Parish on mission: A reflection on a renewed sense of parish leadership and ministry in the present realities of the church in Australia

In this article the author examines some of the factors conditioning the context of parish life in Australia today and proposes some fundamental priorities that should shape a parishs sense of mission in response to that context. A wide range of issues is listed, from globalisation to the dramatic downturn in church attendance in recent times. Cause for hope and courage in responding to such diverse challenges, it is proposed, is to be found in focusing on Jesus own primary concern, the reign of God; finding inspiration in biblical more than secular models of leadership; and avoiding the temptation to turn inward