The Australian Lay Pastors Ministry Network

A little history:
Back in 1988 a book titled “Can the Pastor Do it Alone” by Dr. Melvin J. Steinbron was released in Australia. It presented a system of pastoral care for the members of a congregation by other members of the congregation.

This was known as “The Lay Pastor’s Ministry”.

Many churches in N.S.W. and some that we knew of in other states, either adopted or adapted the ministry as set out in the book.

The Network:

A small “ad hoc” Network was formed between known participating churches with a view to encouraging each other, and where possible, helping to strengthen one another’s ministries.

The Network grew slowly over a number of years, and between 1991 and 2003 we held thirteen joint Annual Retreats culminating in a National Conference in September 2004.

The Co-ordinator:

However, Network activities ceased after that conference as the co-ordinator , the Rev. Ron Johnson, then of Smithfield, N.S.W. accepted a position with the Anglican Church of North West Australia, and along with wife Robyne, was commissioned as Field Staff by the Bush Church Aid Society.

A Pilot Project:

Ron & Robyne are now serving in Kununurra, a small town in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.

In a highly transient area, St.James Kununurra has just completed a “pilot project” to see how the Lay Pastor’s Ministry might help “bind” people together (in the brief time that they usually spend in Kununurra), with a view to helping Christ’s Church become a more effective witness in this small town..

A Re-connection:

Ron would like to re-connect with other churches that have ministries based on the book no matter where you might be in Australia. It might be that we can have an Internet based ministry of encouragement one for another and so help one another “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care” (1 Peter 5:2).


About:What it is and what it does

The Lay Pastors Ministry is a system of congregational care by laypeople. It is the way hundreds of Christian churches on four continents are fulfilling Christ’s command to “take care of my sheep." Pastors alone cannot meet the needs of every member of the congregation.

The Lay Pastors Ministry trains and equips lay people to provide authentic Christian care to other members of their congregation. This effective, consistent care is provided through the acrostic PACE.

P – Prayer
A – Being Available
C – Contact
E – Be an Example of “God’s love with skin on”

The Lay Pastors Ministry does not take the place of the ordained clergy but works with them in providing pastoral care for members of the congregation. In 1 Peter 5:2, we are told to “tend the flock of God, care for one another.”

See their web-site for further information: www.laypastors.com

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