 1989.